SEREMBAN HALF MARATHON

THIS year marks another milestone for the Seremban Half Marathon (SHM) as it enters its 23rd year.

As one of the longest running half marathons in Malaysia, SHM recorded a high turnout of about 9,000 participants last year.

Donations and contributions by the sponsors will be used to promote activities for juniors and disabled athletes in Negri Sembilan.

Here you go: (From left) Seremban Half Marathon sponsorship & promotion manager Jenny Chang, Zainal Abidin, Tunku Naquiyuddin, Ng and refreshment and local promotion coordinator Mok Soon Fatt during the sponsorship presentation ceremony.

All surplus funds will be placed in a Junior Athletes’ Development Fund in support of sports activities and talented potential athletes from Negri Sembilan.

From this year onwards, the SHM is limiting participation to Malaysians, permanent residents or expatriates working in Malaysia and participants from Asean countries only.

SHM patron Tunku Naquiyuddin Tuanku Ja’afar said this year’s SHM was in commemoration of his late father the 10th Yang Di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

He said Tuanku Ja’afar was an avid sportsman and was captain of five teams.

“His legacy was the promotion of sports, so this event is really in recognition of his contributions,” he said.

Tunku Naquiyuddin also spoke of how the contributions towards junior athletes have helped many. “Although our efforts are only on a small basis, the funds provide them with a boost,” he said.

SHM organising committee chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad pointed out how SHM had stood the test of time when compared with similar events that had taken a back seat.
“We are independent and run like a private organisation,” he said

Among the major sponsors for the event are Sunrise MCL Land Sdn Bhd, Bata Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Nestle Products Sdn Bhd.

They will be giving cash contributions, T-shirts, hampers for lucky draws, running shoes as well as vouchers.

According to Bata managing director Luciano Bagnobianchi, students will get a 15% discount voucher upon registration.

For Nestle sports marketing manager (beverage business unit) Ng Ping Loong, SHM fits the company’s “Play More, Learn More” campaign.

Ng said Nestle began its association with sports in the 1950s.

“It is a great way to encourage children to participate as well as learn about rules and regulations of a sport,” he said.

Sunrise development committee Raymond Cheah said they were in their third year of being part of the SHM.

He said they looked at the event as a community development programme instead of just a sport.

“It will also act as a magnet for tourism as people from other states come and take part in the SHM.

“Apart from that, it is a healthy event which gets everyone together, especially children who sometimes spend hours in front of the computer,” he said.

In the Men’s 10km category, medals are awarded to the first 100 finishers, which is double the number from previous years due to the overwhelming response.

Registration fee is RM150 for groups of 10 participants. For individuals, senior and veteran categories, the fee is RM12 and RM5 for the juniors.

Registration can be done at No 11, Jalan Datuk Lee Foong Yee, Seremban and No 3, Jalan 19/1, Petaling Jaya.

The event is jointly organised by the Seremban Municipal Council, Antah HealthCare Group, Syarikat Pesaka Antah Sdn Bhd, Seremban Hash House Harriers and the Negri Sembilan Amateur Athletics Association.