Malaysia’s 1st Marathon On A Fully Closed Highway
The Pacers and IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge 2024 Ambassadors with Ronnie, Pacemakers Captain (6th from the left) and Eugene Chan, Managing Director Of EC Pixel Asia (5th from the right) – Photo credits to Goh Jing Jing
The IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge 2024 marked its 6th edition this year on 8 September. This edition will feature its 1st fully closed highway, incorporating the interconnected routes of NPE and BESRAYA highways. This event will combine two runs into one, instead of being held separately on different days.
Participants will have the opportunity to complete the 1st full marathon – 42.195 KM and a newly introduced Junior category – 1.5KM for young runners.
“We are thrilled to bring back the IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge for its 6th edition, now featuring the newly introduced 42.195KM full marathon category, which is set to bring a new wave of excitement and participation to our event. Additionally, we are combining NPE and BESRAYA highways challenges into a single event for the 1st time, offering inaugural interconnected routes that provide a unique and seamless running experience. This challenge underscores a safe and exhilarating environment for all participants. We are dedicated to enhancing the experience for our runners each year and eagerly await the return of our passionate participants for an unforgettable experience on our highways.” said Lee Chun Fai, Group CEO & Managing Director of IJM.
The IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge has gained popularity since 2017 with an increasing number of participants yearly. An estimated 10,000 participants are expected this year, with 80% being Malaysian runners and the remaining 20% being international runners.
IJM and Allianz Malaysia Berhad, as the title-sponsors are committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle and ensuring all participants. As organisers, the primary objective is to elevate the sport, while providing the safest route, ensuring the participants’ safety.
During this year’s event, the Runner’s First Aided will be introduced. These trained professionals are available for the 21KM and 42KM categories throughout the race, ensuring prompt attention and support for any health-related issues or injuries.
“As co-sponsors, Allianz Malaysia is thrilled to join forces again with IJM Corporation Berhad for the highly anticipated IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge. We are energised to unveil this dynamic and distinctive challenge, igniting the competitive sprint of dedicated runners and instilling in Malaysians from diverse backgrounds urging them to embrace and prioritise their health and well-being. Let us ensure this year’s challenge stands as the most powerful and impactful one!” quoted Sean Wang, CEO of Allianz Malaysia.
Approval has been secured from the Jabatan Kerjaraya (KKR), Polis Di Raja Malaysia (PDRM), Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia (LLM) and Pejabat Pesuruhjaya Sukan Malaysia (PPSM) for organising this event. This is to prioritise the safety and also the convenience of road users affected by the road closure.
Alternative routes will be announced to minimise disruptions for the general public and guide road users for a smoother journey during the event.
A group of experienced pacers from the Pacemakers Running Community will be there to assist and motivate the runners to achieve their personal best. These pacers will guide and encourage runners throughout the race by empowering them to reach their goals and complete the race safely.
“It is an honour for Pacemakers to be the official ambassadors and pacers for this prestigious event. This year, the IJM Allianz Dou Highway Challenge will be happening on a fully closed highway. And, I am so grateful for Pacemakers to be able to provide the pacer team to guide and keep the runners safe.” mentioned Ronnie See, Captain of Pacemakers.
Eugene Chan, Managing Director of EC Pixel Asia emphasised “As you push your limits and strive for your personal best, hydration is key. We are proud to announce our partnership with N8, offering hydration gel at the halfway point for both 21KM and 42KM participants. Runners are encouraged to stay energised and hydrated as they conquer the challenging course and push towards the finish line.”
As part of the event’s CSR programme this year, contributions will be made to Persatuan Pelari Anak Luar Biasa also known as Little Fighter Runners. This NGO offers therapeutic running activities for families with children who have special needs.
Their goal is to raise awareness and educate others about these children., demonstrating that despite their challenges, they can participate in regular activities and pursue their dreams. This initiative reflects the event’s commitment to making a positive impact on the community and supporting inclusive activities that empower all participants.
In addition to focusing on health and safety, the IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge 2024 demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability. This year, the event partnered with Pression, a brand renowned for its environmental responsibility advocacy. The event T-shirts are made from biodegradable materials, embodying high-performance sportswear that is fully recycled and recyclable. By incorporating these eco-friendly practices, the event aims to reduce its environmental footprint and promote a more sustainable future for the sport of running.
The event also featured the official electrical vehicles, BMW and BYD from the distinguished dealer – Millenium Motors Group, championing zero-emission ecosystem.
IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge 2024 is supported by:
– IJM Corporation Berhad.
– Allianz Malaysia Berhad.
– Pressio.
– N8.
– Corus.
– BMW and BYD, Millenium Motors Group.
– AHAM Asset Management Berhad.
– Gigatera (M) Sdn Bhd.
– Magnetic Control System Sdn Bhd.
– Mutu Potensi Sdn. Bhd.
– System Builders Maintenance Services Sdn Bhd.
– Pacemakers.
For more information and registration details, please visit their website. Registration will close on 30 July 2024.
