The inaugural Forward 3km Road Relay successfully fostered unity, promoted health, and underscored the importance of teamwork, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He expressed his gratitude to Penang Forward Sports Club (PFSC) for organising the event on Beach Street in George Town, as part of its year-long activities. Over 600 participants from 160 teams, including two teams of visually impaired runners, took part in the relay.
“This road relay is a platform to strengthen unity while promoting health awareness—not only for the individual but also for families and the state,” Chow said.
“A relay is very different from a leisure walk or run. It’s about teamwork. While an individual’s contribution is significant, it’s the collective effort of the team that ensures success. Even passing the baton from one runner to the next is crucial, especially in high-level competition.
“This shows us that we must always cultivate team spirit to face the challenges of life. We are always stronger together,” Chow said during his speech at the closing ceremony.
He also highlighted that the teamwork between the Federal government, state government, local councils, NGOs, associations, and professional bodies was key to maintaining and developing the George Town World Heritage Site, where the road relay took place.
Chow thanked all participants, including those who, like him, were caught in a major traffic jam along the North-South Highway the day before. He also acknowledged Datuk Tom Khoo, the life adviser of Penang Forward Sports Club, for his sponsorship.
PFSC president Datuk Lim Choo Hooi expressed his gratitude to the organising committee for their tireless work in ensuring the success of the event. He also thanked the participants and sponsors for their continued support, hoping the event would become an annual fixture.
Also present were Chainarong Keratiyutwong, former Thai ambassador to Malaysia; Raschada Jiwalai, outgoing Thai consul-general in Penang; Datuk A. Rajendran, mayor of Penang Island City Council; Harry Chai, director of the Penang State Sports Council and former Olympian Datuk PLBS Peyadesa.
In the competition, TRR Sateera triumphed in the Men’s Open with a time of 42 minutes 12 seconds, ahead of Penang Forward Open ‘A’ (42:45) and Penang Forward Open ‘C’ (44:00). The winning team—comprising Shawn Roshan Singh, Kean Keshvin Singh, Joshua Loh Yixun, Ehsan Ahmad, and Risheraam Parameswaran—claimed the top prize of RM3,000.
In the Women’s Open, Pacemakers Celsius Malaysia secured victory in 54 minutes 53 seconds, followed by Penang Forward Women ‘A’ (56:09) and PS124&J1 (1:01:43). Pacemakers also took home the RM3,000 top prize.
Penang Forward Mixed ‘A’ clinched the Mixed Open title in 48 minutes 18 seconds, while Team Radelea Runner came second (49:16) and BM Leopard finished third (52:20).
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Alissa Thian