At some point in life, anyone may be sucked into a dark period. What matters though, is how one bounces back from the episode.  Such is a life lesson.

For 23-year old Adam bin Nizam, that period was in 2017. He was facing a turbulent time, and he knew he needed to replace his smoking habit too.  So, he took to running – initially for himself and then, to inspire and empower the community to change their lives for the better.

Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Adam is a Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)-licensed coach.  He currently coaches kids’ football and mobility at schools and learning centres. Additionally, he runs the operations, partnerships, content and marketing for Brand New Waves and two other football clubs.

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ToughASIA: When and why was the Brand New Waves Run Club founded?

Adam: Brand New Waves Run Club (BNWRC) was founded on 17 March 2019 to inspire and empower the community through running. We created BNWRC to cultivate a community of like-minded individuals and bridge active lifestyle, music, fashion, art and networking together.

It’s for anybody who believes in moving forward and that there’s nothing to be ashamed about leaving your past behind. Brand New Waves is about owning your narrative and taking control of your life. Brand New Waves, brand new you.

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https://www.instagram.com/p/B9zVnpjptts/?igshid=e4a9rittx359

ToughASIA: How many active members do you have in BNWRC?

Adam: We have about 4,000 followers on Instagram. And on average, but depending on location, we have about 80 runners for each run.

ToughASIA: Please tell us about your group runs.

Adam: Our group runs are typically on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Anyone can join. Just show up!

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ToughASIA: Do you have any training programs? If yes, when is it held, who can join, and what can runners expect to achieve?

Adam: Prior to the Movement Control Order (MCO), we had planned for a training program called Marathon Mondays, which was specifically to train our runners for the now-cancelled KL Standard Chartered marathon. But it’s since been put on hold for the time being.

Sometimes we have more ad hoc, pocket trainings, as and when certain coaches reach out to us and want to come in and provide their services. This can range from mobility coaches, to speed and technique coaches.

ToughASIA: Does BNWRC organise any annual events?

Adam: In October 2019,we co-organised the WMNS DVSN SHAKE OUT run with Zalora, a 5km fundraiser in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We raised over RM10,000 in sales and donations.

In November 2019, we organised a NEON WAVES run under Urbanscapes’ program. Together with LightBeamProject, we created neon gears for runners to wear on the streets of downtown KL. The results were pretty phenomenal; they definitely garnered a lot of attention.

To date, we are the only running crew to have track nights at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. These happen once or twice a month, where we run on the track inside the stadium.

If the COVID-19 situation improves, we have plans to organise a BNWRC ‘Hari Sukan’, or Sports Day.

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ToughASIA: Does BNWRC help out with any races?

Adam: The plan this year was to work together with Kyserun crew on the KLSCM hospitality front: welcoming international runners with a pre-race shakeout run, having a proper cheering station near the finish line, and maybe throw an after party! Well, another time perhaps.

ToughASIA: Do BNWRC members join races together?

Adam: Yes we do. In chronological order, last year, we went to Maybank Bali Marathon, Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon, Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon and Angkor Wat International Marathon. In this year, we did the Twincity Marathon Malaysia.

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Adam counts the founding of BNWRC as his proudest achievement in running. His favourite race is the Maybank Bali Marathon because “it has the best vibes – running past paddy fields, and all the villagers and school kids coming out to cheer for you. You are never alone along the route. Bali is also my favourite vacation destination”.

Follow Brand New Waves Run Club on their Instagram account for your running inspiration.