For a fun run, the trail was really challenging!” declared the fit and buff Struys. “I didn’t expect to come in first because I haven’t trained in awhile,” said the former long-distance runner, who later joined colleagues Jay and Sham on stage to entertain the crowd.

First to the finish line in the Women’s Open 10-kilometer category was 24-year-old Vally Michael, who clocked in at 42 minutes and 4 seconds. “I run 45 minutes a day, 6 days a week,” revealed the professional, competitive runner of her training regimen. Describing herself as a natural runner, Vally
makes it a point to compete in as many runs as she can each year. “I win most of them,” declared
Vally unabashedly. She walked away with RM750 cash and prizes worth RM15,500, including: An ORIS Artelier Date Diamonds watch costing a cool RM5100; a RM1990 Fitness Concept Sky Walker; a Bobbi Brown hamper worth RM1800; a Celebrity Fitness membership worth RM3000; and adidas adiStar shoes worth RM530.

“I join marathons to stay fit and healthy,” said third place winner Mariana Mohammmad, who ran 10-kilometer in 45 minutes and 24 seconds. Like Vally, the 30-yearold from Subang Jaya keeps to a strict, 6 day-a-week training routine, with each session lasting between one and one-and-a-half hours. “Consistent training is the only way to build up the stamina you need to win,” shared Mariana, who competes in up to 5 runs a year.

Adding to the element of surprise, 50 female runners were randomly selected to be a part of the ORIS Special Team. Of the team members, Seah Bee Lian, who competed in the Women’s Open 10-kilometer category, was again, picked randomly to win an ORIS Artelier Date Diamonds watch worth RM5100. Winning the Women’s Veteran 8-kilometer category was a cinch for Devamani Sothie, who completed the run in 35 minutes and 35 seconds.

“I trained for a month prior to the run, and this was my first run after recovering from a leg injury,” said 38-year Devamani, from Port Dickson. The former clerk quit her job 18 years ago to run full-time, and has never looked back since. “I’ve competed in so many marathons, I’ve lost count!” said Devamani, who runs between 10- and 30-kilometer a day with the guidance of a personal coach. She took home RM500 in cash and products worth RM10,500 from sponsors such as ORIS, Bobbi Brown, Subaru, Origins, AAM, Nature Valley and Cres.

A series of lucky draws sponsored by Celebrity Fitness, Lab Series, Bobbi Brown, Fitness Concept, and Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort; games by Mix fm DJs Jay, Sham and Jojo; performances by Celebrity Fitness instructors Baby G and Luciano kept the crowd entertained.

Meanwhile, booths offering body painting by Perfect Point Makeup and Hair Academy, nail painting by Runway; product sampling; healthy hot dogs by 1901, as well as Fitnesse cereal and Milo drinks from Nestle kept them busy and nourished throughout the morning.

“This is such an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life,” declared an exhausted Jay after her run. “It’s such a great way to start off a Sunday. The run was so invigorating. I would so do this again!”

Daphne Iking, who was seen snapping her camera furiously in between mingling with the crowd, said the run coincided perfectly with her current training routine. “I’m in the midst of training for my first 10-kilometer marathon in Singapore, and am now at the halfway mark. The Shape Run has been the perfect testing ground for me.”

Each runner went home with a goodie bag containing products worth over RM300 from adidas, 7-UP Revive, Shokubutsu, TruDtox, Clear Shampoo, Fruitz Snack, Tastimint Lozenges, Svenson, Bion 3 and more.