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Kuala Lumpur (17 July, 2017): The second half of the Viper Challenge series in Malaysia, widely acknowledged as Asia’s biggest obstacle course running event, continued its momentum over a demanding Genting Highlands from where it left off two months ago in Medini, Johor.
Dubbed the Great Eastern Genting King of the Mountain, 10,000 participants took up the challenge for the third year as they battled the hilly terrain, winding roads and some new obstacles. The cool climate at The Ranch in Awana, Genting Highlands was a welcome change for all participants after the energy sapping heat of the previous stops.
A heavy drizzle on Saturday morning did not dampen the mood of the participants with the elite participants making their way through the adrenaline-pumping obstacles in the first wave starting at 7.00am. Participants were flagged off at 30-minute intervals until the last wave at 1.40pm.
The Great Eastern Genting King of the Mountain, the first of the mid-level Viper Challenge event, was graced with the presence of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Bhd, YBhg Dato’ Koh Yaw Hui who flagged off about 300 staffs and agents of Great Eastern that participated in the 8.30am wave.
Participants received their medals and finisher t-shirt once they had completed the challenge which covered a distance of 10km and the 15 obstacles. As an added attraction the Great Eastern’s LIVE GREAT booth offered free photo printouts and chances to win Starbucks gift cards at the ‘LIVE GREAT Fitness Challenge’.
The Great Eastern Viper Challenge 2017 Series is presented by Great Eastern Life as part of their ‘LIVE GREAT Programme’, the first integrated health and wellness programme by an insurance company in the region. It comprises five components including wellness tools, health tips, mobile applications, workshops and events. Added to this, customers can use the LIVE GREAT Card to enjoy exclusive health and wellness privileges at partner establishments throughout the region.
Due to the exceptionally high demand, the Viper jet package offered an impressive deal for participants to travel from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur before making their way up to Genting Highlands. The package for two included flight tickets to and from Singapore, entry tickets to the Great Eastern Genting King of the Mountain and two nights stay at the First World Hotel, Genting.
“This is our third time here in Genting and the demand has been ever increasing as Viper Challenge provides an unforgettable experience. It also serves as an escape route for those caught up in a fast-paced lifestyle and assures participants a unique experience,” said Simran Latif, Head of Operations of Viper Challenge.
Malaysia Major Events, a division of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and an agency under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia (MoTAC), has pledged its continuous support of the Viper Challenge. Since the first edition in 2013, more events have been introduced yearly with the brand currently boasting well over 120,000 enthusiasts who have competed in events on the local front and internationally.
Mohammad Hanif, an advertising & multimedia designer who is currently working in Genting Highlands, was thrilled with his exceptional experience after crossing the finish line to earn his medal and finisher t-shirt.
“I am extremely proud of myself for having completed this obstacle course running event as it was my first time. There were times during the event when I thought of quitting, but thankfully my group of friends helped me all the way to the finish line. Despite taking 90 minutes to complete all the obstacles, this was a great experience and will be a pleasant memory when I look back someday,” said the ecstatic Kelantan-born Hanif.
Alyssa Francis, a 21-year-old student with University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), spoke very highly of how the Viper Challenge has helped overcome barriers.
“This Viper Challenge event has really pushed me to limits which I never thought I could reach, physically and mentally. I experienced muscle cramp on my right leg and due to my fear of heights, was terrified as we were going higher up the mountain. Thankfully, I made it to the finish line,” said a visibly relieved Alyssa, who is currently pursuing a degree in psychology.
Viper Challenge’s multiple formats which cater to the masses and an elite few, require participants to complete any three of the five events – Singapore, Penang and Johor (entry-level), Genting Highlands, Shah Alam (mid-level) and the final event, the Great Eastern Viper Challenge.
The next Great Eastern Viper Challenge event will be held at the majestic Shah Alam Stadium on September 9, 2017 where the participants will aim to complete their Series Finisher Medal with the grand finale taking place at Cyberjaya in December. Tickets are available and can be purchased online at www.viperchallenge.com.
ABOUT VIPER CHALLENGE:
Viper Challenge is Asia’s Largest Obstacle Course Running event and is the brainchild of Original Bootcamp Sdn. Bhd. Started in 2013, has now become immensely popular with frequent sold out events and currently have over 120,000 enthusiasts participating in their events locally and internationally. Viper Challenge 2017 season kicked off in Singapore and will next make its way to Penang on March 25, 2017 before heading south to Johor on April 30, 2017 to complete the entry level. The mid-level leg kicks off with Great Eastern King of the Mountain on July 15, 2017 followed by Great Eastern Viper Arena, Shah Alam on September 9, 2017 before concluding with the Great Eastern Viper Challenge.
