Kaliani, Naruto champs of KuchingNITES Run

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KUCHINGNITES RUN: Assistant Minister of Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh (third right) and organising chairman Datuk Patrick Liew (right) flagging-off the runners (Men 10km category) of the KuchingNITES Run at the Kuching Integrated Recreational Centre near the civic centre. A record 1,542 runners took part in the run. l Read the full story in the Sports page. — Photo by Muhamad Rais Sanusi

ALL TOGETHER NOW: Len (front row, second left) and Liew (left) hold the flags before flagging-off of the KuchingNITES Run yesterday. — Photos by Muhd Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Seasoned runner Kaliani Rajamanickon emerged winner of the Men’s 5km category of the second edition of the KuchingNITES Run held yesterday.

The former state athlete is a regular in runs around the city and last night Kaliani was first to cross the finish line ahead of Mohamad Shah and Hazwan Hasnol who are both nearly half of his age.

“I am so happy with my achievement today for I am the winner and that’s what I have always been. I shall continue to participate in more runs for as long as I can run. I hope the prize money could be bigger next time,” said a beaming Kaliani.

Hazwan who finished third in the race commented that he was happy with the race conditions and the organising of the run. He too hopes that the prize money will be bigger next time when the run is organised in 2013.

“The idea of a night run is great. I totally love running at night as it is much cooler than a day race,” said the Sarawak-born runner who spent most of his life in Perlis.

PROUD WINNERS: Kaliani Rajamanickon (centre) with two other winners after the run yesterday.

In the Men’s 10km category, Naruto Leong was victorious when he beat Sabri Sedi and Belgium national John Lonhienne who finished second and third respectively.

German national Beate Krecklow on the other hand finished first in the Women’s 10km category beating Betty Ling and Hii Yieng Nyuk who crossed the finish line in second and third place respectively.

“I am very happy with my time. During the run, the race marshals were very helpful with the runners and I am impressed,” commented Beate.

She continued that she got to know about the race from the internet.

Her visit to the state was one of the series of runs which she will participate around the globe.

Apart from the run, there was also a fun bike event organised in conjunction with the race.

The bike event was flagged off simultaneously after the 10km and 5km race.

Assistant minister in the Chief Minister’s office (Promotion of Technical Education) and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh were present during the flag off ceremony.

He together with Sarawak Marathon Association (SMA) president Datuk Patrick Liew flagged off all the three race events.