Several sporting events cancelled or postponed as API climbs
PETALING JAYA: Haze has forced organisers to pull the plug on or postpone several sporting events, with participants being informed of the changes and arrangements made for race packs and other event matters.
The PJ Half Marathon, which was scheduled for yesterday, was cancelled, while four Para Sukma events in Selangor – athletics, swimming, archery and lawn bowls – were postponed after the Air Pollutant Index (API) reached 169 at noon.
In Kuching, the Merdeka Spirit Run was also postponed from Sept 6 to Oct 4, with organisers saying the decision was made to safeguard participants’ health and safety. Race pack collection, however, proceeded as scheduled.
The PJ Half Marathon organiser also announced the cancellation at the 11th hour, with the event’s terms stating that entry fees are generally non-refundable if the event is cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances.
Despite the worsening haze, some events, including the Larian Anak Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and Larian Sawah Padi Tanjong Karang, went ahead as scheduled.
For runners preparing for upcoming races, however, the haze has forced them to change how and where they train.
IT executive Rafiqha Mustaffa, 34, said she has taken to strength training indoors and using the treadmill whenever possible.
“It can be stuffy and hard to breathe properly while training outdoors, so we make do with what we can indoors,” said Rafiqha, who is competing in the 10km category at the upcoming Ikhlas Half Marathon event this December.
Avid runner Evan Wong Hon Kitt, 37, said the current haze has cut his outdoor runs from four times a week to twice.
“I’ve tried running on the treadmill, but it’s just not the same compared to being outdoors as we get to really simulate race day conditions,” said Wong, who is preparing for the 30km category in the Coway run later this month.
Alternatively, Wong has taken to performing light strength training sessions on days where runs are cancelled due to the weather.
He also feels outdoor events should be cancelled or temporarily postponed in the interest of public health.
Tham Jo Yee, 30, said her training sessions had to be cut short or the intensity reduced whenever she ran outdoors.
“Longer runs are done on the treadmill, which is not my personal favourite. Either way, training must go on,” said Tham, who is preparing for the 21km category in the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon.
Steven Wang, 29, said the haze has impacted his preparations for the upcoming Hyrox Singapore race.
Hyrox is a structured indoor activity divided into eight segments, each involving a 1km run followed by a fitness exercise.
“Usually, I try to get at least two outdoor running sessions weekly, but the haze can be suffocating, so we are forced to adapt,” said Wang, from Penang.
“As much as running outdoors allows us to control our pace, we are doing what we can to perform at our best on race day,” he said.
Malaysian Association of Sports Medicine president Dr Ahmad Munawwar Helmi Salim said athletes, especially those preparing for upcoming competitions, should be ready to modify their training, especially when the API is high.
He said athletes should reduce training duration and intensity when the API ranges between 101 and 200, and train indoors when it exceeds 200, citing National Sports Institute guidelines.
“It’s also important to look at the athletes themselves. Those with underlying illnesses such as asthma are at higher risk,” said Ahmad Munawwar Helmi, who is a sports medicine specialist.
Among the signs to stop outdoor exercise during haze episodes, he said, are shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain.
“The haze does not just impact performance but also health. The biggest priority should always be your safety and health,” he said.
