DUKE-TARCian Run 2024 kicked off with a success on 22 September 2024. Jointly organised by TARCian Alumni Association (TAA) and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), this year’s run attracted approximately 5,500 participants. DUKE Highway returned as the Title Sponsor for this year’s run, where runners ran along a 7-km stretch of the Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (SPE).
This year’s run is also organised to celebrate Malaysia’s 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China. As such, in addition to TAR UMT students, staff, family members from Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Johor and Pahang campuses as well as the public, this year’s participants also included students, family members and staff of Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) Chong Hwa Kuala Lumpur and also participants from the China Students and Scholars Association in Malaysia (CSSA-MY).
The first flag-off for the group of runners from SMJK Chong Hwa
There were two flag-offs, starting with the participants of SMJK Chong Hwa followed by the other group of runners. The flag-offs were conducted by Tan Sri Datuk Seri Lim Keng Cheng, Board Chairman of SMJK Chong Hwa, Prof Dato’ Indera Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT, Ir Mohd Hadzmir, Timbalan Ketua Pengarah, Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia, Mr Troy Chan Gwo Haur, President of TARCian Alumni Association (TAA), Mr Jackie Tan, Organising Chairman of TARCian Run 2024 and TAA Vice President as well as the Principal and members of the Parent-Teacher Association and Alumni body of SMJK Chong Hwa. Meanwhile, Mr Zhao Changtao, Counsellor from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia joined the Finish Line celebration at the later part of the day.
In his remarks during the Finish Line celebration, Prof Dato’ Indera Ir Dr Lee said, “To all participants of DUKE-TARCian Run 2024, whether you ran, walked, or jogged, thank you for your enthusiasm and energy. You have embodied the spirit of unity and togetherness which is what this run is all about. Thank you to everyone for making today another memorable DUKE-TARCian Run and see you next year!”
Participating for the first time, Cik Nabilah binti Mohd Noor who is a staff of Duke Highway shared, “I am so happy to have joined the run this year as I love running and it is great to experience the festive atmosphere of DUKE-TARCian Run.”
A once-in-a-year affair where a part of the SPE is closed to traffic for the DUKE-TARCian Run.
A highlight of DUKE-TARCian Run is the opportunity to capture shots with the scenic view of the city centre in the background.
DUKE-TARCian Run 2024 also featured various activities, including student performances, a games booth, and the usual highly anticipated lucky draw session with the grand prize being a cash prize worth RM1,500.
TARCian Run is an annually held run since 2015 and is one of the many successful initiatives by TAA to continue raising funds for the TARC Education Fund. Since its establishment in 2012, TAA has raised over RM10 million for the TARC Education Fund.
