Morning run with Energizer MD Mike Foong

Post announcements of full compensation of the runner entrance fees and goodie bags, public apologies, Energizer has proven themselves to be serious in remedying the whole unfortunate event. A morning run was organised and Mike Foong joined the runners for a run at Titiwangsa Lake on Saturday 7th May 2011 at 730a.m. (a very pretty sunny Saturday morning).

Strangely, only a handful of runners turned up despite the run invites being posted at the following pages:

http://www.facebook.com/Energizer2011

http://www.facebook.com/BoycottEnergizerNightRace

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suggestion-to-Mr-Mike-Foong-Energizer-Malaysia-/219073088108994

In fact only Andreas West a seasoned runner and one of the admin for the Facebook pages was present.

It was a good run and having the man himself present to hear us out and suggestions, I think one can certainly be looking forward to a better run being organised next year:D

Here's the official press release:

Following the aftermath of the Energizer Night Race 2011, Mike Foong, the managing director of Energizer Malaysia Sdn Bhd, hosted a personal meet-and-greet session and informal run with participants of this year’s race at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa last Saturday.

Held barely a week after the Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix, the Energizer Night Race 2011 last month gave runners the first ever opportunity to race on the Sepang International Circuit, ‘The Home of Malaysian Motorsports’. More than 10,000 runners wearing special headlights transformed the circuit into a moving “river of light”, while the event also entered the Malaysia Book of Records for the Largest Participation in a Night Run.

However, the Energizer Night Race 2011 was marred by poor organisation throughout the event, resulting in an overflow of discontent from participants and the running community. This had resulted in numerous suggestions, questions, complaints and disputes from runners in the two weeks that followed.

“In the aftermath of the issues that happened during the Energizer Night Race 2011, we at Energizer Malaysia received a significant amount of constructive criticism from runners who have offered great ideas on how Energizer Malaysia can continue to support their passion for running,” said Foong.

“We wanted a personal opportunity to listen and address directly all comments, suggestions and feedback from the running community in an open and honest manner, in the hope that we can do much better for future events,” he added.

The invitation to the run and personal meet-and-greet with Foong and the Energizer Malaysia team was posted on key Facebook complaint pages created by disgruntled participants in this year’s race, which included the Energizer Night Race KL 2011: We Want Justice, Boycott Energizer Night Race, and Suggestion to Mr. Mike Foong (Energizer Malaysia) Facebook pages.

Early on Saturday morning, around 15 runners joined the team from Energizer Malaysia for a relaxed run around Taman Tasik Titiwangsa. These included the administrators of the Facebook complaint pages, representatives of the running community, and running enthusiasts – all who were participants in this year’s Energizer Night Race.

During the run, these representatives shared in detail the experiences and issues they encountered and also made suggestions on how the event could have been implemented better – from appointing seasoned marathon organisers to proper planning of logistics and the safety of runners.

After the run, Foong also explained the steps Energizer Malaysia was taking in the aftermath of this year’s event, including refunding the full registration fees for every registered participant in the race.

To ensure that participants get what they were promised, Energizer Malaysia will also be taking over the event organiser’s prior commitment to fully distribute all certificates, medals, finishers’ T-shirts, headlights and complimentary gifts after the race. All registered participants should expect to receive their dues and refunds by the end of May 2011.

“Energizer Malaysia shares the disappointment of the participants in the Energizer Night Race 2011 and once again would like to apologise as the title sponsor. Even though the race organiser has taken full responsibility for the issues of that night, I want to assure all participants that we are committed to a full plan of reparation,” Foong said.

“We at Energizer Malaysia want to rebuild bridges with all the participants, and our ears and minds are open to all affected parties in the hope that a better and more successful event can be held next year. We hope to work very closely with the running community to ensure that all future running events sponsored by us offer a safe and fulfilling experience to all,” concluded Foong.

Amongst some questions that was covered:

1. What were the key highlights of the Energizer Night Race 2011?

The Energizer Night Race was the first running race ever on the Sepang International Circuit, which happened barely a week after the Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix. 10,000 participants broke the record for ‘largest participation in a night race’, which was witnessed by Malaysia Book of Records. The event also featured Energizer’s unique night race format with headlights on every runner that transformed the route into a “river of light”.

2. What went wrong on the night?

The implementation of the event on the day left a lot to be desired. From our internal investigations, we have come to believe that the organiser made some last-minute decisions that were not in line with our aspirations that resulted in the escalating problems on the night. We were as surprised and disappointed as the participants when we witnessed those issues unfold during the event.

3. Why did Energizer collect unreasonable parking fees?

Energizer did not authorise the collection of parking fees during the race. We have yet to hear back from the organiser in regards to this issue and this is part of our ongoing internal investigation.

4. Why were there so many safety issues on the day?

The initial plans as shared by the organiser to us outlined a comprehensive which addressed all the concerns and issues from last year. While we initially had full confidence in the organiser to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for all participants, this did not materialise which came as a surprise and disappointment to us in Energizer as well. It seems that proper precautions were not taken by the organiser due to numerous last-minute changes and poor planning.

On behalf of Energizer, I want to apologise to all runners who experienced inconvenience, discomfort and injury from that night. We recognise that most of these could have been avoided should due diligence be performed.

5. Why weren’t the headlights distributed during race-kit collection days?

The headlight is crucial for participation in the Energizer Night Race throughout the entire length of the route. One of the chief reasons we chose not to distribute the headlight during the race-kit collection days is so that participants would not forget or misplace the headlight before the race.

However, we are considering all alternatives to avoid safety issues like this year’s where there were long queues in the access tunnel and theft of headlights on race day.

6. How do you explain the timing discrepancies and result disputes?

We conducted our own internal enquiries with the race director and timekeeper, and recognise that errors in the actual route run by participants have resulted in disputes for final rankings and timings. This was due to numerous reasons, but we have been given assurance by the race director and timekeeper that the final results are based on actual timing chip records and the unanimous decision of the referees.

7. Why was there no results announced on the night?

According to the race director, the results could not be announced as the final race times and placing could not be confirmed by the referees until very much later. As such, neither the master of ceremonies nor Energizer Malaysia could make any announcements on behalf of the organiser or race director.

We sincerely apologise for participants and members of the public who were anxiously waiting for the results that night, as well as any inconvenience caused by the wait.

8. Why did it take so long for Energizer to act after the night?

We at Energizer Malaysia shared the surprise and disappointment of the participants, as we had such high hopes for the event we helped create. As title sponsors, we needed to fully understand the situation before we could work towards the first steps of a solution.

Since that night, we have been working around-the-clock in internal enquiries, meetings and responding to participants, which have resulted in the public announcements made so far. The understanding shown by the running community is extraordinary and we will do justice to their patience.

9. How was the organiser selected?

This project was awarded through a standard tender process, where multiple event organisers were invited to submit their proposals for the project. As title sponsor, we wanted to engage professional event organisers to ensure that the requirements of our participants were placed at the highest priority. The organiser won the pitch through a proposal that above all included a turnkey event management solution that would give sponsors the freedom to focus on our contributions instead of the task of organising the event.

While the proposal and initial approved plans were comprehensive, we recognise that the actual event fell far beyond the expectations of participants and sponsors alike. We are working hard to ensure that all reparations are committed to and would like assure all parties that Energizer Malaysia will be having a personal hand in this.

10. What are the reparations?

As previously announced in our three public statements so far, Energizer Malaysia will now be taking over the organiser’s prior commitment to fully distribute all certificates, medals, finishers’ T-shirts, headlights and complimentary gifts to every registered participant in the race. This is in addition to the refund of the full registration fees for every registered participant as previously announced.

Details have been sent out to participants via e-mail and SMS, and have also been announced on the Energizer Night Race 2011 website and Facebook page. (www.energizernightrace.com.my; www.facebook.com/EnergizerNightRaceMalaysia).

11. When will runners receive the refund and/or reparations?

All registered participants should expect to receive all dues by the end of May 2011. Energizer Malaysia will be contacting each winner for their medals, certificates and prize money.

12. Will you be organising another race in the future? Why?

We at Energizer Malaysia are seriously considering another Energizer Night Race next year. We realise that corporate sponsorship of sporting events are highly valued in Malaysia and we would still like to be a part of the running community through the opportunities we have to offer.

As the first running race on the Sepang F1 Circuit, it would be a shame to see this opportunity go to waste after this year’s event. The Energizer Night Race concept and format has seen worldwide success in South Korea, Argentina, Philippines, and South Africa, and we see no reason why Malaysian runners should not experience the same excitement and thrill as these runners worldwide.

While this is a big ask after the events of the Energizer Night Race 2011, we at Energizer Malaysia sincerely ask for the support, input and participation of runners as we work towards a better and improved Energizer Night Race 2012.

13. What is next on the calendar after the Energizer Night Race?

First and foremost on our priorities is ensuring that all registered participants receive their dues as promised in our previous statements.

After that, we hope to work very closely with the running community to ensure that all future running events sponsored by us offer a safe and fulfilling experience to all. We hope that you keep yourself posted for future communications and announcements we will make.

Here's also the latest press statement today confirming that all 10,000 participants will be receiving a full refund and the gift bags latest by 27th May 2011. And if you have not received it by then please write to cst.msia@energizer.com

Energizer Listens in the Aftermath of Energizer Night Race 2011

The following letter was sent to the Administrators and members of the 3 groups formed by the participants of the recent Energizer Night Race 2011:

• http://www.facebook.com/Energizer2011

• http://www.facebook.com/BoycottEnergizerNightRace

• http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suggestion-to-Mr-Mike-Foong-Energizer-Malaysia-/219073088108994

Dear Administrator,

First and foremost, I would like to repeat how deeply sorry we are for the experience you and other participants had during the Energizer Night Race 2011.

Since the race, we have been working around the clock to ensure a full understanding of what happened and why. While we worked with a party whom we trusted to execute the race in a right and responsible manner, it was ultimately our responsibility to ensure it was the inspiring and exciting event we intended for it to be.

If immediate answers were not forthcoming after the event, please understand that we wanted to get the clearest understanding of the event’s shortcomings from all parties involved first. No doubt you are aware of our previous statements, which came as a result of our internal investigations. We are shocked and embarrassed by the events that occurred, and truly regret any anxiety, frustration or discomfort that you or others experienced.

Since the event, what I personally appreciate is the amount of constructive criticism from so many runners who have offered great ideas on how we at Energizer Malaysia can continue to support their passion for running. I have personally received numerous suggestions, questions and disputes over the past two weeks, and would like to address these in an open and honest manner.

In the spirit of good faith, I would like to have a short run with you on Saturday the 7^th of May at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa. I would love to take this opportunity to listen to your comments, suggestions and feedback you have collectively gathered from your fellow participants in the race, in the hope that we can do much better for future events.

For the ease of discussion, please only appoint up to two other representatives from this Facebook page to join us at the run if you wish. Members on the Boycott Energizer Night Race Facebook page are more than welcome to join our run, but please understand if I can only accommodate personal sessions with you and your appointed representatives.

I would love to hear back from you soon so I can send you a personal invitation.

Kindest regards,

Mike Foong,

Managing Director of Energizer Malaysia

And the second letter:

Dear Administrator,

Thank you for confirming your attendance for this Saturday’s run with me. Here are the details:

Date: Saturday, 7^th May 2011

Time: 7:30am

Venue: Main Pier, off Jalan Kuantan (gathering point)

Taman Tasik Titiwangsa

Kuala Lumpur

Programme:

7:30am: Arrival at main pier* off Jalan Kuantan, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa

7:45am: Meet & greet

8:00am: Start of run and personal sharing

9:00am: End of run; Recap of suggestions and final remarks

9:15am: Refreshments

*The main pier is the largest structure that extends into the lake.

Remember, this informal run is an opportunity to listen to the comments, suggestions and feedback you have collectively gathered from fellow participants in the race, in the hope that we can do much better for future events. More importantly, this is a chance for you to ask whatever questions you may have about the Energizer Night Race.

You are also welcome to appoint up to two other representatives from this Facebook page to join us during the sharing. Participants in this year’s Energizer Night Race are more than welcome to join our run to show solidarity – in fact, the more the merrier!

The team at Energizer and I are personally looking forward to meeting you and the other runners in person, and we sincerely hope that the run and discussions will be as fruitful as we intend it to be.

See you on Saturday!

