Excitement is building up for the National Press Club Malaysia’s ‘Jom Jalan with NPC 2024’ due to be held on June 2 at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur.

Whether you are a seasoned walker or just looking for an excuse to spend a day outdoors with family and friends, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, friendship, and fun!

There are two main categories – a competitive 10km walk and a 5km fun walk at the inaugural ‘Jom Jalan with NPC’ event.

The competitive 10km walk will have four sub-categories – Open Men’s, Open Women’s, Boys’ and Girls’ (aged 13-17). The fun walk, meanwhile, is open to all age groups.

The event is jointly organised by the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletics Association (FTKLAA).

The objectives of the walk are to cultivate a healthy lifestyle among the masses while unearthing new talents, especially among young walkers.

In addition to the invigorating walk itself, the Press Club said there will be many exciting activities planned to keep the fun going. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, including yoga and Zumba sessions.

NPC president Datuk Ahirudin Attan said the club hoped the walk would help unite Malaysians.

“Walking together can create a sense of camaraderie among participants, and it is a healthy, low-stress activity,” said Ahirudin.

“Join us for ‘Jom Jalan with NPC’ to build relationships and capture memories.

“We have a competitive category as we want to help FTKLAA unearth new talent as there are not many walking competitions in the country.”

FTKLAA secretary S. Murugesu said Malaysia has a history of producing walking champions such as G. Saravanan, who won the 50km walk at the 1998 Commonwealth Games. V. Subramaniam won six SEA Games gold medals and five silver medals in the 10km and 20km race walk events between 1977 and 1989.

He was runner-up in the men’s 20km walk at the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games, a feat which saw him win Sportsman of the Year. Annastasia Karen Raj and Yuan Yufang also won medals in the SEA Games. Both also competed at the Olympics.

However, there has been a lack of walking champions in recent years, and it is hoped that ‘Jom Jalan with NPC’ will become an annual affair to spot future champions.

Those interested in ‘Jom Jalan with NPC 2024’ can register at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/87634/jom-jalan-with-npc-2024 OR https://v2.checkpointspot.asia/event/npc-walk-2024

For corporations wanting to sponsor or be part of ‘Jom Jalan with NPC 2024’, kindly contact the club manager Steven Foo at 019-2458073.