Running syndicate

It just appeared in the paper today. There is a running syndicate going on, right here in Malaysia. That certain group of people who brings in the foreigner to participate in local running races, namely marathon or the shorter distance runs. These foreigners are on vacation visa. I thought it would never be brought up. Though, there was this fluttery feeling on their participants, I had never quite thought of it was much of an issue.

Yes, everyone of us, the runners; have seen them running in local races. Most of them are the Kenyans. Genetically, they are one of the fastest runners in the world for long distance. Topping most of the top positions. If there are 10 of them, 1st -10th place would be theirs. Or perhaps 1 or 2 Malaysians would be slipping in between those rankings.

I have seen them alot. Not only in road races. They even participate religiously in most of the trail runs as well. There are few circuits Kembara (mountain running circuits); dominated by them as well. Be it held trail runs at Tioman, Bera or anywhere, I do see them. They always come with the same local man, who manages the team. So that I heard this local guy collect some commission from their prize money. Pakcik kaya betol. I have seen him few times as well. He does not really mingle around us as well. But, my observation might be wrong.

Talking bout circuit kembara, the last leg we saw 5 of the Kenyans in ladies category. Prizes for the top 10th, hence it left the locals only 5 positions to be grabbed. Talking about sportsmanship, its always good to have more competitions. However, in other way, it sort of killed our enthusiastism.

Also, I see them getting ready to go into adventure races as well. Mixed displines comprising kayaks, swimming, biking, running. It might not be as hard for them, as most adventure races are made up mostly of running disciplines. It has been once, that I heard from Eco JB race director mentioning that the foreign athletes calling him everyday to accept their participation. However, this director was clear of his objective & rejected their request; perhaps till he is ready to do an international category.

N, I have seen them in Perhentian Island Challenge (swimming & running), quite a number of them. & how we cheered for Shahrom when he was overtaking the Kenyans during swimming leg.

I had never thought of their participation as an issue, as it has always been the case. Anyway, who would protest for Kenyans to participate in races, while we do the race more for self satifaction. It has always been a plus for organisers to have foreigners in their races, at least they could say their event is so successful that they attract the foreigners. However, in the other hand, they should start looking things from a different angle. These runners are also partly a victim (as for the syndicate), or they make us their victim.

I do not 100% oppose their participation, however, something need to be looked into. While it doesnt concern me if they join all the races, or winning all the prizes; I guess it would be great as well to fairly conduct races accordingly. The locals need to be treated equally as well, as they are the one who makes the event successful. Perhaps making more categories for the event??

p/s: would the next issue be looking into triathlon races as well? hehe.. as the races are limited 3x yearly, with more & more foreigners flocking the race scenes, with exact same amount of prize positions to be offered.. <-cam gaya nak jadi organizer ajer....