Kindest regards,

Mike Foong,

Managing Director of Energizer Malaysia

So folks, if you're keen to join, you're most welcomed to do so. However, please take note that in case you can't get your personal session with Mr. Mike Foong because of the number of people etc, please don't hold it against that man nor Energizer Malaysia. It is good and brave of them to even come out to organise this informal gathering.

Energizer Night Race 2011 Timings and Results - Official Statement by Energizer Malaysia 27 April 2011

More updates on the Energizer Night Race 2011:D

The last week or so, we heard many gripes and complaints on the timing. Well this evening Energizer Malaysia released another official statement on this matter.

I've attached a copy of the said official statement from Energizer Malaysia. And also the amended results for all 4 categories. The said statement and results can also be viewed at the Energizer Night Race 2011 website and the event Facebook page.

42km race

21km

5km and 11km

In a gist:

(i) Based on the complaints and enquiries that were forwarded, Energizer Malaysia after discussions with the race director and timekeeper, realised that errors in the actual route that the runners ran resulted in disputes and rankings.

(ii) Thus new rankings and timings have been released. These are based on the actual timing recorded by the timing chip records and with the unanimous decision of the referees. Note that the chip records are only available for the 21km and 42km runs.

(iii) If you're a winner as listed on the latest results, Energizer Malaysia will be getting in touch with you with regards to your medal, certificate and prize money.

My name obviously didn't appear on the list. I did my 11km in 1 hour and 20 minutes:P For the winners, congratulations! And for the others, let's train harder for future races.

Official Statement by Energizer Malaysia ~ 21 April 2011

Both Expose Media and Energizer Malaysia made their official statements on Monday. Now Energizer Malaysia has come out with another official statement ahead of the promised Friday 22 April 2011. So folks, you have to give them some credit for expediting their action to remedy all damage, discomfort, anger, inconvenience etc that we each had endured during the Energizer Night Race 2011.

In a gist, the official statement today says:

(1) Energizer Malaysia as the title sponsor is taking over Expose Media's prior undertaking to commitment to distribute certificates, medals, finisher Tshirts, headlights and a complimentary gift to all registered participants of the race.

(2) Energizer Malaysia also confirms full refund of the registration fees to all registered participants of the Energizer Night Race 2011.

(3) The refund will be issued via cheques based on original registration details. Note that the refund cheque will be sent out separately from the certificates, medals, finisher Tshirts, headlights and a complimentary gift.

(4) Refund is made based on your registration details that was submitted when you registered for your race.

• In the event your details have changed please update your new mailing address via http://183.81.161.83/racekit/SelfServiceLogin.aspx . You must enter your Bib numner and your Mykad / passport number.

OR

• email (use this only if you have problems accessing the above link) cst.msia@energizer.com with the following details:

(i) Bib number

(ii) Full name as per your MyKad or passport

(iii) Your MyKad or passport number

(iv) Mailing address

(v) Contact number

Updating of your contact details will be from Friday 22nd April 2011 to Thursday 5th of May 2011. Thereafter all contact database is assumed to be final, correct and complete.

(4) Fret not, you will be contacted via your email or sms. This will be also announced in Energizer Night Race 2011 website and the event Facebook page.

(5) Each of us should expect to receive all dues by end of May 2011.

(6) Energizer Malaysia has also mentioned that they are working towards a conclusion of the race results and timing. My last check on the website at 6:46p.m. shows that there are some results posted up for the 42km run. Alternatively you can also check your results by entering your Bib number.

Conclussion: Think we should all now be pacified. Let's not waste anymore energy being angry with Energizer Malaysia nor Expose Media. Might well channel the energy and time to train for your next run.

Plus getting anymore upset will only make you grow older faster (you don't want to look crinkly and wrinkly faster than your real age) or boost your blood pressure:P

My hubby asked if I would take part in the next Energizer Night Race. My answer is YES. My joy is the run itself:D

Official Statements by Energizer Malaysia and Expose Media on Energizer Night Race

Actually I am secretly hoping for a rerun:D I loved the run so much and I swear that I will be training this time around should we be able to get a rerun. I just love the Sepang Circuit. Doesn't matter whether I am on my 2 legs or the 4 wheels, I just love the Sepang Circuit:D Of course if we really get a rerun, all we ask is for the event to be organised with the well being of the runners being looked into e.g. more watering and medical points, reflectors for those running the outer loop and clear announcements:D

However my hopes are dashed now that the following 2 letters have appeared in my mailbox this morning from the Agency (I was supposed to run as media for the 5km run but opted to run the 11km as per my original registration). I have had a fun time running the 11km. However the overall event wasn't as fun nor safe as it should have been. People or parties err. And when they stand up and apologise and promise action to remedy, then we should give them an opportunity to prove themselves.

