By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, June 11: A total of 1,000 runners will have the rare chance to make history on July 20 by becoming the first to cross the newly completed Jepak Bridge in Bintulu on foot, as part of the inaugural Jepak Bridge Run 2025 — a community-centred initiative celebrating Sarawak’s latest infrastructure milestone.
Organised by the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak and supported by Cahya Mata Sarawak and PPES Works, the event aims to promote healthy living and civic pride while showcasing Bintulu’s scenic cityscape and coastline.
“The Jepak Bridge Run 2025 is not just a race – it’s a celebration of Sarawak’s engineering achievements, healthy living, and community spirit.
“This is also our way of giving back to the people. For just RM20, participants will get a professional run experience, from high-quality shirts to finisher medals,” said JKR Sarawak director Ir Dr Cassidy Morris during a press conference on the Jepak Bridge Run 2025, held at the department’s office here today.
Cassidy added that the Jepak Bridge is “an iconic bridge and the only one of its kind in Sarawak at the moment,” describing the run as a way to “warm up the atmosphere before the official opening of the bridge on July 23”.
Meanwhile, Grit Event Management chief executive officer (CEO) Awang Saifeluddin said the run is significant because it marks the first-ever official run across the Jepak Bridge, which symbolises “progress, unity, and connectivity”.
“We expect the 1,000 slots to be filled very quickly. This will be one of the most affordable and iconic runs in Malaysia — only RM20 for either 5KM or 10KM categories,” he said.
For the race, participants can choose between the 5KM and 10KM categories, both open to men and women. The event will flag off from Bintulu Civic Centre at 6.30am for the 10KM race and 6.45am for the 5KM.
All participants will receive a race T-shirt, a finisher medal, and full race support. The bridge run will also feature water stations and police-assisted road closures to ensure safety.
The guest of honour, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, is expected to officiate the event.
Registration is now open via https://gritevent.com/jepakbridgerun. — DayakDaily
