THE Penang Forward Sports Club (PFSC) will be sending five athletes to compete in the prestigious Beijing International Marathon this Sunday (Nov 3).
As the sole representative from Malaysia, PFSC has a history of remarkable achievements in running sports.
PFSC chairman Lim Choo Hooi, one of the five runners, expressed gratitude for the invitation from the China Overseas Chinese Public Welfare Foundation.
“We deeply appreciate this invitation to take part in such an important event in China.
“This is not our first invitation from China; we’ve previously competed in Guangzhou and Xiamen. The Beijing Marathon is especially challenging, as elite runners qualify through high standards and ballots, so we’re honoured to represent PFSC at this meet.”
The Beijing International Marathon holds a gold-label status, recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), and offers PFSC runners a valuable platform to compete internationally.
“This invitation is timely as Malaysia celebrates its 50th year of diplomatic relations with China. It’s a privilege for us to represent our state and country abroad. We hope to inspire others to pursue running as a pathway to a healthier lifestyle,” Lim, 54, told Buletin Mutiara.
A veteran of over 50 marathons worldwide, Lim recorded a personal best of 2:58 at the Tokyo Marathon in 2015. Although he is not at peak fitness, he aims to finish the marathon at about 3:30, acknowledging the challenges posed by the cold Beijing weather.
“The preparation for a full marathon differs from that of a 10km or other shorter runs. We need to train accordingly, and our running mileage is high. Since the offer to join the run came last month, I will do my best.”
According to Lim, PFSC will also compete in the Jinjiang Marathon in December, underscoring its commitment to international participation.
Lim’s team comprises experienced and rising runners – Calvin Boon, 29; Quah Eng Soon, 49; Lee Chee Keong, 49, and Tan Yu Hoong, 23.
Boon, a former Sukma 10,000m winner in 2014, does not have any high expectations after sustaining a recent calf injury.
“My training programme has been hampered due to my calf injury, but I still aim to complete the race well,” said Boon, whose best marathon time is 3:02 at the Gold Coast Marathon.
Eng Soon is excited about his first overseas full marathon.
“I’ve slightly increased my weekly mileage to 90km and am aiming for a time below 3:40,” said Eng Soon, who recorded 1:32 during a half marathon at Alor Star last year.
Chee Keong, a seasoned marathoner, hopes the weather and atmosphere will help him perform his best.
“I have clocked 3:09 in the previous marathon event, and I hope to better this time,” he said.
Yu Hoong, an up-and-coming runner, is targeting a time of 3:05 at least for the marathon.
“It will be a huge challenge for me to break into the sub-three hour. Nevertheless, this is a great opportunity for me to test my skills in a world-class field,” Yu Hoong said.
PFSC’s participation is endorsed by the Penang State Sports Council (PSSC).
PSSC director Harry Chai Heng Hua and his team were also present at the interview, wishing the PFSC team all the best in Beijing and looking forward to their continued success.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee