THE Penang Amateur Athletic Association (PAAA), in collaboration with the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus (KKTSS) of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the Penang State Sports Council, and MILO, successfully organised the Round-the-Houses Relay 2026 in Nibong Tebal recently.
First introduced in 1958, the annual Round-the-Houses Relay remains a key fixture in Penang’s athletics calendar, continuing to draw encouraging participation over the decades.
PAAA secretary V. Govindasamy said the event was initially held at Sepoy Lines Road (Polo Ground) before being expanded to various locations across the state to ease traffic congestion, while fostering team spirit among participants.
He added that this year’s edition was also held in conjunction with KKTSS USM’s 25th anniversary, with the campus hosting the relay as part of its milestone celebrations.
A total of 18 teams competed in this year’s run, including contingents from Perlis, Kedah and Perak.
PAAA president Datuk Seri Syed Mohamad Aidid said the relay is more than just a race, describing it as a long-standing tradition that builds camaraderie and teamwork across generations of athletes.
“PAAA extends its highest appreciation to USM for opening its campus in conjunction with KKTSS’s 25th anniversary, as well as for the continued support from teams in Penang and neighbouring states for this heritage event,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to all partners, competing teams, technical officials and volunteers for their commitment to ensuring the event’s success.
Meanwhile, Dean of the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Professor Ts. Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Ariff, representing the KKTSS campus director, said they were proud to be part of organising the historic event in conjunction with the campus’s 25th anniversary.
He added that hosting the relay reflects KKTSS USM’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, youth development and community engagement through sports.
In the competition on April 11, Velocity Running Champions Academy emerged champions in the Men’s Open category, while Team Farouk clinched the Women’s Open title. The Pack Hunters won the Men’s Junior category, with Mutiara Impian taking the Women’s Junior crown.
RESULTS
Men’s Open: 1. Velocity Running Champions Academy – VRC Elite (1:14:15), 2. Team Farouk (1:26:11), 3. Quat Runners (1:29:21).
Women’s Open: 1. Team Farouk (1:27:38), 2. USM ‘A’ (1:54.53), 3. USM ‘B’ (2:15.40).
Men’s Junior: 1. The Pack Hunters (1:18:01), 2. Tar Running Club (1:22.32), 3. Mutiara Impian (1:26:27).
Women’s Junior: 1. Mutiara Impian (1:21:01), 2. Penang Chinese Girls’ Private High School (1:23:59), 3. Tar Running Club (1:24:40).
Pix courtesy of Penang Amateur Athletic Association