Borneo International Marathon Blog

BIM 09!

2009-02-28T15:55:00.002+08:00

Dear Marathoners,

It’s been a while since we've updated this blog. We do however, hope that this post finds you all happy, healthy and well in 2009.

The second Borneo International Marathon is back! BIM 09 is scheduled for Sunday, 11th October 2009.

Registrations begin on Monday, March 2^nd 2009. The same procedures apply as per last year, i.e. online registrations will be available on our website www.borneomarathon.com as well as manual registrations at our office and all Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets in Sabah and Sarawak.

We’d also like to let everyone know that for those of you who haven’t requested for certificates via email or for those who have yet to collect from our office, we have begun the (admittedly somewhat slow) process of mailing them out via snail mail.

Please do let your running mates, family and friends know about our updates. We look forward to hearing back from you soon and we thank you again for all your support for our first BIM 2008 and hope to welcome you back to Kota Kinabalu in 2009.

With best wishes,

Andrew, Chris, Simon, Urs and Shan

Championship Sports Events Sdn. Bhd.

B625, 6th Floor, Phase 2,

Wisma Merdeka

Jalan Tun Razak

Kota Kinabalu 88000

Sabah, Malaysia

T/F : +6-088-218833

E : info(at)borneomarathon.com

W : www.borneomarathon.com

BIM 08

2008-12-22T16:29:00.002+08:00

Dear Readers, more images to come soon

Sunday October 12th 2008 saw the inaugural Borneo International Marathon being held in Kota Kinabalu. Over 1,000 runners representing 20 different nationalities made their way to Sabah to test their running prowess on KK's scenic coastal highway which was the main focal point for most runners. With three races offered, namely the Full Marathon (42KM), the Half Marathon (21KM) and the 10KM run, the Borneo International Marathon catered to every category of runner, from the novice to the elite in Sabah's first marathon in over 20 years.

The Borneo International Marathon, affectionately known as BIM, was started by 4 individuals; all part time runners themselves. Andrew Voon, Chris Neilsen, Simon Amos and Urs Weisskopf are working professionals living in KK with a shared passion for running. Feeling that there was a severe lack of good running events in the state, the four founded the Borneo International Marathon in the hopes of raising the profile of running in East Malaysia as well as to reinforce the importance of a healthy lifestyle and to introduce the idea of participating to individuals that probably would have not considered running at all.

"We've had some excellent feedback from participants," said Andrew Voon. "People loved that our route took them through the city and for some it was a tour as well as a run. Lots of runners have pledged to return and to take on the challenge for next year. KK really does offer a different environment and most importantly, a different sort of race. Even seasoned marathoners who have participated internationally were praising our efforts in selecting an original and visually stunning marathon route."

The lead-up to the BIM began on Friday and Saturday with runners collecting their registration packs. Participants were also feted to a welcome dinner pasta party and cultural show hosted by the Sabah Tourism Board on Saturday evening. This was a perfect opportunity for runners to mingle and meet while enjoying an introduction to traditional Kadazan-Dusun dances; some even joining in themselves. The priority for most however was the approaching day and runners were in bed early resting the events to come.

The flag-off for the Full Marathon was at Likas Sports Stadium and kicked off at 4:30am with the Kenyans taking the lead almost immediately. Flag-offs for the Half and 10KM were at 5am and 6am respectively. What the organizers feared would be a wet, rainy day turned into a blazingly hot one that took a toll on almost all runners. There were ample water stations to combat this and runners feedback was that this was an important high-point of the BIM.

The winner of the Full Marathon in the Mens Open category was Kenyan Sammy Kiprop Kiptoo with a time of 2:25:00 followed by Geoffrey Kiprotich Birgen who came in second with 2:26:42 and third place went to Elkana Ruto who finished at 2:33:18.

