KUCHING, Nov 27: The Sarawak Energy Isthmus Run made a successful comeback on Nov 19 (Sunday) after a three-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, with this year’s event drawing a record participation of 3,120 runners.
Themed ‘Run for Sustainability’, the 2023 edition of Sarawak Energy’s flagship running event not only celebrated its revival but also managed to raise over RM176,000 for charity.
Speaking at the event, Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili emphasised the annual run’s vital role in promoting community engagement, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and making meaningful contributions to charity.
Sharbini, who flagged off the 10km and 5km race categories, announced that the proceeds raised from the registration fees collected would be evenly distributed among eight charitable organisations.
The beneficiaries are Sarawak Eco Warriors, Engineers without Borders Malaysia (Sarawak Branch), Life Care Society, Sarawak Women for Women Society, Sarawak Society for the Deaf, Mental Health Association of Sarawak, Kuching Autistic Association, and the Kidney Association of Sarawak.
The 21km half marathon category debuted in the Isthmus Run’s lineup this year, marking the first inclusion since the event’s inception in 2013.
Despite the early 4.30am flag-off time, 786 runners participated in the 21km half marathon category, with many arriving at the Kuching Isthmus well before 4 am. The event started with an energetic Zumba session, setting a vibrant tone for the day.
The winners in the 21km half marathon Male Open category were Azwan Bunjing, Syahrullah Safri, and Hazarullah Safri, while the Female Open category winners were Yong Yee Ling, Chang Chin Lian, and Priscilla Inting. Each received cash prizes of RM1,500, RM750, and RM500, respectively.
The 10km Male Open category winners were M.Shahir, Danish Haikal, and Sunny Jong, while Hii Win Nie, Lim Mei Chen, and Ang Yik Ching topped the Female Open category. Each received cash prizes of RM600, RM500, and RM400, respectively.
All top 15 finishers in the 21km and 10km categories were awarded cash prizes.
The 10km category saw the participation of 732 runners, while 1,602 individuals joined the 5km ‘fun run’.
In line with its sustainability theme, this year’s event featured eco-friendly initiatives, such as using water dispensers, biodegradable paper cups, and reusable non-woven race pack bags. As Malaysia’s largest renewable energy developer, Sarawak Energy remains committed to advocating sustainability and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Also present at the event were Sarawak Energy Board Member Dato Sri Fong Joo Chung and Group Executive Committee members of Sarawak Energy. — DayakDaily
