GEORGE TOWN: A husband-and-wife team of a soldier and policewoman topped the Best Malaysian Full Marathon (42km) men’s and women’s category of the Penang Bridge International Marathon, something the duo achieved in 2019 as well.
Sjn Nik Fakaruddin Ismail and Kpl Noor Amelia Musa were thrilled to have an encore of their double sweep at the annual marathon.
Sjn Nik Fakaruddin, who is with the Malaysian Army, said this was the fifth time he had topped the category, this time clocking in at 2’43:57.
“I won in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 as well. Last year, my wife won her category too. I had to train for another event, so I did not participate,” the 38-year-old soldier said.
Sjn Nik Fakaruddin said he started training after Hari Raya and was constant about it for seven months.
“My goal is for us to defend our titles and continue to win as a couple. We try and train together, but we have a six-year-old daughter, so we usually take turns.
“I usually train early and then go home and take care of the little one while my wife heads out to train. We take part in many races like this but usually, either one of us wins.
“It is a fun couple thing to do and it is always nice when we both win,” he smiled after the prize-giving ceremony near Queensbay Mall in Bayan Lepas yesterday.
Sjn Nik Fakaruddin said that while he had been on a winning streak, he still had not beaten his 2016 time and his goal next year is to beat it.
Kpl Noor Amelia, 37, who clocked in at 3’14:36, said she was thrilled that they could participate together this year and win.
“I won last year and this year, I outdid myself by two minutes.
“I train vigorously. I won in 2019 and 2022 as well, so it is nice to know I have now won two years in a row.
“Hopefully, I can win again next year with my husband,” she said.
In full swing: Participants running together during the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2023 in Bayan Lepas, Penang. (Inset) Sjn Nik Fakaruddin and Kpl Noor Amelia Noor flashing their prizes after topping the Best Malaysian Full Marathon (42km) men’s and women’s category. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
The couple took home RM5,000 in prize money each, winners’ medals and trophies.
In the Full Marathon Open category, Sjn Nik Fakaruddin came in 10th while Kpl Noor Amelia was fifth in the Women’s Open category. Topping the Full Marathon Men’s and Women’s Open categories were Kenyans Anderson Saitoti Seroi and Truphena Chepchirchir, clocking in at 2’18:43 and 2’44:41 respectively.
They walked away with RM25,000 in prize money each, trophies and finishing medals.
The event, which was flagged off at 1.30am yesterday, boasted a full marathon (42km), half-marathon (21km) and 10km run.
Tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said he was thrilled to celebrate the achievements of the dedicated participants of 60 nationalities.
“As we recognise the outstanding performances of our top athletes, I am delighted to announce the cash prize pool of up to RM200,000 for the top 10 winners in each category.
“Your dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed and we celebrate your hard-earned accomplishments today,” he said in his speech, adding that there were 20,000 participants.
The event concluded with mechanical design engineer Redzman Ridzuan, 24, walking away with the lucky draw grand prize of a Perodua Axia.
“I have never won anything. This is a big surprise and I am still in shock. I have a car and it is an old one,” he smiled.