Full Veteran Mens
Paul Hague - 3:10:31
Duanis B Indam - 3:26:38
Yusop Tungkob - 3:31:05

Full Open Womens
Fridah Lopeda - 3:18:04
Chan Pui Shan - 3:27:48
Joyce Runo Chemeli - 3:32:43

Full Veteran Womens
Tan Lee Huang - 4:57:27
Christina Daramat - 5:00:35
Ang Bee Hua - 5:16:07

Half Open Mens
Wilson Kibogo - 1:11:49
Muniandy Ramadass - 1:13:54
Micah Kiprotich - 1:18:01

Half Veteran Mens
Guianus Salagan - 1:22:02
Supermaniam Govindan - 1:23:35
Lim Lian Hock - 1:35:02

Half Open Womens
Doris Chuchumba - 1:24:10
Michele Tan Bee Kiang - 1:39:26
Mariana Mohammad - 1:41:11

Half Veteran Womens
Lian Bee Hoon - 1:44:28
Kirsten Conrad - 2:03:04
Ling Nyuk Hwa - 3:04:11

10KM Open Mens
Gerald Jutri - 0:40:26
Irwan Faidel Launti - 0:41:31
Jasrin B Keram - 0:42:29

10KM Veteran Mens
John Yates - 0:42:05
Cowboy Miala - 0:44:56
Tony Harvey - 0:45:59

10KM Open Womens
Julie-Anne Jack - 0:50:43
Sim Phei Sunn - 0:55:18
Malia Bt. Jumin - 0:58:48

10KM Veteran Womens
Mariam George Mathew - 0:55:29
Sally Purser - 1:00:30
Lubiah Gudsung - 1:02:33

Gerenal feedback from runners was that the Borneo International Marathon was challenging and the heat played a big factor in runners performance. This however did not deter participants from enjoying themselves and their runs with quite a few first-time visitors to Sabah vowing to return and some runners even had the energy to take on Mount Kinabalu a few days after the marathon. Sabahan hospitality shone through and many stated that they appreciated the encouragement shown by volunteers and supporters along the route. On the humanitarian side of things, the BIM managed to raise RM33,000 for 8 charities by way of contributions from participants as well as a donation of RM21,000 from AirAsia's CEO Dato' Tony Fernandes who pledged RM1,000 for every kilometer completed by AirAsia flight attendant Lily Liew in her very first half marathon. The BIM is scheduled for October 11th 2009 and the organisers welcome any interest from sponsors and organizations who are keen to be a part of the second Borneo International Marathon.

More information can be found at www.borneomarathon.com
Join our Facebook group

BIM's Just Around The Corner

2008-10-01T12:29:00.002+08:00

Dear Runners,

Greetings from all of us at the Borneo International Marathon. October 12^th is not that long away now and we’re pretty excited with the upcoming events. Just a few quick points, reminders and some general information :

1) RACE START TIMES

First off we would like to update and remind all runners of the reporting times and flag-off times.

CATEGORY AGE GROUP TIME LIMIT REPORTING TIME RACE START
Full – Open	18yrs – 40yrs	7 hours	4:am	4:30am
Full – Veteran	40yrs and above	7 hours	4:am	4:30am
Half - Junior	10yrs – 18yrs	3 hours 30 mins	5:30am	6am
Half – Open	18yrs – 40 yrs	3 hours 30 mins	5:30am	6am
Half – Veteran	40yrs and above	3 hours 30 mins	5:30am	6am
10KM – Junior	10yrs-18yrs	2 hours	6:30am	7am
10KM – Open	18yrs-40yrs	2 hours	6:30am	7am
10KM – Veteran	40 yrs and above	2 hours	6:30am	7am
400M Kids Run	6yrs and under		9am	9:30am
800M Kids Run	10yrs and under		9am	9:30am
1500M Kids Run	10yrs-12yrs		9am	9:30am

Please be at the reporting station by the time stated for your respective runs. We have had to push back the Full Marathon starting time by 30 minutes due to a request from the police. All other race flag-off times remain the same.

For those of you who are arranging for shuttle transfers with Popular Express on the morning of the event, please double check your hotel pick-up times with them.

Parents, we have added on a 1500M Kids Run for the 10 to 12 year olds. The fees for all kids runs are RM5 (not inclusive of registration pack or shirt)

2) REGISTRATION PACK COLLECTION INFO :

Registration packs will be available for collection on

- Friday 10^th October and Saturday 11^th October

- From 12pm – 8pm

- At Likas Sports Complex Multipurpose Hall, the same venue for the Welcome Dinner Pasta Party.

