By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, July 28: Kenyan runners dominated the men’s and women’s 21-kilometre open categories of the inaugural Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run (KHMHR) 2024 held at Kuching City South Council MBKS vicinity today.
In the men’s category, Jephet Rono outran his fellow countryman Emmanuel Kipronoh by one second to win the race, clocking in one hour, 16 minutes, and 53 seconds and collected the prize money of RM1,500 and a trophy.
Kipronoh collected RM1,200 and a trophy, while third place went to Malaysian Haarullah Safri, who collected his prize money of RM1,000 and a trophy.
In the women’s category, Chepngetich Langat won the race in one hour, 29 minutes, and 47 seconds to collect a prize of RM1,500 and a trophy. Her fellow runner, Caroline Cherono, came second and collected RM1,200 with a trophy. A Malaysian, Tho Siaw Kim, was third and collected RM1,000 and a trophy.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng presented the prizes to the winners of the two categories.
When interviewed, Wee expressed delight with the inaugural event that registered 3,500 participants from 13 countries held for the first time here in the city.
Wee pointed out that the KJMHR 2024 event is a form of creative tourism that attracts foreigners.
“We hope this is a starting for the City Joggers Club (CJC) Kuching to continue making KHMHR an annual event. Of course, we will appeal to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performance Arts Sarawak (MTCP) to support them (CJC).
“KHMHR is putting awareness on a healthy city concept. You know people are spending their time participating in the event not to compete but to become healthier.
“The participants all became friends. Continue this spirit and unite our Sarawakians together. I am sure we will achieve the vision our leaders wish to have in 2030,” he said.
The half marathon started at 4am and finished at 7am.
MTCP Deputy Permanent Secretary Desmond Douglas Jerukan, MTCPPrincipal Assistant Secretary Dr Elena Gregoria Chai Chin Fern, MBKS Deputy Mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili and KHMHR 2024 Advisors and director Chan Boon Teck were also present. — DayakDaily
