The 21st edition of the annual Ipoh International Run was held on Sunday morning, August 7 at Ipoh City Square. The event, which began at 6.30am, attracted some 7180 participants from Germany, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Ghana, Kenya, Singapore and Malaysia.
The run was divided into four categories based on age, sex and distance, namely, 5km, 7km, 10km and 21km. An entry fee of between RM10 to RM35 was charged for all those taking part.
The blue-ribbon 21km race was partly along the famous Ipoh Heritage Trail, where participants had to run past the Royal Ipoh Club, Ipoh Railway Station, Ipoh Padang, Little India and a major portion of Old Town.
“Having the race along the heritage trail is to encourage participants to visit Ipoh in view of Visit Perak Year 2017. The old colonial buildings are definitely a sight to behold,” said mayor, Dato’ Zamri Man.
Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry flagged off the run according to the categories. The 21km distance was flagged off at 6.45am followed by the 10km at 6.55am and the 5km and 7km simultaneously at 7.10am.
While waiting for participants to complete their run, zumba and aerobics sessions were held to kill time. Five cartoon characters namely, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Minion and one from Frozen joined in the fun.
Booths selling snacks and promotional items were erected around the square while the milling crowd, consisting of supporters and curious onlookers, entertained themselves watching the organised events. Everyone had a good time.
Kenyan Chirchir Paul Kipkurui won the men’s open 21km category with a time of 1 hour 6 minutes and 38 seconds.
Chirchir won the RM5000 cash prize and a medal. He expressed his gratitude to the organisers and promised to return next year to defend his title.
Khaleeja
