By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 21: Samariang Aman 3’s (SA3) developer, HSL, is organising Petra Jaya’s first-ever Japanese-inspired ‘Ekiden’ relay race at the housing estate this Nov 8.
According to a press release, HSL is working with its frequent fitness partner, City Joggers’ Club Kuching, and Kuala Lumpur’s BiiB Nuepulse, to stage the race on a 3km loop at SA3.
HSL is also sponsoring four elite local teams to join the event to set the benchmark.
“We’re bringing two groups each from Andy Yeo’s Team Haolian and Sally Yap’s team into this race. Yeo and Yap are among Sarawak’s fastest and longest-distance runners,” said MarCom lead Abraham Tiong.
“There are cash prizes to be won for mixed-gender teams, and for the first time, we’re introducing single gender teams, so that more can easily form groups to take part—besides the usual open and veteran categories.”
Sign-up fees per team are RM160. Entitlements include individual and team medals, unique team sashes, and runner aids.
Each team must comprise five runners, each running a 3km loop, for a team total of 15km. The top five fastest teams in all categories will win prizes.
To ensure accuracy and prevent disputes, the race will use timing chips, and transition zones between runners will be widened.
“Our motto is that it must be ‘strictly fun’. Our first Ekiden taught us a lot. We aim to keep improving,” Tiong said.
HSL organised Sarawak’s first Ekiden relay in March this year. It took place at its flagship La Promenade housing estate along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway.
Almost 100 teams took part, running a flat 3km loop along the gated community’s famous tree-lined main boulevard.
At that event, Yap’s team won first place, completing the 15km circuit in just 52 min 16 sec. The fastest individual runner of the day was Ryan Victor, who clocked a blistering time of 9 min 3 sec, averaging 3 min 01 sec per kilometre.
“We’re recreating almost the same route at SA3. In fact, this route will be even flatter. At La Promenade there was a minor hill around the mall, but it’s pancake flat at SA3. This means running times should be faster, while also being more amateur-friendly,” Tiong said.
Yap, a HSL-sponsored athlete, described Ekidens as ‘exciting’ and ‘guaranteed to thrill’.
“Team events give me goosebumps. There is always more adrenaline. When you run a relay, there are more people cheering. You just feel more ‘semangat’ (spirited) to win. It’s so much fun,” Yap said.
Yeo said more should join for the team experience, calling on recreational runners to join a fun-filled day.
“I also always encourage companies to send teams. I think Ekidens have the twin advantage of building camaraderie and promoting wellbeing. It’s no surprise that, of late, running has grown so big, and running clubs are so popular. Company employees will love the Ekiden.”
SA3 Neighbourhood Watch Area Association thanked HSL for organising the event.
“HSL markets SA3 as a green community with this tagline: a garden for all. One of HSL’s goals for this Ekiden is to promote healthy living in our healthy community. For us residents, we are ever so thankful, because we see events such as this as a win-win,” said president Dickson Settie.
Ekidens are held primarily in Japan, where teams pass a fabric sash called a ‘tasuki’ from runner to runner.
These highly popular events emphasise teamwork over individual glory and are traditionally held around the New Year.
To sign up, visit hsl.com.my, getbiib.com/events/175 or search #ekidenrelay and #SamariangAman3 on social media. — DayakDaily
