A gruelling walk to glory

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INTERNATIONAL B. Thirukumaran is gearing towards a new challenge in the Putrajaya International 12-Hour Walk at Boulevard Putrajaya tomorrow.

The 40-year-old Thirukumaran, who has represented Malaysia in various international competitions including the SEA Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Asian championships, will be taking part in the 12-Hour walk for the first time.

Last year, he finished first in the 50km category. But this weekend he has opted to venture in the 12-Hour walk.

All set: Thevendra was Malaysia’s best finisher in the men’s Open event last year.

“I want to try something new and the 12-Hour walk will be a challenging one,’’ said Thirukumaran after a training session at the National Sports Council (NSC) training centre in Bukit Jalil recently.

The 12-Hour Walk, organised by the Race Walkers Association of Malaysia (RWAM) with support from the Putrajaya Holdings and the Federal Territory Amateur Athletics Association (FTAAA), will be flagged off at 8pm on Saturday and will end at 8am the following day.

The sponsors for the walk are Rockport, Johnson and Johnson, Sloan’s, Proviton, Isotnic H-Two-O, Resorts World and Eagle brand.

About 750 participants have registered for the event. There will be two categories — men and women — and the top 30 participants who cover the longest distance will receive cash prizes.

The champions in both categories will receive RM1,500 each.

The organisers are also offering cash incentives to the top three participants completing the 50km and 70km in both the men and women’s categories.

Thirukumaran said he would be happy to cover about 90km in the event.

“Last year, I took about five and half hours to complete 50km. So, the 90km distance is within my capabilities,’’ said Thirukumaran.

Thirukumaran will have to contend with R. Thevendra, who was the best Malaysian in the men’s category last year, covering 91km.

Thevendra said he would be looking forward to better his distance in this year’s event and the competition from seasoned Thirukumaran would be welcomed.

Time to stretch: Thirukumaran (right) and Mathivanan warming up for a training session.

“We train together. He will provide me an additional motivation to do better,’’ said Thevendra.

Youngster L. Mathivanan, who is training under Thirukumaran for next year’s Sukma, is also eager to do well in the event.

“I am not expecting to do anything spectacular. My aim is to gauge my progress as I am preparing for next year’s Sukma and other competitions,’’ said the 21-year-old Mathivanan.

RWAM president Datuk Eddy Chen said the event would be an ideal platform for Malaysian walkers to evaluate themselves.

“Our aim is to create opportunities for the walkers.

“We hope to see some new talents from this event,’’ said Chen.

Participants can collect their numbers and T-shirt at the Cempaka Sari Auditorium, Putrajaya Holdings from 3pm to 7pm tomorrow.