(From left to right) Chuah, Afifi, Pung and Jasry celebrating after winning the Mixed Open category. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
FIVE strangers who got grouped together, ended up winning the Mixed Open category in the inaugural Forward Road Relay 2024 event in Penang.
The team consisted of Chuah Joo Khim, 48, and Robin Tan, 22, from Penang, Afifi Haron, 29, and Jasry Maradius, 24, from Kuala Lumpur and Pung Cheng Hui, 23, from Sarawak.
They had not even met or trained together, but completed the 3km loop in 48 minutes and 18 seconds to defeat 19 other teams.
The run started from Lebuh Pantai and took them through Lebuh Light, Lebuh Farquhar, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah and Pengkalan Weld, before returning to the starting point.
“We had never run together before, though we are regular runners in our own states.
“We were assigned to be a team and it worked like a charm.
“We ran our best and got to the top,” said Chuah.
The team won RM3,000 and each received a trophy.
Organised by the Penang Forward Sports Club, the event attracted some 600 participants.
Club chairman Lim Choo Hooi said a total of RM27,200 in cash prizes were awarded to the winners in the four competitive categories and fun run category.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who presented the prizes, praised the event for promoting healthy living.
“The relay event fosters teamwork and a sporting spirit among participants within the heritage city,” he said.
