Second wind in the cheers

Dynamic duo: Yeow Ni Jia (left) and Michelle Chua posing with their medals after winning their respective Malaysian Open events. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star

 

KUALA LUMPUR: It was a torturous end for Malaysian runner Yeow Ni Jia, but his determination pushed him to be the first Malaysian to cross the finish line at the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) yesterday.

Ni Jia completed the run at Stadium Merdeka with a time of 2’36:12s, which saw him clinch the Malaysian Men’s Open title.

But compared to previous editions, where the KLSCM ended at Dataran Merdeka, Ni Jia said the change in venue did prove to be a psychological challenge which he needed to overcome but the immense support he received kept him going.

“Last year, when you were arriving at Dataran Merdeka, it meant it was close to the end. But this year, after passing it, you realise there’s still another 3km or 4km to go,” said Ni Jia.

“So there’s a psychological effect compared to running last year.

“And at the end, it was quite torturous with some rolling hills, but the crowd was amazing and lined up around the route.

“It’s a great feeling to finish, but it was a tough finish.”

In second place, national marathon record holder Leo Tan clocked a time of 2’37:05s, not too far from his record of 2’22:34s set at the Fukuoka Marathon in 2023, while former commando and two-time SEA Games bronze medallist Muhaizar Mohammad came in third with 2’44:37s.

“The weather was quite humid compared to the past few days, where it’s been cooler,” said Ni Jia.

“I was definitely dealing with some tingling here and there, but I’m lucky enough to have managed and sustained it and finished the race with a satisfying result.”

The 25-year-old software engineer added that the performance at the KLSCM would certainly boost his confidence ahead of the Thailand SEA Games, as he is awaiting confirmation of whether he would be selected to compete in December.

In the men’s Open category, it was an all-Kenyan sweep as they took home the top eight spots.

John Nzau Mwangangi clinched the win with 2’17:28s, followed by Kiprotich Kirui (2’17:45s), and Vincent Kiprono in third (2’18:05s).

Meanwhile, it was a meaningful win for Michelle Chua as she clocked a time of 3’05:39s to win the Malaysian Women’s Open race.

Despite the smooth preparations she underwent prior to the race, the extreme fatigue took over for Michelle.

“I’m really tired, but I’m very grateful,” said Michelle after crossing the finish line.

“This year has been good for me, there were no hiccups during my preparation and I managed to hit all my paces without any injuries. I had a lot of support from family and friends, as well as my physiotherapist. All that accumulated helped me prepare,” said the Asics athlete.

Noor Amelia Musa clocked 3’09:03s to come in as the second fastest Malaysian women, followed by Tiffany Lee in third with 3’11:07s, who joined the Malaysian Women’s Open category this year after winning the Veterans race three years straight.

Michelle said her next run will be at the Penang Bridge International Marathon on Dec 14, and in between that, she plans to take some well-deserved rest.

Men

Marathon

Open: 1. John Nzau Mwangangi (Ken) 2’17:28, 2. Kiprotich Kirui (Ken) 2’17:45, 3. Vincent Kiprono (Ken) 2’18:05.

Malaysian Open: 1. Yeow Ni Jia 2’36:12, 2. Leo Tan 2’37:05, 3.Muhaizar Mohammad 2’44:37.

Asics Half-Marathon

Open: 1. FrancisKioko Nzyoki (Ken) 1’11:08, 2. Sedilta Pilon Nubatonis (Ina) 1’11:26, 3. Subas Gurung (Nep) 1’12:26.

Malaysian Open: 1. B. Ruveshwaran 1’14:13, 2. G. Sivaneshwaran 1’14:36, 3. Ahmad Syakir Alwi 1’15:55.

Pantai KL 10KM Open: 1. Sonny Wagdos (Phi) 32:26, 2. M. Sanjay (Mas) 33:22, 3. Daren James Nair (Mas) 33:31.

Women

Marathon

Open: 1. Truphena Chepchirchir (Ken) 2’41:36, 2. Almaz Negede Fekade (Eth) 2’41:50, 3. Joyline Chemutai (Ken) 2’42:25.

Malaysian Open: 1. Michelle Chua 3’05:39, 2. Noor Amelia Musa 3’09:03, 3. Tiffany Lee 3’11:07.

Asics Half-Marathon

Open: 1. Petronila Nduku Musengya (Ken) 1’23:55, 2. Eunice Mukina Mutungi (Ken) 1’24:56, 3. Sutinee Dansoonthornwong (Tha) 1’30:20.

Malaysian Open: 1. Loh Chooi Fern 1’34:43, 2. Melissa Lua 1’35:00, 3. Lim Ee Kim 1’36:04.

Pantai KL 10KM Open: 1. Joida G Gagnao 39:14, 2. R. Shayathiri (Mas) 41:51, 3. Tan Zhi Lin (Mas) 42:29.