Following the huge success of last year’s event, IJM Corporation Berhad and Allianz Malaysia Berhad have once again joined forces this year to organise IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge 2018.
The IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge offers runners a chance to race on two different highways, on two different days early in the morning. The Besraya Highway Challenge, which consists of a 13km challenge run and a 6km fun run, will be held on the 29 April 2018. Meanwhile, the NPE Highway Challenge offers more challenging distances of a 21km half marathon and 10km leisure run on the 29 July 2018.
Since its debut last year, this run is the first ever and the only duo highway challenge in Malaysia. The run is set to exhilarate running enthusiasts because the run routes for this year’s 21km will be different from that of last year’s, giving participants an opportunity to run on the brand new Pantai Sentral Park Interchange, which is expected to be ready just before the NPE Challenge.
Last year, the IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge attracted close to 15,100 runners, with about 5,700 runners at the Besraya Highway Challenge and 9,400 runners at the NPE Highway Challenge. An estimated 15,500 participants are expected to take part in the challenge this year with the addition of the new International Category. The new International category is introduced to give non-Malaysian runners with an opportunity to experience the thrill of running on these highways.
The top 10 participants for Closed categories and top 5 participants for Open categories will win cash prizes. On top of that, the top 3 overall runners who achieve the fastest time in the combination of 21km Half Marathon at NPE and 13km at Besraya stand to win trophy and prize money of RM 1,500, RM 1,000 and RM 500. The total prize money this year amounts to RM 72,700.
All runners are entitled to an event tee, a finisher’s medal, drawstring bag and bib number. Participants of Besraya 13km and NPE 21km will also receive a timing chip and finisher’s tee (upon completing the race). In addition, runners who register for Duo Challenge Special Package can look forward to receiving a dry bag instead of drawstring bag at NPE Highway Challenge, and a medal stand for combination medal.
The organizers plan to hold 3 running clinics to encourage healthy lifestyle and weekend workout for runners who are new to running or for those who want to improve their running. The running clinic is open to the public without any charges. The slots are limited and available on first come first serve basis.
Organisers also announced that the surplus funds of last year’s IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge will be donated to 3 beneficiaries. The Lysosomal Malaysia Society will receive an RM 10,000 cash contribution, Sekolah Rendah Agama Medan Harun teacher’s room will be equipped with air conditioners and Project Perumahan Rakyat Seri Malaysia will receive facilities and equipment for their meeting rooms.
Dato’ Soam Heng Choon, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of IJM Corporation Berhad, is proud to continuously provide a positive contribution to the community. He said,
We are proud to announce the return of the IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge 2018 as it gives us the assurance for continuity and aligns to our long-term plans to continue contributing positively to sports and the community. Last year’s run was a success, as participants enjoyed the total closures of both highways without a single vehicle obstructing the run routes. The safety of the participants is our main priority, so that runners can experience the freedom of running on the highways while enjoying the view.
Zakri Khir, Chief Executive Officer of Allianz Malaysia Berhad, said that it is one of their goals to promote healthy living amongst Malaysians. He said,
Two runs, two competitive distances, two highways. It’s the kind of event that befits being on your New Year’s resolution or even on your bucket list! And that is why Allianz is very proud to partner with IJM Corporation Berhad once again for the IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge 2018. This partnership was forged on our mutual goal of strengthening our commitment towards driving the healthy living agenda amongst Malaysians. And what better way than to team up and organise this fantastic run which attracted more than 15,000 runners during the inaugural event last year. If giving runners out there a new, daring challenge was the objective, then I think the Duo Highway Challenge has hit the bull’s-eye.
As the venue sponsors, Besraya and NPE seek approvals to organise this event from the authorities such as Ministry of Works (MOW), Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) and Sports Commissioner. Meanwhile, Bukit Aman Traffic Division (RMP) had given their approval on the traffic management plan for a total road closure on Sunday, 29th April starting at 2.00am to 12.00pm for Besraya Highway Challenge and Sunday, 29th July 2018 starting from 2.00am to 12.00pm for NPE Highway Challenge. During the road closure, road users are advised to use alternative roads to continue their journey and the organisers will ensure sufficient publicity and announcement being made to the road users.
Registration closes on the 31st March 2018 for Besraya Highway Challenge (E9) and 30th June 2018 for NPE Highway Challenge (E10).
