KMRG Bringing Community Spirit to Kuala Lumpur’s City Centre
21 Dec
Author: LIU YITING
Editor: YANG JIALIN
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 Dec — At 6 a.m., before the city center fully woke up, Kepong
Metropolitan Running Group (KMRG) held a Christmas-themed fun run, which attracted more than 50 participants. The activity combines easy jogging with photo punching, providing a holiday way for everyone to experience the vitality of the city at dawn.
In recent years, community running groups have sprung up all over Kuala Lumpur. They go beyond the scope of competitive training and integrate urban space with social interaction. With low threshold and open participation, these running groups attract runners of all ages and turn jogging into a daily urban activity. During the yearend holiday, some running groups even combine fitness with festive atmosphere, hold theme running activities on relaxed routes, and invite the public to participate in more participatory celebrations.
Participants of all ages gathered at the starting point. [Photo by LIU YITING]
Starting from Gani Bistro Nasi Kandar, the fun run takes participants through several landmark locations: overlooking NZ Curry House, Saloma Bridge, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur main entrance of Petronas Twin Towers, and landmarks in front of Sleeping Lion Hotel. The run ended with a group photo in front of TRX's outdoor Christmas tree.
Runners passed by iconic urban spots in Kuala Lumpur. [Photo by CHIAM BOON KUAN]
The atmosphere of the event is relaxed and friendly. The reporter observed that the members of the running group warmly welcomed the newcomers, and the newcomers quickly adapted to the rhythm of the team. Participants range in age from children and adolescents aged five or six to core groups aged 30 to 50, and even runners aged 70 to 80. Many people take their families with them.
Participants covering all age groups. [Photo by LIU YITING]
In order to embrace the Christmas atmosphere, many runners came wearing holiday equipment. When the team jogged in the street in the early morning, they met other local running groups unexpectedly, which injected laughter and vitality into the usually quiet downtown. This scene shows the other side of the urban public space at dawn.
Participants dressed in Christmas-themed gear. [Photo by LIU YITING]
Boo Wei Chon, director of KMRG, said that the running group was originally a leisure gathering of runners who often trained in the same park, aiming at sharing skills and tracking progress. He explained: "We choose Christmas for this fun run because all major events have been combined at year end. People can relax, enjoy the festive declarations, and take in the city at a slower pace—without race pressure."
KMRG director Boo Wei Chon. [Photo by LIU YITING]
He also pointed out that running is not only speed and performance, but also a way to reconnect with the city. He encourages young people to keep regular work and rest, participate more in sports activities and establish a healthier daily rhythm.
Lai Woon Jou, who took her children to run, explained that running with the whole family helps to reduce screen time and create family opportunities. He said, "Exploring the city scene and taking photos together is also a new experience for the child."
Lai Woon Jou and his family members. [Photo by LIU YITING]
In addition to holiday activities, KMRG regularly organizes systematic training on speed and endurance, and often participates in marathons and road races. Sponsorship support will be provided about every quarter, including regular provision of drinking water and other materials. Members generally believe that KMRG has gone beyond the simple running group and gradually formed a fitness culture centered on health, companionship and urban participation.
Captain Boo Wei Chon is distributing the drinking water provided by the sponsor. [Photo by LIU YITING]
In the holiday season full of entertainment activities, this fun run at dawn redefines the meaning of Christmas in a unique way, unites people across generations and families in the shared urban space through sports, and cultivates a sense of connection and community outside the rush of daily life.