TWO runners from Penang have made the state and country proud after entering the World Marathon Major Six Stars (WMM6stars) Hall of Fame.
The two of them – Penang Forward Sports Club adviser Datuk Tom Khoo and chairman Lim Choo Hooi – were among 24 runners in the country so far who have that distinction of taking part in the six world-famous marathons, namely Boston Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, TCS New York City Marathon, TCS London Marathon, Berlin Marathon and Tokyo Marathon.
Khoo told Buletin Mutiara that it was not an easy feat to achieve the milestone.
“Everything comes with sacrifices, a heavy price and my passion for running. I hope my success can spur others to pursue their dreams and not to give up easily.
“Young people should challenge themselves to overcome various obstacles. I believe they can do it too if they train hard to achieve their goals.
“In fact, I sustained an ankle injury and could not train much. However, my perseverance kept me going,” Khoo said.
His running partner Lim, who is also a Penang State Sports Council member, hopes that his feat could motivate other passionate runners to aim for such glory.
“The Penang Forward Sports Club and state government have jointly organised ‘Love Penang Run’, which has received an overwhelming response.
“We hope such activities can encourage more people to take part in various sports activities,” he said, adding that the monthly Garmin Run has attracted numerous participants.
Lim took part in the world’s six major marathons in 2018, thus qualifying for the hall of fame.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee congratulated Lim and Khoo for their remarkable achievement.
“I hope they can continue to make persistent efforts to contribute to the state’s sports development.
“The ‘Sports For All’ initiative by the state government is laudable as well as the Garmin Run event.
“We will continue to promote a healthy Penang for the benefit of the people,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee