KOTA KINABALU: A two-day inaugural Malaysian Runners' Convention is currently being held at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) here that will see more athletes and sports organisers improve the "running business" in the state.
UMS vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Taufiq Yap Yun Hin said Sabah is well known to host international events such as the Borneo International Marathon, Mount Kinabalu Climbathon and TMBT Ultra trail among others.
"Those activities are suitable for athletes to improve their skills. But, the importance of science for one's performance development in any sports is crucial.
"Therefore, UMS, especially the Sports Science programme under the Faculty of Psychology and Education, has shouldered the responsibility as one of the main drivers in measuring and analysing athletes' performances and assist them to achieve their optimum," he said during the launch of the convention.
His speech was read by the Faculty of Psychology and Education dean Professor Dr Ismail Ibrahim.
The convention, participated by 80 runners and event organisers, is jointly organised by UMS and Sabah Obstacle Run Association (SaTRA).
SaTRA president Professor Dr Helen Benedict Lasimbang added that besides equipping runners with essential knowledge on physiology, nutrition and sports injuries, the convention also shares the legal aspect and better management in organising sports event.
"In Sabah, there is a running event almost every weekend. We often hear about runners who went missing, were injured or even died suddenly while running.
“Besides the presence of experts in health and running, professionals will also speak about the necessary rules and procedures involved in organising events," she added.
One of the participants, Noorhayati Suhaimi, 40, said that she hopes similar events could be organised in future to benefit more runners.
The self-employed runner, who has been taking part in races since 2016, said the convention was helpful for her to learn more about the body and how to improve performance.