TURKISH Airlines Malaysia is now the official airline sponsor for the country's Towerrunner Soh Wai Ching, who is currently ranked No 1 in Asia and No 2 in the world.
And to cap this landmark deal Wai Ching on Sunday won the KolnTurm Stairway Run in Cologne, Germany that involved 39 floors and 714 steps.
Wai Ching, 27, began Towerrunning in 2017 at the KL Tower International Towerthon Challenge. He won the “Best Malaysian” title and finished second overall in the event that was the start of his journey.
In 2019, he was the overall champion in the Turkish Airlines KL Tower International Towerthon Challenge setting a new course record of 9m07.6s, which included a 200m run and an elevation gained of 288m (TH 03).
He then took part in 42nd Empire State Building Run-Up race in New York on May 14, 2019. He finished second in a time of 11m13s running up 86 floors, a total of 1,576 steps with an elevation gained of 322m.
In June 2019, Wai Ching’s took part in the Towerrunning races in Madrid, Spain. He finished a double champion - in Carrera Vertical El Ejido for both the 28 floors climb and 6km + 28 Floors climb events.
He then finished second in the Subida Vertical Gran Hotel Bali event in a climb of 52 floors (924 steps).
Turkish Airlines Malaysia believes that this partnership enhances its reputation in supporting athletics and a reminder of the importance of passion, dedication and teamwork to achieve success.
Wai Ching, who is also the founder of Malaysia Towerrunning Association, aims to encourage more Malaysians to take to the stairs since it promotes a healthy lifestyle in the fast pace of modern life.
President of Malaysia Towerrunning Association, Ravinder Singh, said, “Malaysia as a nation is today ranked number 6 for Towerrunning and this sponsorship is timely to widen the opportunities to compete internationally as the goal remains to be number one, both for Wai Ching and Malaysia.” - The Vibes. August 30, 2021
