ASIA RUNNER – KL Malaysia Running and Multisports

KUALA LUMPUR

Despite the persistent hot and humid climate of Kuala Lumpur the running scene is boomng and well provided for. There are many great spots, parks and green areas to explore and if you are willing to travel just a little bit you can find some superb routes

WHERE TO RUN
KLCC Park is a city centre park adjacent to the famous Petronas Twin Towers just minutes from the major hotel area. Attracting a mixed crowd of walkers and runners in the early mornings, the park has water fountains and a 1.3km track.

Taman Tasik Titiwangsa is one of the most popular metropolitan recreational parks near Eye on Malaysia, Istana Budaya, National Gallery, and the Sutra Dance Theatre.

Taman Aman Park is a quiet and calm small city park with a simple loop. Plenty of parking space for drivers, try Jalan 20/19, off Jalan 14/47, Petaling Jaya for quick and easy parking. By public transport
stop at the Paramount Putra LRT station and walk the one minute to the park entrance.
 
Taman Tasik Perdana (Lake Gardens) west of the main train station has two options: a hilly or nearly flat run of almost 4km around small lakes, past groomed terraces, and through light forest. Water and bathrooms are available, and it is located opposite the National Monument, within walking distance of the Dataran Merdeka.
       
Taman Tasik Permaisuri is the biggest park located in the southern area of the city, nestled between the concrete jungle of Kuala Lumpur City Centre and the many highways that serve this area. The park boasts a synthetic jogging track, topiary gardens, floral arch trellises, and gazebos and has a variety of jogging routes. The three main ones are 1.3km, 1.8km and 4.7km. The undulated terrain on this former mining pool area makes for a more challenging run.

Taman Bukit Komanwel is a memorial park dedicated to the Commonwealth Games held in KL in 1998 20 minutes ride from the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Nearby and separated by a main road and hidden by a golf course is Taman Bukit Jalil. For some hill work zig-zag to the highest peak, Plaza Pandangan, to overlook the neighbouring National Sports Complex. Once around the lake is almost 500m. There is also a swimming pool open to the public at the National Aquatics Centre where you can get in your multi-sports training. To get to Taman Bukit Komanwel take the STAR LRT to either Bukit Jalil or Sri Petaling station. By car head south following signs for “Kompleks Sukan Negara”.
 
Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) in Petaling Jaya, the state adjacent to Kuala Lumpur has three superb areas to suit all running styles: Balai Rimba for flat and shady runs; Bukit Kiara for a challenging 5km hilly workout; and Lembah Kiara, a popular recreational space, has a 2km synthetic track.

Bukit Kiara Jogging Track, adjacent to the Kuala Lumpur Golf Club is a 5km tarmac road closed to all traffic except cyclists. The trail is challenging and undulates through the pleasant tree lined scenery. The 4-leg junction at the small peak takes you through a 2km loop. A jungle track on the left leads you into the Bukit Kiara Hills. The nearest public washrooms are at the Lembah Kiara Recreation Park.

The Lembah Kiara (LK) Recreational Park in the middle of Petaling Jaya has a large lake, ample parking space and toilet facilities. There is a warm-up and stretching area and the only flaw may be that runners are spoilt for choice with the many routes on offer. The biggest draw of this park is its well-paved running path. With a cushion-like rubberised surface, the red-coloured path helps to absorb the impact of running..  The route of the run is broken up into two sections – one of 2.2km with higher inclines for the more athletic and a slightly flatter route which is about 1.1km. Both paths join and separate at different points. There is also a hill run which begins at Lembah Kiara traverses Jalan Abang Haji Openg to a small local road connecting KLGCC. The slope from this point onwards is approximately 2km long and a tedious jog up. A complete lap for this hill run, returning to Lembah Kiara is approximately 7km.

A little out of town
The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (www.frim.gov.my/) is a 600-ha site in Kepong 16km northwest of Kuala Lumpur. Surrounded by the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve Park the undulating 5 and 10km trails can be crowded on weekends and holidays. There is also paved running here.

KL ANNUALS
Great Eastern Pacesetters 30km
January
www.pacesetters.com.my

KL Marathon
March
www.klmarathon.gov.my

New Balance Pacesetters 15km
May
www.pacesetters.com.my
             

RUNNING RESOURCES
www.pacesetters.com.my - Malaysia’s largest running club
www.runnersmalaysia.com.my - Website for runners all over Malaysia. Conducts a beginners running programme every Saturday.
runwitme.blogspot.com - A humorous, unbiased participant’s view of the many races in and around Malaysia.

RUNNING SUPPLIES
Major names like Adidas, Brooks, Fila, New Balance and Nike have boutique outlets in the major malls in the city. Asics, Puma, Reebok and Saucony can be found in general sports stores located in the malls.

WEATHER
Rain: Year round, with the lightest months usually June and July between monsoon seasons.
Uncomfortable months: Never considered extreme, though every month has high humidity.
Temperature: Typically 22 to 32ºC year round. Humidity is high, up to 95% during the daytime.

 

For more information on KL, please consult our links section

Have you got something to add about the running scene in Malaysia? Drop us an email and we will add the information in the next issue of the magazine and update the website.
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