Juniors take centre stage at 777 Night Chase Run

KUCHING: The young ones rule at the first-ever 777 Night Chase run, judging by the results upon completion of the men and ladies’ 5km and 10km races.

This was especially evident in the ladies’ 5km, where the champion is aged only 13, the second placed just 11 while third was a 12-year-old.

St Joseph Private School student Jee Yu Fei, 13, surprised everyone when she became the first to reach the finishing line. Siblings Flora Fong, 11, and Felicia, 12, finished second and third respectively.

An ecstatic Jee said she was happy with the win and did not expect to triumph because she was competing against those more experienced and older than her.

“I am so surprised at this victory. I have never participated in any run except for school runs and with this, it will inspire me even more,” commented Jee.

In the ladies’ 10km, relative newcomer Valerie Jirum from Kampung Bawang, Jalan Puncak Borneo was the centre of attention after it was announced she was the champion.

The 22-year-old Rajang Teachers Institute student, who was brimming from ear to ear, said she too did not expect to win her first major race.

“I came all the way from Sibu for this race. I am very proud of myself for this personal and historic achievement,” she said.

Although the run saw participation from other countries besides Malaysia, the only foreigner to finish top three in the race was Belgian John Lonhienne who finished second in the Men’s 10km event. Sabri Sedi finished first and Hamri came in third.

Sabahan Mohd. Farhan Mulyadi was first in the Men’s 5km event. He was followed by Ricky Ng and seasoned runner Yusnasry Yusup. It was the second triumph for Farhan as he also won one of the categories in the Borneo Highlands Resort Padawan Nature Challenge on July 1.

The race was flagged off by Senior Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing at exactly 7pm. It was a grand event which received very good response from the public, and 3,000 people flocking the Kuching Integrated Recreational Centre (KIRC), the starting and finishing points for the race.

All winners walk away with cash prizes and champions of each category were awarded trophies. Joining the 1,364 runners were 300 cyclists who joined the Fun Bicycle City Ride and 14 handicapped persons who participated in a special category.

Meanwhile, those who did not win the race were happy to be part of this first ever night running event in the state. “I was joining this race for the fun of it. I didn’t expect any prizes but what brings me here is that I get to meet friends while I sweat it out,” said Kon Shon Shen who took part in the Men’s 10km event.

Another runner who participated in the run for fun is Belinda Lim who works as a senior school assistant at SMB St. Joseph. She added that the night run was fun it was much cooler and she would love to participate in more night runs in the future.

Jimmy Siang who represented Recreational and Sports Association for the Disabled (Pesron), agreed that the run was special as it was held during the night as he too opined it is much cooler. He hoped that more people will organise such activities that benefits everyone like today’s event.

Another handicapped runner Jee Soon Hung also said he supported the event because it encouraged people to be active and healthy. The computer operator said he has been keeping fit himself, and events such as the 777 Night Chase was the best platform to race and also to make new friends.

Finals for the 777’s futsal, basketball, volleyball, sepak takraw and skateboarding tournaments took place at the KIRC before the flagging off of the race.

There were 24 futsal teams, 12 basketball teams, nine volleyball teams, 12 sepak takraw teams and 50 skateboarders who participated.