The Samarahan Marathon 2024 has concluded with resounding success, drawing in over 2,000 participants not only from Malaysia but also from neighboring Singapore, Brunei, and even the African region.
KOTA SAMARAHAN (May 13): The two-day event, which commenced on Saturday, was a collaborative effort between Hock Seng Lee Bhd (HSL), City Joggers Club, and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), showcasing the spirit of community and athleticism.
Diverse Participation and Vibrant Community Support
One notable highlight was the enthusiastic participation of various running clubs, including the energetic Breakfast running club “RunFluencer” Team alongside other well-known clubs from Kuching. HSL executive director Simon Lau expressed immense pride in supporting such a significant event for the Kuching-Samarahan region. He remarked, “The enthusiastic turnout highlights Samarahan’s potential as a vibrant community hub.”
Embracing Long-Distance Challenges
The marathon saw an impressive turnout for longer distance categories, with both the 42km and 21km races surpassing the popularity of the shorter 10km category. This unexpected trend serves as both a delightful surprise and a tremendous encouragement for organizers.
Diverse Participation and Joyous Celebrations
The festival commenced with engaging 3km and 6km ‘Fun Run’ events, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and joy among participants. Special recognition was bestowed upon Voon Kim Choon for imaginative costumes that spread joy throughout the event.
Remarkable Achievements and International Talent
Kenyans emerged victorious in the open full marathon, with Lukas Mutati and Dorcas Tarus clinching top positions in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively. Their impressive performances underscored the international caliber of the event.
Future Plans and Health Advocacy
Participants shared their experiences and future aspirations, with Mutati emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health and Tarus expressing her desire to continue running and winning.
Recognition and Community Support
All participants received recognition for their efforts, with finishers receiving medals, T-shirts, and e-Certificates. The event also featured booths offering refreshments and amenities, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
Honorable Presentations and Community Leaders
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah presented prizes, joined by esteemed community leaders, including Kota Samarahan Municipal Council chairman Dato Peter Minos and Next Phase Sdn Bhd director Yu Ji.
The Samarahan Marathon 2024 not only celebrated athleticism but also showcased the spirit of unity and community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on participants and spectators alike.