It was only recently that a worrying fact about us was revealed, i.e.: only 33 percent of Malaysians over the age of 15 are active in exercise and sports. This has led to a nationwide debate on the need to encourage more people to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Taking this fact into consideration, a Community Running Project called “Larian 40 Taman 100 Kilometer” will be kicked off on the 14thof January, 2012 at Taman Tasik Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, at 7.30am. Initiated by avid-runner and TV host M.Zulkifli Abd. Jalil, it is hoped the project will get Malaysians all across the country to run at their neighbourhood parks with friends and family.
“We will identify 40 parks all across Malaysia and organize casual group running sessions with everyone who’s interested to join,” says Zulkifli who hosts the morning show “Malaysia Hari Ini” on TV3. “It’s really that simple. In fact, you can run or walk at your own pace, but with the common objective of completing 2.5km to 3km per run.”
Zulkifli himself started running on a regular basis beginning April 2011 and admits that he was not leading the best of lifestyles before that. “I was active in sports during my university days, but I found it difficult to stay active after joining the workforce and having my own family,” says Zulkifli who is also the General Manager for New Media at Primeworks Studios, the production arm of Media Prima.
“But earlier this year, I was invited to join the ntv7 Feel Good Run and that proved to be a turning point. I started training for the event and I immediately fell in love with running. I continued running regularly even after the event, and apart from feeling fitter, I’ve also lost quite a few kilos.”
Zulkifli also hopes that this project will encourage more people to appreciate their neighbourhood parks and nature in general. “We have some very good parks in the country, but unfortunately not everyone who lives around these places has even seen the beauty and facilities on offer. Going to parks could really be a fun and healthy outing for everyone out there,” he adds.
The project is expected to last eight to ten months, averaging four to six parks a month. “As to the significance of 40 parks, well I just turned 40 recently, and I also know that men at this age are usually too busy to think about activities such as this, so I think it is very appropriate and relevant,” says Zulkifli.
Some of the parks that have been identified include Taman Bukit Kiara TTDI, Taman Tasik Shah Alam, Seremban Lake Garden and Taman Tasik Titiwangsa. The experience of each run will be posted on larian40taman.blogspot.com.
Larian 40 Taman 100 Kilometer is open to anyone who wants to participate. All you need is a good pair of walking/running shoes and the desire to have fun. More details of the project will be posted from time to time on the blog above.
For enquiries or more information, please email larian40taman@gmail.com or tweet at twitter.com/larian40taman.
No comments:
Post a Comment