There aren’t many walk events in Malaysia, and the National Press Club of Malaysia (NPC) intends to fill that void with ‘Jom Jalan with NPC 2024’ on June 2.
The inaugural event will be at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur, and there are two main categories – a competitive 10km walk, and a 5km fun walk.
The competitive 10km walk will have four sub-categories – Open Men’s, Open Women’s, Boys’ and Girls’ (aged 13-17). The fun walk, meanwhile, is open to all.
The objectives of the walk are to cultivate a walking lifestyle among the masses while unearthing new talents, especially among young walkers.
NPC president Datuk Ahirudin Attan said he hopes ‘Jom Jalan with NPC 2024’ will also help unite Malaysians.
“Not everyone runs, not everyone cycles, but all of us can walk,” said Ahirudin.
“We need to walk together as a nation. We need this country to become a better place.
“Many of us in the National Press Club took part in The Malay Mail Big Walk many, many, years ago. Each race attracted 10,000 participants of all creeds, colours, and races.
“Hopefully, NPC’s walk will one day see just as many participants and rekindle that sense of unity,” he said.
The event is jointly organised by the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletics Association (FTKLAA).
FTKLAA secretary S. Murugesu said he was delighted that the association is working with the NPC and hoped the event would help unearth some new walking talents.
“We are confident of a good response,” said Murugesu.
“There are many running competitions all over the country, but hardly any walking races. Even then, those are ‘Fun Walks’.
“We are happy NPC has a category for competitive walks, as this will help us identify talented walkers, especially among the juniors.“
Those interested in ‘Jom Jalan with NPC 2024’ can register via Race Roster or Checkpoint Spot.