- The adidas FootScan system will be made available to runners during this time. Mr. Krishnan Karrupan, the head of running for adidas Malaysia, will be on hand to advise runners on appropriate running footwear.

- We will require your Registration Number or official receipt number. Please have these with you when collecting your packs.

- We will not be able to provide collection for registration packs on Sunday. If you are unable to collect your pack by Saturday please appoint someone to collect it for you.

3) WELCOME DINNER PASTA PARTY

Many of you have indicated your attendance for this pasta party which is generously hosted by Sabah Tourism Board and is free of charge for registered runners. Should you wish to purchase a ticket for a spouse or friend the ticket prices are RM25 for adults and RM15 for children 10 years and below. The Pasta Party is not only necessary for Marathon runners to load up on their carbo intake, but a great opportunity for runners to interact with each other and to make new friends.

Please let me know should you wish to attend.

The Welcome Dinner Pasta Party will begin at 6:30pm at the Likas Sports Complex Multipurpose Hall.

4) VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are an essential part of any event running smoothly and volunteering offers a great experience for those who do not wish to participate as runners but would still like to contribute in some way to the Borneo International Marathon. We have volunteer forms available for interested parties. Cheerleaders are also welcomed and encouraged so please do get your family and friends to come and cheer you on as you make your way along one of our three routes offered or as you cross the finish line.

If anyone would like volunteer forms please drop me a line and I will email or fax these forms to you.

5) SOMETHING INTERESTING

SabahAir Aviation Sdn. Bhd. will be offering 10 minute helicopter joyrides around Kota Kinabalu at RM115 per person based on 4 people per flight. This offers a fantastic vantage point and new perspective of viewing our beautiful city. Highly recommended for first time visitors to Kota Kinabalu. Helicopter joyrides will be available on Sunday morning at the car park area of Likas Stadium from 8am to 12pm.

6) DEADLINE EXTENTION

Due to last minute interest, we have extended our cut-off dates. We are open for registrations until Monday 6^th October.

Should you require additional information please do not hesitate to contact me. We are looking forward to meeting all of you. See you in October!

With best wishes,

Shan Sandhu
Event Coordinator

Borneo International Marathon

B702, 7^th Floor, Phase 2

Wisma Merdeka

Jalan Tun Razak

88000 Kota Kinabalu

Sabah, Malaysia

M : +6-012-8022 077

T/F : +088-218 833

E : info@borneomarathon.com

W : www.borneomarathon.com

Feature In New Sabah Times

2008-08-11T12:43:00.003+08:00

A BIM feature in today's New Sabah Times

What Makes A BIM Runner?

Thinking Of Signing Up?

2008-07-19T11:23:00.003+08:00

KK based runners who have been thinking of signing up? We'll be having a B.I.M. booth at next week's Sutera Harbour 7K run on Saturday 26th of July 2008.

Entry forms can be collected, registrations and cash payments may be made on the spot. If you're in the vicinity do drop by at say hi.

More details on the run :
Sutera Harbour's 7K Run

Volunteers Needed

2008-07-19T11:06:00.003+08:00

The Borneo International Marathon is looking for valuable assistance from the Sabah community to help in making this event a memorable and successful one. We are currently compiling volunteer roles and allocation and more information on this will be available soon.

Should you be interested in contributing your time to this marathon which will showcase Kota Kinabalu internationally please contact us :

Tel / Fax : +6-088-218833
Email : info@borneomarathon.com

Thanking you in advance and looking forward to hearing from you.

Adidas Footscan Program

2008-07-14T11:24:00.003+08:00

Hi Runners,

Those of you joining our 4th training clinic this Saturday will be in for a special treat. adidas Malaysia will be conducting their Footscan program in conjunction with the clinic.

Mr. Krishnan Karuppan, the head of running for adidas Malaysia and an accomplished runner in his own right will be on hand to guide runners who choose to try out the Footscan program and will discuss information based on their foot strike on a computerized pad and appropriate footwear based on the results.

Runners will also be given a RM50 rebate voucher each on adidas running shoe purchases at selected adidas retail outlets in Kota Kinabalu.

