KUALA LUMPUR: Around 300 people flooded the city streets in conjunction with the National Press Club's (NPC) inaugural 'Jom Jalan with NPC 2024' event today.
Participants, comprising journalists, former athletes, youths and members of the public, took part in one of two main categories, the first being a competitive 10km walk involving Men, Women, Boys and Girls classes.
The second category was a 5km fun walk open to all aged seven and above.
The programme, which kicked off at Padang Merbok at 6.30am, also saw the attendance of prominent figures on the Malaysian sports scene including former national sprinters Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan and Datuk Shahrudin Mohamed Ali, Malasian Olympians Association president Noraseela Mohd Khalid, ex-national walker Mohamed Shahrulhaizy Abdul Rahman, as well as actress and social media personality Ahirine Ahirudin.
Also joining in the fun were 56 orphans from three welfare homes, namely LightHouse, Rumah Victory, and the Hajah Kamariah Single Mothers and Orphans Welfare Association.
NPC president Datuk Ahirudin Attan said apart from promoting bonding and camaraderie, the event is, more importantly, a way to unearth new athletic talents from among participants, particularly school children.
Such events, he said, were organised by newspapers in the past for the same aim.
"This is what newspapers used to do back in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. The Malay Mail's Big Walk would draw more than 10,000 participants.
"We would scout for participants in schools nationwide hoping to unearth new talents.
"Hopefully, we can do the same with 'Jom Jalan with NPC' in unearthing future champions," he said.
He said the NPC, as Malaysia's oldest media club, also plans to expand the programme by organising walking clinics at school level.
"We hope that we can hold the event on an even larger scale next year to draw more sponsors, more participants and make it a family event.
"We will also try to organise a mini concert to attract the public and open entry to foreign participants," he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to former sprinters Dr. Jegathesan, Shahrudin Noraseela and Shahrulhaizy for their participation.
"It's priceless to see that even our sporting icons can see the potential in events like this," he said.
Jom Jalan with NPC 2024 is supported by the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletics Association (FTKLAA).
Sponsors include Mercure Kuala Lumpur Shaw Parade, Iskandar Investment Bhd, Nestle-Milo, Nadi Tenang yoga studio, and F&N.