ABOUT GREAT EASTERN LIFE ASSURANCE (MALAYSIA) BERHAD
Great Eastern Life began its operations in 1908 as a branch office of The Great Eastern Life Assurance Company Limited. The Malaysian operations were subsequently transferred to a locally incorporated public company, Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Berhad under the Scheme of Transfer of Business. The Company was certified by The Malaysia Book of Records in 1998 as “The Oldest and Largest Life Insurer” in Malaysia.
With more than a century of experience and solid financial foundation, Great Eastern Life has RM72.9 billion in assets, over 3.0 million policies in force and a network of 17,000 agents nationwide as at 31 December 2016. To date, Great Eastern Life has 21 operational branch offices and products include life insurance plans, investment-linked plans, mortgage protection, business protection, employee benefits, medical insurance and group health benefit schemes. Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Berhad is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Eastern Holdings Limited (GEH) and its ultimate holding company is Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (OCBC).
ABOUT GREAT EASTERN HOLDINGS LIMITED
Great Eastern is the oldest and most established life insurance group in Singapore and Malaysia. With S$68.1 billion in assets and over 4 million policyholders, it has three successful distribution channels – a tied agency force, bancassurance, and a financial advisory firm, Great Eastern Financial Advisers. The Group also operates in Indonesia and Brunei and has a presence in China as well as a representative office in Myanmar.
It was named Life Insurance Company of the Year at the Asia Insurance Industry Awards in 2011 and 2013 by Asia Insurance Review. The Great Eastern Life Assurance Company Limited has been assigned the financial strength and counterparty credit ratings of “AA-” by Standard and Poor’s since 2010, one of the highest among Asian life insurance companies. Great Eastern’s asset management subsidiary, Lion Global Investors Limited, is one of the largest private sector asset management companies in Southeast Asia.
Great Eastern is a subsidiary of OCBC Bank, the longest established Singapore bank, formed in 1932 from the merger of three local banks, the oldest of which was founded in 1912. It is now the second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets and one of the world’s most highly-rated banks, with an Aa1 rating from Moody’s. Recognised for its financial strength and stability, OCBC Bank has been ranked Asean’s strongest bank and among the world’s five strongest banks by Bloomberg Markets for five consecutive years since the ranking’s inception in 2011.
For more information, please visit greateasternlife.com
ABOUT ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP SDN. BHD.:
Original Bootcamp Sdn. Bhd. is an outdoor-based group fitness training system. It is the first of its kind in Malaysia that offers a creative infusion / blend of heart-thumping HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), Cross Training, Kettlebell-inspired concepts and bodyweight drill progressions that are structured on the scientific principles of strength and conditioning. Led by a dedicated team of professionals made of Sports Science minds, certified strength and conditioning specialists and experienced trainers, the boot camp focuses on a variety of high-intensity workouts whilst implementing unique training tools such as tyres, ropes and sandbags. This group fitness training system takes place from Monday to Saturday with specific schedules in place for its venues at the KLCC Park, KL Padang Merbok and the PJ Padang Astaka. Original Bootcamp have previously conducted corporate trainings for Air Asia, New Straits Times, TV3, Maxis, Fly FM, Astro, Shell and Ambank to name a few. For further information, please log on to http://www.bootcamp.com.my/index.php
ABOUT MALAYSIA MAJOR EVENTS
Malaysia Major Events (MME) is a division of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia (MoTAC). MME was established under the Government’s Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) to identify, promote, facilitate as well as support viable international events to be staged in Malaysia. With its main objective to enhance Malaysia’s economic growth and profile, MME is also tasked to identify and support major event bids for sports, arts, lifestyles and entertainment events and provide assistance to home-grown and home-hosted events in order to further strengthen Malaysia’s global appeal as the venue of choice for major events in the region. MME also acts as a conduit between the public and private sectors in ensuring seamless processes are achieved through synergistic relationships with diverse event stakeholders in staging successful events in Malaysia.
For more information, please visit www.mymajorevents.com.my and follow us on www.facebook.com/MyCEB , twitter @MyMajorEvents and Instagram @mymajorevents