For more information on the above please call :
+6-088-218833 during office hours
or 012-8022-077 (mobile)

Details :

Saturday 19th July 2008
Likas Jogging Track
3pm

n.b. In the event of rain the clinic will be pushed back to Sunday, same time and place. Due to time constraints however, the Footscan program will not be available on Sunday.

Thanks and hope to see you and your friends there. Happy running!

Training Clinic Pix

2008-07-14T11:04:00.005+08:00

Our 3rd Training Clinic was held on Saturday July 5th at the Likas Jogging Track. A small but enthusiastic group of 18 trained with Dr. Fiona Lim, Sabah's Iron Woman.

Adidas Footscan Program

2008-07-14T11:02:00.001+08:00

Those of you joining our 4th training clinic this Saturday will be in for a special treat. adidas Malaysia will be conducting their Footscan program in conjunction with the clinic.

Mr. Krishnan Karuppan, the head of running for adidas Malaysia and an accomplished runner in his own right will be on hand to guide runners who choose to try out the Footscan program and will discuss information based on their foot strike on a computerized pad, appropriate footwear based on the results.

Runners will also be given a RM50 rebate voucher each on adidas running shoe purchases at selected adidas retail outlets in Kota Kinabalu.

For more information on the above please call :
+6-088-218833 during office hours
or 012-8022-077 (mobile)

Details :

Saturday 19th July 2008
Likas Jogging Track
4:30pm

n.b. In the event of rain the clinic will be pushed back to Sunday, same time and place. Due to time constrains however, the Footscan program will not be available on Sunday.

Thanks and hope to see you and your friends there. Happy running!

Running Clinic No. 3

2008-07-04T16:15:00.003+08:00

The 3rd BIM Training clinic will be on Saturday July 5th at 4:30pm at the Likas Jogging Track by the entrance to the track next to the covered section.

In case of rain the clinic will be held on Sunday July the 6th : same time, same place.

Attention Runners

2008-07-04T16:05:00.002+08:00

Hi runners, we'd like to let you know that our online credit card MOTO payment is officially up and running. Sign up now and enjoy your Early Follower fees.

Click here to register!

Once your information and credit card details are submitted your payment will be processed and you will be emailed an official receipt with your official registration number and details.

Please retain this copy as you will need it to collect your registration packs.

For more information please email info@borneomarathon.com or call +6-088-218833

Running Clinics in KK

2008-06-23T17:22:00.002+08:00

Once again the weather interfered with Saturday's running clinic. If any runners are meteorologists, please explain to us what's going on ;). Despite the delay, on Sunday June 22 we had a great running clinic at Likas Lake.

After chatting to runners at the clinic, there was general agreement that we should meet up on a weekly basis, rather than fortnightly. So we propose to conduct the "official" clinics every fortnight (at 4:30 pm on Saturdays, next clinic on July 5), but on alternate weekends we'll just go for a run!

So starting next weekend (June 28), please join us for a morning running session at Likas Lake. We plan to run for about 1 hour. There will be several of us running, and we'll be going at an easy pace.

Where: Likas Lake, near sports complex

When: Saturday, June 28, Start time 7am.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Regards, Chris

Online Payment Option

2008-06-23T17:19:00.002+08:00

You may have noticed that the online payment facility on our website is not operational yet......

The organisers apologise for the delay in providing an online payment facility to runners. Getting this facility up and running is proving difficult. Please be assured that we are doing all we can to get this facility working and available on our website.

In the meantime, please register your intention to participate by sending an email to us (info@borneomarathon.com), with the following details:

- Name
- Contact email
- Contact phone number
- Event you wish to participate in

We will record your details and send you a message to let you know when the online payment is ready. The entrance fee will be based upon the day you send us the mail.

Once again, sorry for the inconvenience. Don’t let the payment problems interrupt your training schedule!

Regards, Chris

Training Clinic No 2

2008-06-16T16:37:00.006+08:00

Images taken during Clinic No. 1

BIM's 2nd Training Clinic is on this Saturday the 21st! Clinics will take place every 2 weeks. Runners start charting out your progress now.

