Anak Sabah Run 4.0 draws 800 participants

The much-anticipated Anak Sabah Run 4.0, held at Taman Awam Teluk Likas, kicked off at 6:00 AM yesterday, with over 800 participants from all walks of life. Organized by Persatuan Wanita Cemerlang Sabah (PWCS) in collaboration with Parti Liberal Demokratik (LDP), the run is themed “Celebrating Diversity, Preserving Harmony,” highlighting the importance of unity in Sabah’s multicultural society.

The event was graced by key figures, including LDP President Datuk Chin Su Phin and Chief of Women’s Wing for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Datuk Seri Panglima Hajah Azizah Mohd Dun, who officiated the event. The flag-off for the 8-kilometer race was done by Azizah at 6:00 AM, while Chin took the honor of flagging off the 4-kilometer participants at 6:15 AM.

Promoting Unity Through Diversity

Sabah, with its 32 ethnic groups, stands as a beacon of multiculturalism in Malaysia. The Anak Sabah Run aims to celebrate this diversity by fostering unity and harmony among its people. Wong Chek Men, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that Sabah’s success in maintaining racial and religious harmony sets an example for the rest of the nation and the world. However, efforts to promote and preserve this harmony are vital, ensuring that future generations continue to uphold these values.

Beyond its cultural significance, the Anak Sabah Run 4.0 also promotes a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity, according to Wong, plays a crucial role in preventing diseases and improving overall well-being.

PWCS, the sports and recreational arm of the LDP Central Women Movement, aims to promote healthy living while enhancing understanding and respect for cultural diversity. Wong highlighted the importance of partnerships between public and private sectors to achieve this goal, working hand-in-hand to build a healthier and more harmonious Sabah.

Event Highlights and Participation

The race offered two routes – a 4-kilometer short course and an 8-kilometer long route. The 4-kilometer participants followed a path from Taman Awam Teluk Likas to the second roundabout near Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu and returned to the park. The 8-kilometer route extended further, taking runners through the iconic Manara Kinabalu before looping back to the starting point.

All participants in the 4-kilometer category received T-shirts and medals for their participation. The 8-kilometer runners were treated to additional rewards, with the top five finishers receiving cash prizes and trophies, amounting to a total of RM5,000. Wong proudly noted that the event has grown significantly, attracting more participants each year.

The Anak Sabah Run serves not only as a physical challenge but also as a platform for fostering a sense of community. Wong reiterated the importance of such initiatives in promoting racial and religious harmony, ensuring that Sabah continues to be a model of unity for the rest of Malaysia.