So here it is the 2 letters.

And meanwhile we each should wait to see what actions are taken to remedy the unhappy event. A summary is as follows:

(1) Expose Media has committed that they will distribute the certificates, medals, finishers's Tshirt, headlights and complimentary gift to every registered participant in the run. The details for the distribution will be announced on Thursday 21st April 2011 at 6p.m.

• This does sound like every participant irregardless of whether they have completed the run or turned up for the run will be eligible to the above items. Some may say its unfair. However, taking into consideration what has happened that night, the above would be the best option since there is really no way of verifying who actually ran or qualified.

(2) Energizer Malaysia will give a full refund for registration fees for every registered participant. Details for the refund will be made on Friday 22nd April:

(i) on the Energizer Night Race website www.energizernightrace.com.my

and

(ii) their event Facebook page www.facebook.com/EnergizerNightRaceMalaysia

Both the above sound good and contradictory of each other at the same time. Does that mean each participant gets back their registration money (in my case RM65) and I also get my goodie bag etc that Expose Media promised? Well, I'll sit and wait till Friday and see what happens. Meanwhile...I'm off to train for my KL Marathon:D I seriously need to do better than 1:20.

My Fabulous & Maddening Energizer Night Run....

I survived my Energizer Night Run 2011! Yes I did. I ran my 11km in approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. It was a crazy stunt on the personal end since I never did train per se. Conclusion? It was fun and definitely a personal achievement that I am proud of.

The whole event however I felt was marred. And I am to an extent "ANGRY". The well being of participants and the public was not a priority! Its nothing to do with the promised goodie bags or medal or tee shirt for the qualifiers including myself. Its all about our safety. Our lives!

I arrived early (at 5:00 p.m. as advised when I collected my race kit). Thus I could not relate to those who were stuck in the tunnel or those who had to wrestle for their headlights. That tunnel was not meant to cater to such a huge group of people. Even when I walk through it during the Super GT or F1, it was stuffy enough. What more with some 10,000 people rushing in to collect their headlights? Pics courtesy of Yogaretnam .

And it didn't help that the headlight collection counter was "conveniently" placed at the top of the staircase? Common sense would have figured out that when the crowd starts to build up, a traffic jam is bound to start from the tunnel till the steps of the staircase? What if someone lost their balance and fell backwards? And the headlamp collection point was later abandoned by the organisers leaving it to the crowd to help themselves.

Someone asked why did I come at 5:00p.m? Well I was asked to come at 5:00p.m. And from previous experience at SIC, I didn't quite fancy walking all the way from P2 or P3 to the paddock. Its quite a walk that I could do without especially when I was going to run 11km untrained.

Traffic control was bad not just at the tunnel nor the collection of headlamps. For the 42 and 21km runners, they were ushered to the starting grid. However the rest of us who did the 11 and 5 km were left to figure our way out. It was quite exasperating to walk to the starting grid only to be screamed at by a man over the mike. It didn't help that the sound system was quite bad with the echoes and loud music. He need not shout at us like we were some bunch of hooligans. Had they divided us into groups based on our flag off time, there would not be a traffic of blur runners who didn't know what to expect.

And I didn't understand how could not runners be allowed into the starting grid? It boiled down to lousy traffic control. Spectators could have viewed the run from the grandstands but not where we were being flagged off. This kid and her dad certainly didn't look like the runners. And neither did this group of folks holding bags. When I finished my run, the finishing line was filled with runners, clueless officials and these supporters. I understand you're there to cheer for your friends and loved ones, but heck if you come into our finishing line, you were a danger to the exhausted runners.

The Sepang F1 circuit is fun to drive. At 5.54km and 15 turns, it seems easy when I'm in the car. However, running on my 2 legs, heck it was not an easy task. And the least I expected was more water and medical stops. Instead we had barely there medical points. No marshall patrolled the circuit - I only met one 2 blokes on the motorbike once during my 2 laps. And the water point at Turn 14 was a joke (approximately 5km of running). Drinks were in cans. Heck the runners are wasting their time trying to open the cans! And cans itself is a danger when irresponsible runners litter it on the track. In fact between Turn 14 till midway leading to Turn 15 was a litter of cans! Indeed shame on the runners who littered but the organisers and in this case Gatorade the sponsor should have used their cow sense (no more common sense as I was told common sense isn't common anymore) to issue drinks in paper cups instead.

It is to be expected that there would be more medical points as not everyone would be prepared for the actual harshness of Sepang Circuit. Like I said, driving is easy. Running is a different ball game altogether. I endured a cramp on my 2nd toe in my second lap. No medics. Another fellow blogger / runner Wilson also endured his cramps with no medics around to help. And he witnessed a lady runner who fell and injured her palms but no help was seen:-(

And when I completed my 2 laps (Yippeee) I looked carefully to make sure that I ran into the correct lane (11km) but I was told by an official o move to the 22km lane. Excuse me? I have to reverse gear and run into the 22km lane now? And what do I do next? He says just queue for your goodie bag and conveniently pointed at the pits that seemed like a sea of people.

So there I went to join the queue hoping to see some water stands etc. But there was nothing! Instead I saw people trying to figure out which pit they should be queueing at. The signs were so tiny (A4). Still no water. I was contemplating asking a random stranger for water. Some were smart to grab an extra can at the watering station. Lucky for me, I met into a fellow runner Chapree who shared with me his Gatorade. Thanx bro! By then the damage was done. I was thirsting a wee too much and a sore throat had already kicked in:-(

And I witnessed how the goodie bags were thrown at the participants. Didn't have my camera with me but here's pics from Facebook and also a video from YouTube to prove it all? What did the organisers think we were? Beggars? They screamed at us at the start of the race thanks to their lack of manpower and lousy communication and now they throw goodie bags at us?

Then the shutters are lowered. Lowered but we were not told why? Then a voice walks past and tells us to step back 5 feet. OK, let's step back for 5 feet but tell us the reason at least? A lady runner in front of me had to be escorted out of the crowd queueing for the goodie bags she was about to pass out. Take note. No medical seen around too (again)!

The runners gave up and many proceeded to go look for their fellow runner to make their way home. It was then we heard one of the organisers from a police car announcing that goodie bags etc would be mailed out to the participants. A thought arose in my mind, "How are they going to figure out who qualified or otherwise? How would they know who has taken their goodie bag and who hasn't?" I know I qualified at 1 hour 20 minutes as I timed my own run with my Nike +. And it was quite upsetting that the 5 and 10km were not given timed runs.

Someone from the organising committee claimed that the runners were like hooligans. Everyone wanted to queue but there was no proper guides or post being set up. It was just space and nothing to guide. RELA volunteers were around but I felt that they had no idea what to do. And this is what the abandoned pits looked like after the shutters went down. Bags of goodie bags for dunno who.

And for the rumour mongers, the police were there from the start of the event. It had nothing to do with the "riot". The police were to control the traffic for the runners especially the 21 and 42 km runner who ran on the main road. And naturally with such a huge crowd, the police would also be deployed for crowd control if necessary. For sure the police were there because when I arrived at 5:00p.m, Jo and I made a pact to make the point where the police cars were parked to be out meeting point after our run. And we reiterated that when Gladys joined us at about 6plus p.m.

I also reckoned that the organisers should have ensured that the sponsors or booth operators do not overcharge the participants. RM3 for a 500ml bottle of mineral water! And I was disappointed that there were many booths but none was allocated to FILA who sponsored the running shirts. I came armed with money to stock up on my running socks as FILA has petite sizes that fits me much better than other brands.

Now what rubbish is it about the RM10 parking fee? Who's behind it? Some opportunist or the organisers? Either way, this being overlooked only shows the incompetence of the organisers.

Here's some pics from the run which was otherwise fun (at least I speak for myself). The fact that I ran with some of my buddies made it even funner:D

Let me also share a comedy moment of the devil and the angel in me that spoke in mind during the entire 11km that I ran: