Ajmal Azman Sudin emerged as the champion of the male open category of Kamser Climbathon after hiking nine rounds up Bukit Kamser Recreational Park with a time of three hours 37 minutes and 10 seconds.
Second place went to Hamizan Ahmadi who completed eight rounds of hiking with a time of 3:33:30 followed by Abdul Akim bin Haji Jalal just a minute behind in third place who also finished eight rounds with the time of 3:34:39.
Ajmal in an interview said, “Alhamdulillah, this is the first time that I have won a competition. I managed to overcome the tough trail.”
The 35-year-old added, “I have been involved in running and hiking for more than five years to lose weight. I train eight to 10 kilometres on the road everyday. This trail is very tough and steep hike.”
In advice to those interested in running, he said, “It is important just to start and then maintain the momentum to run daily.”
Meanwhile, Nurizzah Ashikin binti Abdullah Anggau won the female open category, completing seven rounds with a time of 3:31:58. In second place was Cecilia Maksimon, who also completed seven rounds with a time of 3:40:50 followed by Suraya Ismail who finished six rounds with a time of 3:37:30.47.
Nurizzah Ashikin said, “Alhamdulillah, my training helped me to win this event.
“My training is mostly on endurance with mix trails. However, due to the rainy season, I am currently concentrating on running.”
She also said that the Bukit Kamser trail was “challenging as it was quite steep”.
“I love running because I enjoy it and it helps me destress,” she said, adding that ”it is important to make the move to just start running. You can run at the park or even around your house. It is important just to start”.
Some 120 participants competed in the event organised by the Kampong Serdang Village Consultative Council and Passion Ku Event Management Enterprise on May 26.
Permanent Secretary (Safety and Welfare) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Salminan bin Haji Burut presented prizes to the winners. – James Kon
