Nightmare Run brings fun, fitness, and frights to UiTM Seremban 3

SEREMBAN: When people think of running competitions, they often imagine waking up early to serious faces and competitive timings.

However, 28 students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Seremban 3 decided to introduce a fun-filled alternative.

They brainstormed and developed an unconventional night run aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle in a relaxed and enjoyable way – with a few scares along the route.

Called the Nightmare Run, the event was held on Jan 9 around the campus, with an entry fee of just RM10.

“This is the first time we have done something like this,” said Radzli Afiq Jazimin, a member of the organising committee, which comprised students from the Bachelor in Administrative Science and Bachelor in Environmental Administration programmes.

“This was never meant to be a competitive event. We just wanted participants to take it easy. We also wanted to show that running at night can be enjoyable.”

A total of 150 runners signed up for the event.

“Of that total, 40 per cent were runners who were not students of our university,” said Radzli, who is set to graduate in October.

What made the Nightmare Run stand out was its unique theme and atmosphere. Participants ran alongside props and costumes sourced from Hollywood Treasures, adding an element of excitement and creativity to the event.

Radzli explained that the collaboration came about unexpectedly.

“We actually met the owner (Wong Jin Zhen) at a restaurant near our university. We started talking, and later he invited us to visit his showroom,” said Radzli, who hails from Desa Pandan in Kuala Lumpur.

“When Wong heard that we were planning to organise a run, he volunteered to support it by providing us with props and costumes from his collections. That played a big role in attracting participants.”

To keep runners energised throughout the night, food and drinks were provided at every checkpoint, along with prizes for participants.

“We received great feedback from the runners. Many said it was a refreshing and different kind of experience,” said Radzli.

“We also gave away prizes to cap off the night.”

The organising team is already discussing future collaborations with Hollywood Treasures, which owns several certified Hollywood movie scripts, including those from the Star Wars universe.

Besides movie memorabilia, the company also has a sporting collection that includes a replica of the Jules Rimet trophy made from the original mould of the first World Cup, signed jerseys of legendary footballers, and winners’ medals from several tournaments, including the Champions League.

Radzli added that the university encouraged the organising committee to plan the Nightmare Run as part of their project management coursework.

“The support from the university gave us the confidence to organise something creative and meaningful,” he said.

“I believe the Nightmare Run proved that fitness events can be fun, inclusive, and memorable.”