KUCHING, Nov 18: The KPJ Kuching Colour Run saw more than 3,200 runners running through clouds of coloured powder today.
The event, comprising 3km and 7km runs for participants of all ages and running abilities, took place at Saradise, here. It was aimed at creating and raising awareness about cancer as well as to raise funds for non-profit cancer organisations.
The colour run kicked off with a Zumba warm-up at 6.15am.
The 7km run was flagged off at 6.30am by Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Right before the flag off, participants threw vibrant coloured powder in the air, creating multi-coloured clouds of poweder that enveloped all the runners to signify the beginning of the colour run.
This was followed by the 3km run which was flagged off at 6.45am.
“It was a real fun, unique and colourful experience for the participants. The turn-out was great, the sun was shining and we had a great ‘colourful’ time together. As different ribbon colors represent different types of cancers, the colourful powder used during the run were pink for breast cancer, purple for pancreatic cancer, orange for leukemia, yellow for bone cancer, dark blue for colon cancer, emerald for liver cancer and burgundy for multiple myeloma,” KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital director Roslan Ahmad said in a statement.
The hospital has been staging charity run since last year and the hospital will make it an annual event.
“Cancer is a destructive disease that often involves tough therapies and unpleasant side effects such as weight loss, fatigue and hair loss. Having cancer is physically and emotionally draining for both the patients, families and friends, with hope and despair coming hand in hand.
“Fun runs have always been a great way to raise money for a good cause. All funds raised through this event will be channeled to Pink Ribbon Support Group Sarawak and Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group (RM5,000 to each charity) and benefit the patients directly,” Roslan added.
KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital medical director Dr David Ling said the run themed “Kiss Cancer Goodbye” celebrates the power of global solidarity in the fight against cancer with the main focus on prevention, early detection, treatment and health education for the public on avoidable risk factors (e.g. smoking and tobacco exposure, alcohol, poor diet) and the importance of how early detection of cancer can save lives when the detection is followed with appropriate and prompt treatment.
According to World Health Organisation, in the United States, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes, and one woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes. However death rates have declined, in part due to better screening and early detection, increased awareness, and improved treatment options.
In Malaysia, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Malaysia and the leading cause of cancer death according to the Ministry of Health. A woman in Malaysia has a 1-in-20 chance of getting breast cancer in her lifetime.
“The local demand for oncology services is increasing dramatically. In order to ensure we are responsive to the healthcare needs of cancer patients, our new 9-storey hospital, which is scheduled to be operational next year, will provide oncology and hematology services which include Oncology Daycare Unit and facilities for Cytotoxic Drug Reconstitution (CDR).
“The first phase of the hospital costs approximately 150 million and comprises of 150 beds and 450 parking bays. It is a tremendous opportunity for the hospital to expand their current specialty services, meet the growing need for outpatient and inpatient care, improve the experience for the patients and offer spacious environments for them and their family members.
“The new KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital, which is equipped with state of the art facilities, will also enable us to tap into the rising demand for medical tourism,” Dr Ling said.
Other activities included lucky draws offering an iPhone and a full HD Led TV as prizes, a health screening booth, and a photo booth.
Participants were also able to enjoy food, drinks and ice cream, thanks to food trucks stationed at the park. — DayakDaily
