Aznan (left) and Soh at the launch of National Tower Running Competition 2023, which will take place over the 25 floors of Menara MBPJ in Section 52 (below).
CLIMBING stairs can be a great workout that many of us overlook.
In an effort to promote this form of exercise for healthy living, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is hosting National Tower Running Competition 2023 at MBPJ Tower in Section 52, Petaling Jaya on Dec 17.
Petaling Jaya deputy mayor Aznan Hassan said MBPJ wanted to promote a healthy lifestyle and this was among urban tourism sports that it had introduced.
“MBPJ is known for the PJ Half Marathon that attracts about 10,000 runners each year, among them international participants.
“Now we have this Tower Run, too, and MBPJ will host it,” he said.
Some 200 contestants from eight countries including the United Kingdom, the Philippines and Japan have registered for the event, said Aznan at the launch of the run at MBPJ’s headquarters.
Also present was world number one tower runner Soh Wai Ching.
MBPJ Tower has 25 floors and several months ago, the city council opened its doors for the public to take part in stair climbing, in collaboration with Malaysian Tower Running Association.
The fun tower run, which takes place every Saturday, is open to all including families.
For National Tower Running Competition 2023, Aznan said it was open to those aged 16 and above.
There will be a stop every 10 floors for those needing a break.
Soh said, “Climbing 25 floors can be a friendly sports activity for amateurs. We can complete the climbing process in just 10 minutes.”
On tips to reach the top fast, he said, “Walk fast for the first 15 to 17 floors and then sprint the rest of the way up.”
Soh, who took up tower running in 2017 when he was 23- years-old, said the sport was ideal for B40 families too as it did not require much investment – all you need is a staircase.
The tower run will start at 7am with two-knock-out rounds. Following this, the fastest 10 participants will compete for cash prizes.
The prize for open category champion (men and women) is RM1,500 each. Veteran champions will receive RM1,000 each and any national champion will receive an additional RM500.
The National Tower Running Competition 2023 also comes with insurance from Pacific Group and AQME.
To register, visit http://cps4.me/event/mbpj-towerrun
