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Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Twin brothers conquer 21km categories at the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025
Hazarullah (fourth right) and Syahrullah (fourth left) were the top two finishers of the 21km Men's Open and 21km Men's National categories at the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025. — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 28): Running has not only brought twins Hazarullah and Syahrullah Safri closer but also helped them conquer podiums across the country. Hazarullah, 27, from Saratok, clinched first place in both the 21km Men's Open and 21km Men's National categories while Syahrullah finished second in the same categories at the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025 held here yesterday. When met by The Borneo Post after the prize presentation ceremony at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) compound, the Malay-Melanau lad shared how his brother had first inspired him to lace up his running shoes. 'My motivation is actually my twin brother, Syahrullah. He started running earlier than me. My original sport was football, but when I saw him running in 2017 and consistently finishing on the podium, I felt like I wanted to follow in his footsteps,' said Hazarullah. He eventually made the switch in 2019 while pursuing his degree at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam. 'I started running seriously when I was 21, during my degree days at UiTM Shah Alam. Since then, football has taken a back seat. I don't play anymore. I just run,' he said. This week alone, Hazarullah secured two championship titles—at the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run and earlier at the Sarawak Day Run in Bintangor. 'I'm happy, of course, because last year in this same event, I finished third. The top two were runners from Kenya. But this year, I managed to win both the Men's Open and Men's National categories. 'Earlier this week, on Tuesday, I also became champion at the Sarawak Day Run in Bintangor. So, two wins this week,' he added. Currently undergoing his practicum at Sekolah Kebangsaan Nanga Babai in Julau, Hazarullah said he joins running events almost every week. 'Almost every week there's an event that I join. Next week, I'll be in Bintulu. After that, back to Kuching, then again in Kuching,' he said. He estimated that the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run was his ninth or tenth event of the year so far. Among his proudest achievements to date was placing 9th in the Malaysian category at the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon last year. 'That's one of the biggest events in Malaysia, and I was really proud to be in the top 10 for the 42km category,' he said. Hazarullah poses with his prizes.— Photo by Roystein Emmor Hazarullah believes running is an activity for everyone, whether for fitness, fun or competition. 'Running helps steer you away from negative influences, like social ills. It's a healthy activity, and everyone can participate. If you train more and have the talent, you can go far. But even if you're just running for fun or fitness, that's perfectly fine too. 'As for me, my target is always to be in the top 10 for every event. That's good enough for me,' he added. A total of 3,200 participants took part in the second edition of the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025, comprising runners from Malaysia and 21 other countries. The event was organised by the Kuching City Joggers Club (CJC) in collaboration with MBKS in conjunction with the Kuching City Day celebration. The prize presentation ceremony was officiated by Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Also present was Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run lead lifestyle running
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Sport
- Malay Mail
From army days to race days, veteran runner, 86, proves age is just a number at Kuching Half Marathon
KUCHING, July 27 — Daily jogging and walking have kept 86-year-old Wong Chan Voon on his feet — quite literally, as the oldest participant in this year's Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025. Originally from Ipoh, Wong served in the army at the Central Road Camp here from 1963 to 1964, and returned to Kuching last year to take part in the event for the first time, where he completed the 10km category. 'This is my second time. Last year I came and ran 10km — this time, I took part in (the) 5km (category) only. 'It feels very exciting. I'm happy to be in a group here and to run with everyone,' he told reporters when met during the prize presentation ceremony held at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) compound here today. He said he was also looking forward to enjoying the local sights and food during his visit to Kuching. Wong began running in 1995 after he was encouraged by friends to join their practice sessions. Three decades later, he still jogs and walks every morning — without a coach, special training plan or strict diet — to maintain his health and fitness. Over the years, he has participated in various races across Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, and touts one of his proudest achievements as completing the Penang Bridge International Marathon on November 17, 2023, where he finished the 42.195km run in 5 hours and 53 minutes at the age of 74. When asked for advice to others in his age group on how to stay healthy, Wong kept it simple and said: 'Just do your own way of jogging and walking, like me. That's all.' Wong was one of the 3,200 participants who took part in this year's run. Meanwhile, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah when met after the prize presentation expressed his satisfaction with the growing response for the marathon. He described the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025, which was organised by the Kuching City Joggers Club (CJC) in collaboration with MBKS and held in conjunction with Kuching City Day, as a very exciting event. Abdul Karim congratulated the organisers for a well-executed event and highlighted its positive impact on Sarawak's tourism sector. 'I saw winners from Hungary, Brunei, Kenya, and Peninsular Malaysia. When they come to Sarawak just to run, they stay in hotels, enjoy the local food, and buy souvenirs to take home. 'These are some of the things that, in their own way, help boost our tourism industry,' he said. Also present at the ceremony were Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng. — The Borneo Post
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Sport
- Malay Mail
Wong Chan Voon, 86, proves age is just a number at Kuching Half Marathon
