KUALA LUMPUR: World tower running champion Soh Wai Ching continued his mesmerising run of victories by topping the men's open category of the inaugural Naza Tower Run at the Naza Tower here today.
Wai Ching, the world No. 1 in tower running, clearly stood out as he conquered the 49-story building in five minutes and 16 seconds.
Although he had competed in the University Tower Running Championships a day before, the 30-year-old said his race today went perfectly and showed no signs of fatigue.
"The Naza Tower is perfect for tower running. Everything went well, including the staircase condition, handrails, and air conditioning.
Thanks to the organisers, this will encourage more participation in future editions," said Wai Ching after the race.
Hazim Zuhairi Azahari finished second in six minutes and two seconds, followed by Wong Chin Chun (6:45).
Wai Ching indicated that he could have recorded a faster time using a different technique.
"Today, I focused more on testing my speed, using a more conservative technique at the beginning of the race before accelerating to the finish. I think I could have gone faster, maybe around 5:10.
"This is my 10th or 11th championship for 2024, and after this, I will compete in two consecutive races in Poland and Germany. My goal is to win more than 20 out of 30 races this year," said Wai Ching.
Meanwhile, in the women's open category, Singapore's Serene Cheong emerged as the champion with a time of seven minutes and 16 seconds, finishing ahead of Malaysian representatives Michele Tan (7:42) and Teo Sze Hui (8:04).
"I am very happy to win my first championship for 2024 because before this, I often finished second. Regarding this race, it was very good, and I really liked the staircase condition.
"Maybe I was a little tired after participating in the University Tower Running Championships yesterday," she said.
In the men's veteran competition, United Kingdom's Jeffrey Ross won, recording a time of six minutes and 34 seconds, while second place was secured by Malaysian runner Tan Song Hua (7:09), followed by Japan's Naoki Kabaya (7:28).
"Today's race was very good. I have participated in tower running races in Malaysia several times, maybe this is my 10th competition. I am happy with my timing.
"I am more of a marathon runner and want to complete the six major marathon races this year," he said.
Singapore's Tan Seow Cher topped the Women's Veteran category in 8 minutes and 15 seconds, followed by Malaysian runners Wong Pui Wan (12:46) and Leong Lai Choo (12:52).
Meanwhile, Naza Group director Nur Nadia Nasimuddin said everything went smoothly and was enjoyable despite the Naza Tower Run being held for the first time.
"It was very exciting, both in terms of the response and the presence of spectators. It exceeded my expectations. Initially, I was nervous seeing the elite runners, but they were generous in sharing knowledge and encouraging first-time participants.
"The presence of Wai Ching also contributed to why other runners wanted to participate. He was very friendly and provided advice on running strategies. We will hold a second edition, and I think not next year, maybe at the end of this year," she said.
Race Director Rex Lim was very excited about the presence of international participants from countries like Singapore, Austria, Kenya, Canada, Switzerland, Pakistan, Nepal, Brunei, and many more despite it being an inaugural competition.
"Maybe in the second edition, we will target 300 to 400 participants given the race route conditions and the excellent environment. This building is really suitable for tower running, so I am very happy the first edition went smoothly," he said.