Salomon X-Trail Run 2013 - Top 5 Results

Early morning drizzle and heavy rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of trail running fans today 10 November 2013. In fact, the wet and slippery conditions of trail provided the challenges trail runners have been anticipating for, in the 4th edition of the Malaysian Salomon X-Trail Run, with a brand new route located at Malaysia Agriculture Research and Development Institute (Mardi).

Approximately 2,500 runners gathered as early as 6am to experience the new trail mapped out. This year, 70% of the overall 10km predominantly focused on trail running.

 After flagged off from the starting line at 7am, runners were faced with an uphill and challenging climb. It was a true test of traction, stability and comfort for participants throughout the whole entire experience.

At the same time participants are immersed within the natural greenery of MARDI Trail Forest and its outdoor environment according to Joachim Heng – Senior Marketing Communications Manager of World of Sport Malaysia.

Trail at the Mardi

The following were 4 categories competed and their respective winners:

Men’s Open (Age 18 & above) - En Mu hamad Affindi
Men’s Veteran (Age 41 & above) - Mr Casey Lim
Women’s Open (Age 18 & above) - Ms Kimberley Yap
Women’s Veteran (Age 36 & above) - Ms Lim Hooi Kheong

The top three winners in all categories were presented with Trophies and Salomon products worth RM1,000, RM800, RM600 respectively and also prizes from other sponsors as well. The sponsors for this event were World of Sports Malaysia, Salomon, Suunto, Bootcamp Malaysia, Perskindol and Revive.

Results (less than 10km)

Men Open

Women Open

Men Veteran

Women Veteran

Overall this trail was catered for runners who are gamed for an adventure and a good adrenalin pumping experience. Every year SALOMON holds this trail running event as a way of appreciating loyal X-Trail runner and Salomon brand supporters. It is also a way of recruiting new runners and retaining experienced runners.

After the run, participants had opportunities to catch up with fellow runners and backdrops were set up by organisers for photo taking purposes.

Participants also tested their skills on the wall climbing activity. There were also sales booths set up by sponsors to showcase their products .

For more information on the event, please log on to

www.facebook.com/worldofsportsmalaysia or https://www.facebook.com/SalomonAPACex

Press Release: Salomon X-Trail Run 2013

The wait is finally over and World of Sports Malaysia is proud to present the official trail running event here at our home ground here in Malaysia to trail seekers out there! We have been swarmed with multiple run events throughout the year but the differences lie within the runners’ experience to achieve their dreams in conquering passionate outdoor sports and trail running. This event jointly organized by World of Sports Malaysia, Salomon as Title Sponsor and Pacesetters Athletic Club Malaysia. Pushing the pace globally and regionally, we are proud to introduce the 4th edition of the Malaysian Salomon X-Trail Run on 10th November 2013 with a brand new route located at Malaysia Agriculture Research and Development Institute (Mardi).

The inaugural event was firstly introduced in 6th December 2009 at Taman Lembah Kiara, which attracted about 900 participants. Subsequently, the 2nd edition took place at University Putra Malaysia, gathered 1,200 participants and continuation of the third edition in 2012 has attracted a total of 2200 runners. This year we are in high spirits to announce as at today a total of 2,600 participants have registered for the event, surpassing our target of 2,500 runners according to Glenny J Da Costa (Senior Sales Manager). He added, this clearly proves that more runners are enjoying trail running and wanting to be part of Salomon X-Trail Run. They are willing to participate in this exciting yet challenging platform that promotes outdoor sports in Malaysia because they believe in healthy living. 

Salomon X-Trail Run registration is officially closed as we have reached 2,500 participants. 

This event offers participants a challenging competition where runners are to run on a trail, thus requires runners to go through muddy, wet grass, grime, sweat and finally, some fresh air, when they complete the challenge. This is also an opportunity for participants to enjoy an Outdoor Sports event, and the same time educating them in preserving Green running. Trail Running serves as alternatives platform to road running.

This year the event will undergo a major changes compared to the last 2 events in 2011 & 2012. Firstly the venue has been changed to MARDI offering runners some new challenges to their running. MARDI being the center of Agriculture development have been spotted as the perfect place to conduct Salomon X-Trail Run. The natural greenery and its surrounding areas offers the perfect routes to promote outdoors sport and nature environment experience by runners in understanding Salomon’s brand attributes as trail running brand. From the starting point, throughout the route and back to the finishing gate will see runners exposing to the scenically greenery and outdoor environment. We hope this will bring new challenges to our runners compared to the common on-road running. 

The runners will flagged off at MAEPS (Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang) carpark, which is located within the vicinity of MARDI. Runners will start running approximately 1.5km on tar roads before tackling the trail to cover around 7km throughout the MARDI Trail Forest and completing the remaining 1.5km tar roads to finish the race back again at MAEPS carpark. 

Throughout the route, participants will be able to enjoy a light trail route with green surroundings and very minimal obstacle of muddy terrains. 

For the 1st time Salomon is introducing separate colors Running Tee for the Men & Women categories. The Men will wear Purple Tee while the women in Pink Tee. 

On the event day, we are proud to announce that local celebrity Mr Harith Iskandar (Actor, comedian and TV announcer) who is also a Salomon brand Ambassador, will be taking part in the 10km run as well.

SALOMON’s objective in organizing this Run is to reward our loyal Salomon customers with an outdoor event to test their trail run capabilities compared to on-road running. 

With this new trend, we see more runners are opting for a challenge and on-road running.

Salomon X-Trail Run is predominantly running Green. This Run has 4 categories as follows: 

Men’s Open (Age 18 & above) - 10 km
Men’s Veteran (Age 41 & above) - 10 km
Women’s Open (Age 18 & above) - 10 km
Women’s Veteran (Age 36 & above) - 10 km 

Entry fee for participation is RM60. Upon registration, participants will receive an exclusive Salomon Dri-Fit Running Tee valued at RM89.

On the day of the event, ALL finishers for ALL categories will receive a FINISHERS medal and FINISHERS certificate. Due to the overwhelming response, SALOMON is proud to announce that ALL Finisher will also receive an exclusive Salomon Running pouch worth RM99.90. This is our way of appreciating our loyal X-Trail runner and Salomon brand supporters.  The top Five winners in all categories stand to win Trophies + Salomon products worth RM1,000, RM800, RM600, RM400 and RM200 respectively and prizes from other sponsors as well.

Flag off time for the 10km race is 7.00 am for Men categories & 7.15am for the Women categories. The 1st participants are expected to arrive around 7.45am & the prize giving ceremony is expected around 9.30am.

Sponsors for the event are: 

Title Sponsor : SALOMON
Main Sponsor : WORLD OF SPORTS
Co-Sponsors : NESTLE FITNESS CEREAL, GATORADE, SUUNTO, PERSKINDOL & ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP MALAYSIA.

Event Organizer : PACESETTERS ATHLETIC CLUB MALAYSIA

The press conference was held in the World of Outdoors -  E Curve.

For more information on the event, please log on to www.pacesetters.com.my or www.facebook.com/worldofsportsmalaysia

FEAR NO TRAIL WITH THE RIGHT RUNNING GEAR FROM SALOMON

Press Release:

Salomon the World’s #1 brand in trail running pre-dominantly is all about running green. On the global prospective, Salomon brand has been present in 60 different countries worldwide. Salomon superstar Kilian Jornet was world champion for two consecutive years in the Skyrunner® World Series champions. The recent ultra-distance race took place in Canary Island of La Palma in May 2013. Kilian’s astonishing performance sets another new world record, claimed victory at 6h 54’ 09” for men’s category, coupled with Emelie Forsberg Salomon team, for women category. Other world class Salomon athlete Stevie Khemer won the Mont Blanc Marathon this year. The new challenge tasked her from sea level to the French Alps that unfold a new chapter of brand prominent achievement.

On regional aspect, Salomon grassroots events have been present in Southeast Asia since 2008, participated by countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Philippines. The adrenaline rush event named Salomon X-Trail Run is routed differently according to geographical landscape.

Recently, Salomon Philippine organized an event held in Hamilo Coast, the routes was an emulation of Canary Island catering to enthusiast of different level be it on beginner, advanced and elite runners who love to push themselves beyond boundaries. The full experience that runners would gather is a mixed combination between mental, physical strength and technical skills. 

According to Joachim Heng – Senior Marketing Communications Manager from World of Sports “Salomon is a global brand in the trail running and outdoor sporting industries.  It also produces a wide range of technical gears from footwear, attire and accessories such as hydration pack to gear up towards unique sporting event such as trail running. In addition, gears produced by Salomon have been tested and proven by international brand ambassadors such as Kilian Jornet, Emelie Forsberg and Stevie Khemer to accomplish their passionate missions in various terrains on International grounds before merchandizing these gears in retail”.

Footwear – Trail running shoes protect feet and toes from trauma better than road running shoes. Be it rock, soil, grass, dirt, or concrete, they provide better traction on different surfaces. They also dry much faster than road running shoes.

Attire – Trail running clothes should be lightweight, breathable, and quick-dry. More importantly, they must be comfortable.

Hydration – Proper hydration is essential in trail running. Runners become dehydrated much quicker at altitude, requiring them to carry water. Choose from waist packs, hydration belts, hydration backpacks or handhelds.

Salomon gears are specially designed for different level of runners who want to experience trail running to enhance performance for beginner, advance and technical elite runners to accomplish dream.

According to Glenny J Da Costa – Senior Sales Manager of World of Sports “The Malaysian edition of Salomon X-Trail Run was firstly introduced back in December 2009. The inaugural event attracted 900 participants and was held in Taman Lembah Kiara, the 2nd trail run was held in September 2011 drew in a crowd of 1,200 participants held in University Putra Malaysia and 2012, 2200 runners. For 2013, we are targeting to attract 2,800 runners. Besides continuing Salomon legacy in trail running and Salomon belief in Running Green, we plan to move to a new venue at Malaysia Agricultural Center located in Serdang. The whole idea of this new venue is to educate runners on how to preserve mother nature, part of the motivational messages that will be inserted along the trail to further remind runners on how to respect and protect mother nature for our next generation.

Tentatively the event will be held in November 2013, subject to confirmation from Malaysia Agricultural Center”.

Salomon gears are available at any of  Urban Adventure/ Worlds of Outdoors / World of Sports participating stores.  Find out more about these locations at http://www.worldofsports.com.my/

SALOMON WAS FOUNDED IN 1947 IN THE HEART OF THE FRENCH ALPS. SINCE THEN, THEY HAVE BEEN CREATING INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO ENHANCE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ATHLETES. PERFORMANCE LED DESIGNED IN THEIR PAST AND FUTURE.

Team Salomon dominates the recent Dolomite Skyrace in Europe; Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg.
(source Skyrunner facebook page)

Trail Running at Kemensah with Tevasphere Speed

The World of Sports recently organized a light trail run at the Taman Isi Rimba at Kemensah (near Zoo Negara at Ulu Kelang) to launch a footwear under the TEVA brand.

The shoe is known as Tevasphere Speed,  which is principally designed for outdoor trail activities and  especially in wet and slippery conditions.

We were informed that the light trail run is intended to allow us to test the shoes performance in tough off-road conditions. (Because the shoe is known to work well in muddy and slippery terrains). So we were really looking forward to try out those shoes especially in the said location as we have heard of this trail before but had never the opportunity to run there.

When we first arrived at the Kem Isi Rimba at Kemensah, it was indeed a pleasant surprise that the trail running route is actually located inside a orang asli eco-tourism village/resort, with the idea of nature conservation as it's main theme. It is located just next to Zoo Negara.

While waiting for the  reveal of the Tevasphere Speed trail running shoes, we took a peep at the shoes. Promise...just the shoes. And we noticed the most significant feature of the shoe. They have something that looked like a pair of wings!

Glenny from World of Sports explains the design concept of the Tevasphere. That the shoe is really designed for muddy and slippery environment.

And he also mentioned that the shoes has been pre-tested by the some of guides in the village, eg. our guide has been running around the jungle with the Tevasphere since a week ago.  We asked the guide later how he felt about those shoes - and we were told that he found them to be functioning really well especially in muddy terrain.

So to find out how good the shoes, we decided to really test them ourselves. So off we went into the trail. The trail runs through the forest, then into some of the fruit orchards on a distance of approximately 5km which will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. 

It started with a forest trail with a steep narrow path surrounded by bushes and bamboo trees for about 500 meters before arrived at a junction that opens up to a much more airy trail. 

But even though it is more open, the path prove to be not any easier.  Due to the rainy season a while back, the dirt track has really uneven surface due to the corrosion. So it was challenging but very suitable to test those shoes.

To make it more challenging the path runs up and down, but the clean air and beautiful green surrounding makes the challenges really worth while.  No wonder guys like Raymond Ng aka Tomatoman like trail running so much.

The further we went, the better it proves that the practicality of the Tevasphere. We observed that the shoes has a very good grip very well even on loose dirt. And very stable indeed. The 'wings' provide extra surface and provide good balance to the shoes so that it really give that extra assurance as we chase each other downhill.

And the route has plenty of scenic stop and also fantastic terrain to facilitate trail running skills development in a controlled environment.

We made multiple stops as our guide wants to make sure that nobody got lost, especially when the trail has multiple junctions.










 And while waiting we wasted no time practicing our kungfu skill on each other. Photo courtesy of Dannie Choong. 

We finally got back to the main camp after 50 minutes of full of fun trail running, with our GPS giving a reading of a 4.1km loop.

Most of the participants agreed that the shoe performed really well, but because the weather has been relatively dry, there wash't much opportunity to test them on muddy surface, but the shoe passed the test of steep slopes with loose sand. It also 'sits' very low and with the 'wings' the shoes hold on to the ground with good balance.

That day we made 2 happy discoveries.  A nice trail with moderate-hard terrain to run in and a shoe to match that rugged terrain. The location is just absolutely lovely  to run in; scenic and also challenging so it is good whether it is for leisure pace or trail run training. And I get to run with my buddies Raymond, Dannie, Chris, Carrie and many others.

As to our view of the Tevasphere Speed trail shoes: it is truely versatile and responsive 'trail' speedster that is suitable for either trail running or hiking. Fantastic grip power(can I use the term road holding?). I also read that the sole is made from Spider365 rubber - to grip well in wet environments. In terms of specification, the weight is about 9.4 oz, with the height off the ground: 23mm (heel); 19mm (forefoot) - giving a 4 mm heel to toe.

The Tevasphere Speed has a narrow fit throughout, but definitely offers more volume of space in the toe box.   Most of the testers commented that their heels fits into the shoe for a secure feel, and the unique midfoot 'wings' or support pods does provide some kind of arch support and more importantly provide a very stable underfoot platform. 

The heel area of the out-sole is sphere shaped almost like the human heel - hence called spherical heel and I will presume this design will help the heel to naturally grip onto softer ground for a better grip. 

In terms of ride, the shoe has firm cushioning, which means that the shoes does offer a very responsive ride and the support wings gave excellent stability. 

The Teva Sphere retail at RM459 and is now available in World Of Sports outlet.

Mizuno Wave Run 2013 - Press Conference

The 8th edition of Mizuno Wave Run 2013 is back again in the 9 Jun 2013. For the first time after 8 years will see the event moving forward to some changes to add more excitement and challenge to the run. This year venue moving to a new location at Dataran Putrajaya Precint 3. Hope with the beautiful scenery and perfect running conditon, will see more runners taking part in Putrajaya.

 Beside the new venue, this year's event is also changing its category and introducing 2 new categories, changing from 10km distance to 16km. A 16km competitive run is organized to offer a new distance to runners who wants to challenge themselves and at the same time train oneself to upgrade to the more popular half marathon.

For those who are not ready to take on the 16km, a 7km fun run is another option. It is hope this category will see more casual or beginners taking part and as a fun category or training to eventually 'graduate' them to the more popular 10km run in the near future.

Flag-off time at 6:30am for 16km categories and 7am for 7km fun run categories. Upon registration, participants will receive an exclusive Mizuno Wave Run running singlet valued at RM59.90 and a special 30% discount voucher for the purchase of Mizuno products. All finishers in 16km categories will receive finisher medal and certificate of participants with their time and position recorded on the certificate. As for 7km finisher, will receive a certificate without time upon reaching the finishing line.

Sponsors

Some of the Sponsors this year.

Mizuno of course.

World of Sports.

Tous les Jours. Lifestyle bakery at Bangsar. Check them out at TLJMalaysia

and our favorite sports nutrition - Powerbar.

More than 4000 runners have registered and registration is still open until 25 May 2013. More details here