KUCHING, July 27 — Daily jogging and walking have kept 86-year-old Wong Chan Voon on his feet — quite literally, as the oldest participant in this year's Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025. Originally from Ipoh, Wong served in the army at the Central Road Camp here from 1963 to 1964, and returned to Kuching last year to take part in the event for the first time, where he completed the 10km category. 'This is my second time. Last year I came and ran 10km — this time, I took part in (the) 5km (category) only. 'It feels very exciting. I'm happy to be in a group here and to run with everyone,' he told reporters when met during the prize presentation ceremony held at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) compound here today. He said he was also looking forward to enjoying the local sights and food during his visit to Kuching. Wong began running in 1995 after he was encouraged by friends to join their practice sessions. Three decades later, he still jogs and walks every morning — without a coach, special training plan or strict diet — to maintain his health and fitness. Over the years, he has participated in various races across Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, and touts one of his proudest achievements as completing the Penang Bridge International Marathon on November 17, 2023, where he finished the 42.195km run in 5 hours and 53 minutes at the age of 74. When asked for advice to others in his age group on how to stay healthy, Wong kept it simple and said: 'Just do your own way of jogging and walking, like me. That's all.' Wong was one of the 3,200 participants who took part in this year's run. Meanwhile, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah when met after the prize presentation expressed his satisfaction with the growing response for the marathon. He described the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025, which was organised by the Kuching City Joggers Club (CJC) in collaboration with MBKS and held in conjunction with Kuching City Day, as a very exciting event. Abdul Karim congratulated the organisers for a well-executed event and highlighted its positive impact on Sarawak's tourism sector. 'I saw winners from Hungary, Brunei, Kenya, and Peninsular Malaysia. When they come to Sarawak just to run, they stay in hotels, enjoy the local food, and buy souvenirs to take home. 'These are some of the things that, in their own way, help boost our tourism industry,' he said. Also present at the ceremony were Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- Borneo Post
86-year-old marathoner is Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025's oldest participant
Wong poses for a photo after the prize presentation ceremony. — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 27): Daily jogging and walking have kept 86-year-old Wong Chan Voon on his feet — quite literally, as the oldest participant in this year's Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025. Originally from Ipoh, Wong served in the army at the Central Road Camp here from 1963 to 1964, and returned to Kuching last year to take part in the event for the first time, where he completed the 10km category. 'This is my second time. Last year I came and ran 10km — this time, I took part in (the) 5km (category) only. 'It feels very exciting. I'm happy to be in a group here and to run with everyone,' he told reporters when met during the prize presentation ceremony held at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) compound here today. He said he was also looking forward to enjoying the local sights and food during his visit to Kuching. Wong began running in 1995 after he was encouraged by friends to join their practice sessions. Three decades later, he still jogs and walks every morning — without a coach, special training plan or strict diet — to maintain his health and fitness. Abdul Karim (fourth right) presents a special acknowledgement to Wong in recognition of his participation as the oldest participant in the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025 during the prize presentation ceremony. — Photo by Roystein Emmor Over the years, he has participated in various races across Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, and touts one of his proudest achievements as completing the Penang Bridge International Marathon on Nov 17, 2023, where he finished the 42.195km run in 5 hours and 53 minutes at the age of 74. When asked for advice to others in his age group on how to stay healthy, Wong kept it simple and said: 'Just do your own way of jogging and walking, like me. That's all.' Wong was one of the 3,200 participants who took part in this year's run. Meanwhile, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah when met after the prize presentation expressed his satisfaction with the growing response for the marathon. He described the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025, which was organised by the Kuching City Joggers Club (CJC) in collaboration with MBKS and held in conjunction with Kuching City Day, as a very exciting event. Abdul Karim congratulated the organisers for a well-executed event and highlighted its positive impact on Sarawak's tourism sector. 'I saw winners from Hungary, Brunei, Kenya, and Peninsular Malaysia. When they come to Sarawak just to run, they stay in hotels, enjoy the local food, and buy souvenirs to take home. 'These are some of the things that, in their own way, help boost our tourism industry,' he said. Also present at the ceremony were Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run lead lifestyle oldest runner
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025 draws 3,200 participants from 22 countries
Abdul Karim joins the winners of the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025 for a group photo. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 27): The second edition of the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025 today attracted a total of 3,200 participants from 22 countries. Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who officiated at the prize presentation ceremony at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) compound, described the event as a very exciting initiative that continues to promote both sports and tourism in Sarawak. 'This is not the first time the event has received an overwhelming response. I was informed that the number of participants has grown from year to year,' he told reporters after presenting prizes to the winners. Of the 3,200 registered participants, 1,400 competed in the 21km half marathon, 700 in the 10km race, and 1,100 in the 5km fun run. Sarawakians made up the majority at 77 per cent, followed by 15 per cent from Peninsular Malaysia, two per cent from Sabah, and six per cent from overseas. International runners came from countries including Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Korea, and the United Kingdom. Held in conjunction with the Kuching City Day celebration, the event was organised by the Kuching City Joggers Club (CJC) in collaboration with MBKS. This year's edition is officially accredited by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), with certified routes for the 21km and 10km categories. The 21km and 10km races were competitive, offering a total of RM54,600 in cash prizes, including a newly introduced national category to encourage local athletes. The 5km fun run was non-competitive and aimed at families and casual runners. All participants received an official event T-shirt, race bib, e-certificate and finisher's medal. Those who completed the 21km race also received a special finisher's T-shirt, while the top 100 finishers took home a limited-edition shirt. Abdul Karim noted that such sporting events have a positive impact on Sarawak's tourism sector. 'When runners come to Sarawak, they stay in hotels, eat at our local restaurants, and purchase souvenirs to bring home. These are the things that will help our tourism industry,' he said. Among this year's participants were an 82-year-old runner from Kuching and the oldest participant, an 86-year-old veteran from Ipoh who had served in Sarawak in the 1960s and returned to join the event with several friends. The race flagged off early this morning, with the 21km starting at 4am, followed by the 10km at 6am and the 5km fun run at 6.30am. A Zumba cooling-down session was held at 7.30am before the prize-giving ceremony at 7.45am. Abdul Karim congratulated the organisers and sponsors for a well-executed event and encouraged more corporate support for future editions. Abdul Karim Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025 lead