PURPOSE

Running any of the 3 events of the Borneo International Marathon 2008( 10kms, half marathon and full marathon) is a great challenge and a rewarding one. For those who have not attempted these distances before, a running clinic is a great way to start for some very good reasons, such as:

••• to get first hand knowledge about proper running techniques, nutrition, hydration, shoes , etc from experienced runners

••• to make new friends who share the same interest and their running experiences

••• to push and motivate fellow runners to set new targets and achieve new goals

••• to get fit and discover the new and healthier you!

WHERE AND WHEN

Date : Saturday 21st June 2008(change to Sunday if raining on Saturday).

Time : Meet at 4.30pm to 4.45pm

Intro and briefing : 4.45 to 5pm

Location : Likas Sports Complex jogging track - at the small roundabout by the lake directly opposite the main entrance.

Next Clinic: The 3rd clinic will be 2 weeks after on 5th July 2008, at the same venue and time. The clinics will continue if there is light rain but will automatically carry forward to Sunday if there is heavy rain. Same time and place.

Clinic 1 : 7th June

Clinic 2 : 21st June

Clinic 3 : 5th July

Clinic 4 : 19th July

Clinic 5 : 2nd August

Clinic 6 : 16th August

Clinic 7 : 30th August

Clinic 8 : 13th September

Clinic 9 : 27th September

THE CLINIC

The following topics will be covered in the introduction and briefing:

••• correct running style and techniques

••• proper running equipment

••• stretching and warmup exercises for runners

••• proper nutrition and hydration for running

••• questions and answers

••• and a short 30 minute run together as a group

See you there :)

Training Clinics

2008-06-06T11:39:00.002+08:00

Dear Participants of Borneo International Marathon 2008

Come and join us for the 1st running clinic conducted by Dr.Fiona Lim, Sabah's own IRONLADY, with the partners of BIM '08 at Likas Complex Lake jogging track this Saturday, 7th June at 4.30pm.

Free 100 Plus isotonic drinks sponsored by Tong Hing Supermarket

See you there!

Chief Marathoner

2008-06-06T11:32:00.003+08:00

Race directors during Monday's courtesy call with Sabah's Chief Minister.
From left : Urs Weisskopf, Andrew Voon, Y.A.B Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Bin Hj. Aman,
Simon Amos and Chris Nielsen

Updates & Supporters

2008-06-01T14:57:00.002+08:00

Interested parties may now collect Borneo International Marathon entry forms at ALL (I repeat) ALL Coffeebean & Tealeaf outlets throughout Sabah and Sarawak. Payment may also be made at these outlets.

In Sabah
WISMA MERDEKA OUTLET
Lot AG16, Ground Floor

WATERFRONT OUTLET
No. 15, Ground Floor, Waterfront

KARAMUNSING OUTLET
Lot G(90) A, Ground Floor, Karamunsing Shopping Center

DAMAI OUTLET
Ground Floor, Lot 11, Damai Plaza

In Sarawak
SARAWAK PLAZA OUTLET
Lot 291, Sarawak Plaza Shopping Complex

KUCHING AIRPORT OUTLET
Lot L2A 02, Kuching International Airport

BINTANG PLAZA OUTLET
Outdoor Ground Floor, Bintang Plaza Shopping Complex

SHELL OUTLET
Main Entrance Cafeteria, Sarawak Shell Bhd.

2) Borneo International Marathon posters, stickers and can be spotted at YFitness (YogaZone) at City Mall in Kota Kinabalu. They will also have a few entry forms for anyone who may be keen to participate but for those looking to sign up, please make your payments either to a Coffeebean outlet or register at our main office :

Championship Sports Events Sdn. Bhd.
B702, 7th Floor, Phase 2,
Wisma Merdeka
Jalan Tun Razak
88000 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah, Malaysia
T/F : +6-088-218 833
E : info[at]borneomarathon[dot]com
W : www.borneomarathon.com

3) Little Italy, easily one of Sabah's most popular Italian restaurants, is also a supporter of B.I.M. Stickers and posters can be spotted at their outlet in Capitol Hotel opposite Wisma Merdeka. Newbies and first time visitors to KK, if you're after a great meal at prices which are reasonable, you now know where to go. My only advice would be to go early. The places tends to fill up unsurprisingly fast.

