THE DASH
Enthusiasm revolved around the great PUMA the Mission, Run the Night that has provided a unique insight into runners’ sportsmanship and PUMA Japan’s professionalism.
On the 19th of November, Running Malaysia and the team visited Yanmar Stadium Nagai at the ending point of autumn season. Yanmar Stadium Nagai served as one of the playing venues of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and has been used many times for athletic competitions. Having to participate in the 4KM x 4 runners relay run, a warm-up session must not be missed. Looking at other participants who were showing enough oomph for the run, our team too, were brave enough to venture further into the atmosphere.
There were more than 100 teams, majority of the participants are Japanese, including Japanese stars, models as well as participants from other countries such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Running Malaysia was in a team together with journalists from Malaysia and Singapore.
Cool air, autumn trees, locals playing football, kids riding bicycles and passionate runners working out at the PUMA Running Station appeared before us as the park. The PUMA Running Station was open recently on the 1st of July. It has a multipurpose space that allows stretching and reinforcement training before and after running, as well as facilities such as shower rooms and locker rooms.
It got crowded in the PUMA Store inside the PUMA Running Station, in the limited space jutting out of the store. We took our time to adjust to the space, and rejoiced in a wide range of PUMA running and training shoes. In the meantime, we caught a glimpse at a pair of evospeed electric spike shoes signed by Usain Bolt.
As the sun set, emcee started to gather participants for a body stretching session. Four Japanese celebrities were called to go up on the stage and gave speeches. One of them was Masato Kanai, from a Japanese rock band BIGMAMA, released a new song “Make Up Your Mind” as the theme song of this event. “Through music as a musician, through PUMA the Mission – Run the Night as a marathon runner.” He stated. As the sun set, emcee started to gather participants for a body stretching session. Four Japanese celebrities were called to go up on the stage and gave speeches. One of them was Masato Kanai, from a Japanese rock band BIGMAMA, released a new song “Make Up Your Mind” as the theme song of this event. “Through music as a musician, through PUMA the Mission – Run the Night as a marathon runner.” He stated.
THE VERDICT
Each team member had a t-shirt with an alphabet of their own, with the image of a wild puma that hunted at night by the theme of lively nightlife was drawn, and it showed how the alphabet was being bitten.
The weather was perfect for running. A light breeze meant smooth breathing. The sky was clear. At six in the evening, race began.
The first three kilometres covered the route in the Nagai Botanical Park itself, while the last one was at the aisle in the stadium.
From atop the aisle, we could see a few bystanders cheering for the participants at the seating area. The sight was too tempting, that we pushed ourselves to run quicker. Unceasing “ganbatte!” uplifted by these Japanese was able to relieve my exhaustion and revive my energy again.
When reaching the seating area in the stadium, all we could imagine was glory. It was the thousands of spotlights, big or small that shone through you. Although our team did not get an excellent position, the run gave us a much closer relationship into the fervour of running and team spirit. Spectators applauded as the last runner crossed the finishing line.
Some people say that life is a marathon, not a sprint; but we think that life is a relay race – perpetual run whereby we receive the baton as individuals. Each person is a part of the larger whole – the relay team. It is more important to be running in a group than running alone. You can have someone who is worthy of your entrustment, at the same time entrusted by the person. From one individual to one group, we build upon what we went before. This unique theory, probably is why people like the chemistries between your teammates in a relay race.
Trust in your team, compromise and share. Together you will get to the finish line.
Yes, it was a beautiful experience we pictured, if we were not just on a short visit to Osaka, but extended our trip in such attractive landmark. One, just one stroke of serendipity would suffice.
