Going To The Run: National Geographic Earth Day Run 2018

Two weeks after I participated in the SCKLM 2018, I was at it again - going to another run, this time - the National Geographic Earth Day Run in Gamuda Walk, Kota Kemuning. The annual Nat Geo Earth Day Run, a running event that benefits environmental causes began in 2007 in Taiwan, followed by a second edition 2010 in the Philippines. By 2016 the run reached Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

In 2018, the running community collectively ponders... where will it be launched? Malaysia has not made it to the list.up until now.. Are things about to change?

If you guessed the that this this year’s National Geographic Earth Day Run is to be held for the first time in Malaysia, you were absolutely spot on!

It was held last Sunday 23 April and I'm glad I was able to secure a spot, as places were limited (4,000 according to RaceXAsia.com). As a subscriber to the Nat Geo channel, I was ecstatic to see the advert which announced that the Earth Day Run would be launched for the first time in Malaysia and I have been waiting with bated breath for the registration to open.

The event organiser is Fox Sports Sdn Bhd and official venue partner, Gamuda Land with supporting partners Unifi, PetroSains, Stadium Astro, Nivea Men and Fox Sports.

The Malaysian Nat Geo Earth Day Run's aim is to create an awareness for the public to protect our planet through renewable energy consumption, reducing plastics, and continued education on how to lower our carbon footprint. The organiser stated in the race guide that water stations would not be using any plastic bottles; instead, participants are advised to bring their own water bottles for refill. Nat Geo does walk to talk when it comes to protecting Mother Earth.

I entered the competitive15km run. The other category is the 5km fun run which was equally as popular with the registrants. Runner's entitlement include a Nat Geo logo-embellished black tee, a bladder that comes with a hook which is handy to use for this run, a jute bag, and a runner bib with timer chip. finisher medal and an e-cert. Good value for money, I'd say for a run associated with the name of an international organisation.

The run itself was well organised. There were plenty of marshals on duty to ensure the safety of runners. They were having a good time, as evident in the big smile on their faces as they cheered us runners on, giving high-fives; I got a much needed boost from a group of young ladies at the U-turn of the halfway mark in front of the Gamuda Sales Gallery.

There were elevations along the course, but none that would make you consider throwing in the towel. Though it's a competitive run, most runners are well aware that unlike the other franchise marathon/running events, the Nat Geo run is for a greater cause than chasing a new PB.

After crossing the finish line, I visited the booths in the race village where there were entertaining games to try out, free ice-cream to be claimed, discount vouchers, freebies and also a presentation by the PetraSains team. The exciting activities, along with photo opportunities on stage and in front of the props, kept the finishers occupied until the announcement of the winners.

All in all, the Nat Geo Earth Day Run was a success and I'm glad to be a part of it. Furthermore, I have bragging rights for not only finishing the 15km run and bagging a finisher medal, but also for being a steward of the Earth.