The Malakoff University Duathlon Series (MUDS) 2011 ended with a bang on October 15, 2011. Title sponsor, Malakoff Corporation Berhad (Malakoff) awarded Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) the Best and Top University Trophy as well as incentives worth RM3,000 for the highest cumulative result in the three-legged race.

This year, a total of 621 athletes took part in the run-bike-run multi-sport event, with UPNM standing out with an impressive turnout of 183 participants.

The first leg in UPNM seen the participants running and cycling in sweltering heat and rolling route inside the university campus. Cadets lined the route to cheer the participants, especially the backmarkers in the true spirit of sports and camaraderie.

The second leg in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) served a less punishing route and wonderful weather to the participants. Some even finished minutes faster than they did at UPNM!

The finale at UM was a true measure of physical and mental ability. With a hilly 3.5km Run, 11.4km Bike up a route aptly called ‘Bukit Cinta’, and the final 3.5km Run, the participants’ abilities were truly tested.

At the prize giving ceremony, Yusop Rashid, Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations of Malakoff said, “This is the fifth time we are sponsoring the Malakoff University Duathlon Series, or MUDS as it is popularly known. We are now seeing a growing trend in duathlon participation and this has clearly been one of Malakoff’s objectives in its efforts to nurture the duathlon community in Malaysia.”

“For Malakoff, MUDS is an important part of the Company’s efforts to introduce and encourage local athletes to the world of duathlons. I am pleased to inform you that MUDS is now an integral part of the company’s flagship CSR platform – The Malakoff Community Partnerships.” he added.

The students from UPNM were visibly elated at winning the Best University and Top University Trophy, celebrating their success with cheers and laughter. Representing UPNM, 22 year old Chan Jun Shen, a loyal MUDS participant, said, “The whole team is ecstatic about this win. This is a real high us as we trained hard for this event, knowing that the competition will be tough.”

“Our collective efforts at winning this trophy has given us the boost to prepare even harder to retain this title during next year’s MUDS as well. I would also like to thank our club adviser Lt. Col. Ananthan and coach Sgt. Jasmi Sarael for their unwavering confidence and support,” added the fourth year Mechanical Engineering student who has been actively involved in athletics for the past seven years.

Congratulations to all finishers! And a big ‘Thank You’ to participants of all three MUDS and hope to see you again at the duathlon races in the future!