Ekiden relay brings team running to Samariang Aman 3

KUCHING: Samariang Aman 3 (SA3) will host Petra Jaya’s first Japanese-inspired Ekiden relay on Nov 8.

Organised by SA3 developer HSL in collaboration with City Joggers’ Club Kuching and Kuala Lumpur-based BiiB Nuepulse, the race will take place on a 3km loop within the housing estate.

HSL Marcom lead Abraham Tiong said the event would feature mixed-gender, single-gender, open and veteran categories, with cash prizes offered to the top five fastest teams in each category.

“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.

“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,” he said in an HSL statement today (Sept 21).

Each team will pay RM160 to participate, with the fee covering individual and team medals, team sashes and runner aids.

The race will use chip timing to ensure accurate results and minimise disputes, while 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 brings its popular Ekiden Relay race to Samariang Aman 3 on Nov 8. Scan the QR code to register.

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 then, running on a flat 3km loop along the gated community’s famous tree-lined main boulevard.

Yap’s team won first place, completing the 15km circuit in 52 minutes and 16 seconds, while Ryan Victor recorded the fastest individual time of nine minutes and three seconds, averaging 3 minutes 1 second 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.

Those interested in taking part can sign up through HSL or BiiB Nuepulse, or search for #ekidenrelay and #SamariangAman3 on social media.