Designs based on plotted routes can be viewed on fitness apps after runs completed
Most people who participate in runs usually focus on the number of kilometres completed or the personal best times they hope to achieve.
However, those taking part in runs organised by Geng Lukis Malam (GLM) do it for a different purpose – to create artworks, not with paintbrushes or colours, but through GPS tracking on fitness apps.
A typical GLM run will see participants following a carefully selected route that, when recorded on a GPS tracking app, forms a giant drawing on a digital map.
The finished “artwork” only becomes visible after the run is completed and the GPS track is uploaded.
GLM captain Muhammad Syafiq Salleh said the “running artworks” were created through the thousands of footsteps taken by those participating in the runs, organised mainly around Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.
“Most people run for health or performance reasons, but we try to add another element – creativity.
“The real satisfaction does not come from how far someone runs or how quickly they cross the finish line, but from bringing people together to create something unique collectively, “ he told Bernama.
Syafiq said this activity got off the ground in January last year, with a group of about 35 close friends participating.
“By September, we opened it to the public and recorded participation of more than 700 runners on some occasions,” he said.
According to him, runs of less than 10km are held every Wednesday, while runs involving routes exceeding 10km are organised once a month on Fridays.
“Most participants are between 20 and 40 years old.”
Syafiq said the group promoted the artwork design to be created each week through its social media platform, @genglukismalam.
He said each artwork required meticulous route planning before it could be plotted onto the streets, with participants needing to follow the designated course to ensure the final shape could be clearly viewed through the apps.
“We started with relatively simple designs before progressing to more complex ones.
“Some artwork ideas are contributed by the public.
“Some are created by one of our members, Ikram.
“His imagination is extraordinary because when he looks at a map, he can visualise the kind of drawings that can be produced from it,” he said, adding that each artwork takes less than a day to complete.
Syafiq said that while the GPS artworks might appear simple and neat on a smartphone screen, producing each piece was far from easy, particularly when more than 100 participants were involved in a single run.
“Sometimes participants become separated from the main group, and some may take the wrong route.
“When that happens, the shape of the artwork may be affected, but we usually try to correct it along the way.”
He also said safety remained the top priority for organisers, especially since running sessions were conducted at night and involved public streets.
“Every participant is given a safety briefing before the run begins, including reminders to wear safety lights (blinkers) and be aware of their surroundings.”
Muhammad Shahril Haikal Mohamad Shaipuldin, said he regularly joined GLM runs because of the flexible structure, which did not pressure participants to maintain a specific pace.
“GLM is very suitable for beginners because there is absolutely no pressure.
“There are ‘bypasser’ and ‘sweeper’ groups that help ensure everyone can follow the route according to their own ability.
“It’s much more relaxed and the important thing is that the artwork is completed and looks good,” he said.
Another participant, Muhammad Khairi Mohd Nasir said joining GLM runs has helped improve both his fitness level and running pace.