Marathon Running Clinics

2008-05-21T18:06:00.003+08:00

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Fiona Lim, Malaysia's top triathlete (and Sabah's very own Ironwoman), will be leading Running Clinics for registered participants as well as anyone who may be interested in taking part in one of the marathon events, or those who would like to pick up running tips and information. Also a good opportunity to meet and interact with the Race Directors who are marathon runners themselves.

If you're not familiar with just who Fiona is, you can read about her

Here

Here

And Here

So if you're in the area, come by and say hello. And bring your running shoes.

Oral Rehydration Salt Recipe

2008-05-09T16:01:00.004+08:00

I found this in one of the files. I can't seem to find the origins of this recipe so can't post up a link to the site, magazine or author responsible.

But it's worth a read anyway

A Simple O.R.S Recipe

Ingredients:

1 level teaspoon of salt

8 level teaspoons of sugar

1 litre of clean drinking water or cooled boiled water

Preparation Method :

Stir the mixture till the salt and sugar dissolve

Adidas Running Shoes

2008-05-09T15:44:00.001+08:00

An email from Mr. Krishnan Karuppan, Head of Running for adidas Malaysia

Hello Guys,

I have more good news for runners who blog or have their own webpage.

adidas had again brought in more very high performance technical running
shoes to be given away free to runners to wear-test them & to post in their
blog a very frank & unprejudiced opinion about the shoes after 30 days of
usage.

The sizes are limited and I have them in size UK 5.5 , 7.5 , 8.5 & 10.5.

Those wishing to possess these shoes will have to comply with the following
terms & condition :

1 ) Come to the adidas office to fit the shoes.

2 ) Undertake to post a comment in their blog ( about the performance of the
shoes ) after 30 days of usage.

3 ) Must be a blogger or has his/her own website.

If you are interested pls make an appointment with me as detailed below

Office address:

adidas Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Block B , Level 4, Plaza Damansara
45 Media Setia 1
Bukit Damanasara
Kuala Lumpur

Tel Office : 03 - 20804843
Mobile No : 012 - 3503668
E-Mail : krishnan.karuppan @adidas.com

This offer expires on 30th May 2008 & the shoes will be given out on
first-come-first-serve basis . For those who had participated in this
program previously are also welcomed BUT it would be appreciated that they
give other blogger an opportunity to participate

Best Regards
Krishnan Karuppan
Head of Running
adidas Malaysia

Approx Distances

2008-05-08T12:43:00.003+08:00

I've received several email requests regarding hotel distances to the starting venue for BIM, which is the Likas Sports Stadium.

Thanks to Chris Chong who was able to sort this out for me.

FROM	TO	KM (APPROX)
Likas Stadium	1 Borneo	8.30
Likas Stadium	Hyatt	4.50
Likas Stadium	Le Meridien	5.10
Likas Stadium	Warisan Square	5.40
Likas Stadium	Promenade	5.80
Likas Stadium	Pacific Sutera	8.10
Likas Stadium	Magellan Sutera	8.20
Likas Stadium	Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort	11.40

Get Involved

2008-05-06T13:07:00.003+08:00

You're keen to be involved but you're not sure how. You want to take in the atmosphere but don't actually want to run. You realise that this is a historic event for our city and would like to be a part of it too.

That's great for us. Because we need volunteers to assist us in ensuring that this event runs as smoothly and as professionally as possible. And a large part of that will be thanks to you.

If you or anyone you know would like to be involved in the Borneo International Marathon in a volunteer capacity please email me at info@borneomarathon.com and I will be able to get more information and details to you as we approach BIM.

And I thank you in advance for your interest.

And We're Off

2008-05-05T11:50:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone (runners, bloggers, interested parties).

The Borneo International Marathon Blog, or B.I.M.B. is now up and running.

The aim of this blog is to keep readers abreast of happenings regarding the marathon in the months, weeks and days leading up to what we hope will be a thoroughly enjoyable event for all.

Questions, ideas and suggestions are welcome and we thank you for your support.