Colouring fun beyond the finish line: Sports Glory in every UTARian’s step

In the sports world, there is a saying, ‘Glory awaits you at the finish line’. It is especially true, as athletes bask in the adulations and glory after they accomplish the monumental feat of crossing that line. The quote goes beyond that—the triumph is not just in victory itself, but in the journey and joy that follow athletes as they move forward in their life.

Although not exactly the glory sought by global-stage contenders, Sports Glory: Beyond the Finish Line 2025 celebrated a different but equally profound kind of triumph—fun, health awareness, and a spirit of community that will live on in the memories of more than 330 participants for years to come.

Colouring glory in every step — participants embarking on the 3.4km journey at the starting line

Organised by the UTAR Sports Club with support from the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) of Kampar Campus, the highlight of the sports event, Colour Run, unleashed its spectrum of fun on 6 September 2025 at Terminal Kampar Putra. More than chasing glory at the finish line, it aimed to promote healthy living among the UTAR community and the wider public, all while embracing the university’s spirit of fun.

Prof Choong (top) and Khor welcoming participants during the opening ceremony

From left: Khor, Mr Chiang, Prof Choong, and En Zulhanizam opening the Colour Run

The Colour Run was not just a run, but a fun-filled journey brimmed with games and challenges. As participants made their way along the 3.4km route, they encountered inflatable obstacles, hurdles, and string courses that tested their agility. Each checkpoint brought laughter, cheers, and bursts of colour, turning the run into a vibrant celebration of fitness and camaraderie rather than a mere race to the finish line.

Dynamic warm-up led by Urbax Fitness (top) before the Colour Run

Smiles and energy as participants conquered hurdle after hurdle during the run

A ‘war’ soon broke out after participants crossed the finish line, but it was a joyful, colourful one. Participants pitted themselves against fellow runners in a joyful colour battle, filling the air with vibrant powder. With handful of colours as their arsenal, the fun continued as participants doused one another, filling the air with new waves of laughter and a refreshed spirit, leaving everyone energised, smiling, and united, regardless of the exhaustion from the prior run.

A sugary break before the imminent colour war

‘Weaponry’ supply was the key to colourful results — participants earned their vital colour powders through station games

A colour war raged on, echoing with laughter and excitement

After a war, parties often parley to reach an armistice. However, what if the joyful ‘battle’ results in smiles and leaves the participants wanting more? The jolly bunch at the Colour Run said, “You dance it off!” As the event came to a close, participants were engaged in a lively DJ and Random Dance session.

The Colour Run’s playful war painted smiles and joy from start to finish

In those moments, the event transcended a simple fun run; it became a shared experience of energy and pure joy, culminating in a last dance towards a better self and future—a glory that extended beyond the finish line, leaving participants with an unforgettable carnival of movement and happiness.

Also present at the Colour Run were UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, DSA (Kampar Campus) Head Mr Chiang Jeng Fong, Event Coordinator En Zulhanizam bin Zakaria, Sports Glory: Beyond the Finish Line 2025 Organising Chairperson Khor Chun Siang, organising committee members, UTAR staff and students.