IN THE NEWS: Sharing A Passion For Running

Sharing A Passion For Running
By Y.P. SIVAM, Photos by SAM THAM

Eight years ago, contractor Law Lai Huat went on a mountain climbing expedition to Gunung Irau in Cameron Highlands. Little did he realise that a chance meeting with teacher Chong Yoke Fong would lead to finding a life-time partner in running as well as in life.

Law, who was 27 years old then, took up mountain climbing in an attempt to reduce his weight. He was immediately smitten by Chong's personality when he met her during the trip.

“She was quite an interesting and lively character. She, too, had an interest in outdoor activities. It was just a friendship between two people who shared a passion for mountain climbing. We realised that we were both into running and decided to train together,'' said Law.

After three years, Law and Chong felt that they should tie the knot. By then, both Law and Chong had taken part in many road races and had climbed several peaks, including Gunung Tahan and Mount Kinabalu, in Malaysia. Law had managed to reduce his weight to 85kg while Chong, after her studies, had settled down as a teacher. Chong, who is waiting for her posting as a teacher, said she was simply impressed by Law's approach to life. “Besides sharing the same interests, he was very jovial and understanding. As both of us were into mountain climbing and running, it was easier for us to click,'' said Chong. However, Chong and Law have been trying to outdo each other in competition. Law has a personal best of 3'26.00 in the marathon.

Running couple Law Lai Huat (right) and Chong Yoke Fong jogging together at Lake Gardens.

He clocked that time in the 1997 Kuala Lumpur International Marathon (KLIM). Chong's personal best is 3'41.00 clocked in the KLIM this year. They take part in 15 to 20 road races a year. The runs include one marathon, two half marathons and several 10km runs.

Law said Chong had been making steady progress. He said he would not be surprised to see his wife charging past him in the next few runs. Both of them are preparing for next year's KLIM. They will also be taking part in the inter-team event in the Singapore Marathon on Dec 5.

Besides their five days a week running session, the Laws also go jungle trekking at the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) to build their stamina and endurance. FRIM is convenient for them as they live in Kepong. As members of the Pacesetters Athletics Club Malaysia (PACM), Law and Chong join their teammates for long runs at Bukit Aman on Sundays.

Law and Chong are not the only couple who run. The others are Loke Chan Chuen-Agnes Tee; Tan John Yam-Yap Wai Mun and Lim Siew Cheng-Lee Chang Chuen. “Running has also become a regular activity for us. Our annual holidays also take place during international marathons. This year, we took part in the Disneyworld Marathon in the United States as well as the Sydney Marathon,'' said the 36-year-old Tan.

Loke and Tee were into running even before they joined PACM. They have two sons who are also showing an interest in running. For the 47-year-old Loke, running provides them an opportunity for the family to be together.