Close to 3,000 participants signed up and showed up for the Malakoff 12km & 7km Kuala Lumpur 2011 race. Coming in all ages, sizes and nationalities, they were vying for prizes worth a total of RM20,000 spread over 10 categories.

The ‘Run with Family and Friends’ event, aimed at encouraging Malaysians to pursue an active lifestyle, was the last competitive race of the year in the country.

Since the inaugural race in 2008, this community sporting event has continued to receive enthusiastic response from athletes of various age and physical fitness. From an initial count of 1,685 runners in 2008, the numbers of participants had steadily increased to 2,820 in 2010.

Speaking at the event, Yusop Rashid, Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations for Malakoff said, “At Malakoff Corporation Berhad, we are proud to bring you the Malakoff 12km & 7km Kuala Lumpur Run for the fourth year in a row now. This year’s race theme is ‘Run with Family & Friends’ and it is all about spending quality time with family and friends while being physically active.”

“I am also pleased to inform that the Malakoff 12km & 7km Kuala Lumpur race is one of the key community-based sporting events under our flagship Corporate Social Responsibility platform - the Malakoff Community Partnerships,” he added.

During the race, athletes ~ including expatriates from close to 30 countries ~ stormed through Persiaran Bukit Kiara and Jalan Beringin prior to ending back at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort.

The 12km race was open in six categories : the Men's Open for age group of 16 years and above, Men’s Veteran for 40 to 50 years and Men’s Senior Veteran for those above 51 years, while the Women's Open is for those above 16 years, Women’s Veteran for 35 to 45 years and Senior Veteran for those above 46 years.

The top five racers in each category received RM1,000 (first), RM800 (second), RM600(third), RM400 (fourth) and RM200 (fifth) in the form of product vouchers.

Additionally, trophies were also awarded to the top five finishers in each category and finisher’s medals for all those that completed the race within the specified qualifying time.

The 7km race came with prizes in the form of product vouchers for the top three finishers in the four categories of Men’s, Men’s Junior, Women’s and Women’s Junior.

Appearing exhausted and triumphant at the same time, first time participant Fredrick Mathiu (above) from Kenya was crowned the top racer in the Men’s 12km category. Gung-ho about his first win here, the 33 year old said, “I can’t believe I came first today! There were so many participants and I know some of them have won races previously. So it’s a great feeling to be at the top.”

“Now I really feel my long hours of diligent training have paid off. This win is a nice way to end the racing year for me,” added the enthusiastic winner, who started participating in races over five years ago.

Noor Amelia Musa (above) from the Malaysian Police Force also appeared delighted at winning the top spot in the Women’s 12km category for the fourth consecutive time this year.

True to the event theme, families and friends could be seen all around the race route cheering up to the finish line. One of the participants, Wee Hii Min came all the way from Sarawak to race with his spouse and children.

Participating in the Malakoff 12km and 7km Kuala Lumpur race for the first time, the 47 year old architect Wee said, “My whole family thoroughly enjoyed the race. We also made new friends who share our passion for running. Now that we have successfully completed our race together, we are all geared up to participate in more such fun races along with family and friends.”

Special thanks go out to the co-sponsors namely the Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort, Nestle Fitnesse, Powerbar, Gatorade, World of Sport, Mizuno, Perskindol, Athlete’s Circle and Quick Release Adventures.

The Malakoff KL Run is a part of the Company’s Commitment to Community Sports under our CSR platform, the Malakoff Community Partnerships, which celebrates the achievement of Malakoff’s long-term and continuous commitment to being a responsible and active participant of the communities in which it operates.

Thank you all participants, family & friends as well as co-sponsors for the amazing support and fun and congratulations to all Finishers! We look forward to seeing you again in our coming events.

For more photos, please click on the following link: Malakoff KL Run 2011