KUALA LUMPUR: Participants of this year’s The Edge Kuala Lumpur Rat Race (KLRR) gave their thumbs up to the new venue — Perdana Botanical Garden (Lake Gardens) — despite what many saw as a more challenging route.

Despite the rain, the 19th edition of the charity run also succeeded in attracting a bigger crowd, including large numbers of supporters.

“The new venue is good and I love this place,” said Citibank Malaysia assistant vice-president Ng Way Khong. “The running route is harder because it is hilly, but I like it better because there is more green. If possible I want to come back here.”

The KLRR 2019 attracted 91 teams — five runners per team — from 60 different companies. There were two races — the 1.5km CEO race and the 5km main race.

The total amount raised this year was RM1.398 million.

The funds will be disbursed via the philanthropic arm of The Edge, The Edge Education Foundation, to 20 selected beneficiaries, up from 14 beneficiaries last year.

Women of Will (WoW) president Datin Wira Goh Suet Lan said the RM50,000 her group received will be used to support 20 women farmers in rural Sabah from the B40 community, including teaching them how to develop their farms through organic methods.

“It is absolutely amazing, just seeing all those corporations come together in the spirit of one at running to raise money for a group of different organisations that are contributing back to our society, towards building a stronger nation,” she said.

The Edge Media Group publisher and group chief executive officer Datuk Ho Kay Tat said he was very thankful for the corporates and sponsors. With their support, the KLRR has raised RM24 million since the charity run’s inception 19 years ago, he noted.

“We have been postponing this year’s race from a few months ago because of the haze. But I am happy to see all the Malaysian corporates come here and support the event today (yesterday),” he said. “I hope all had a good time running or showing support to your teams.”

“Because of your effort and contribution of your companies, this year we raised some RM1.398 million for charity, thank you so much.

“Of course, I would like to thank all the sponsors, without them we would not have had this event,” he added.

UDA Property brought along some 100 supporters, all donning white shirts. Its runners, meanwhile, appeared in red attire.

“Red is symbolic of ong (luck)”, explained the firm’s property development division senior vice-president Nadia Norziah. A first-time participant, Nadia said this the fifth KLRR outing for UDA Property itself.

Geoffery Dalziel, head of Nestle Nespresso, took home the top prize in the CEO race while Malayan Banking Bhd emerged as champions in the seniors category. The open and mixed races were won by CIMB Group Holdings Bhd and PWC Malaysia respectively.

“[I] feel very good, it’s a very fun event, great atmosphere and [I am] very glad to be part of it,” Dalziel said after the race.

Speaking before the race, Eco World Development Group Bhd (EcoWorld) project planning department architect Daniel Kan said: “Overall, the setting looks good and the park looks just right. But, perhaps the running path might be a little bit narrow.”

This year’s race was powered by EcoWorld, and Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd and Paramount Property Development Sdn Bhd returned as “Platinum” and “Silver” sponsors respectively.

This year UDA Property also came in as a “silver” sponsor while Land & General Bhd returned as a “bronze” sponsor.

Meanwhile, the official TV and radio partner was Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd and the official drinks sponsor was 100PLUS.

Source: TheEdgeMarkets