MIRI: Over 2,200 runners converged on Marina ParkCity here yesterday to raise funds for charitable homes through Bomba Run.
The participants, who appeared energetic and jovial the moment they arrived at the event ground, came from all walks of life and different parts of the state.
They competed in 12km and 4km categories of the run organised by Zone 6 of the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) in Miri.
“Bomba Run is one of the best ways in which the Bomba and people here can foster greater understanding between each other, and with such close cooperation, Bomba will be able to perform their duties and responsibilities with excellence,” said Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin.
Lee commended Bomba for being always ready to serve not just during fires but also during events that require their assistance, from catching snakes, search and rescue efforts, as in the recent case of a tour guide who died in a flash flood while leading a group of tourists in Mulu.
“We can also see that every year, when there are forests and peat soil fires in Miri, like today, the fire fighters diligently work day and night to extinguish fires so that we could have healthy air,” he said.
The event saw 19-year-old Mirian Claveron Ronan Ho coming out top in the 12km Men Open category. The former Sukma athlete said he felt proud to have emerged champion and looked forward to helping those in need.
In the same category, Rowland Empading Jawan and Saidi Suni emerged as the first and second runners-up.
The champion for 12km Women Open was Grace Pui Lu Yee with Koh Pey Tsy and Voon Chin Lee coming in second and third respectively.
The 12km Men Veterans category witnessed Lee Kim Hing as the champion with Steven Wo Chuan Kiong in second place and Sahminah Muhd Salleh in third.
Joanna Eng Siew Jin was the champion for 12km Women Veterans category followed by Tie Siew Foong and Joanna Chang in second and third place respectively.
The champion for 4km Kid-Boy category was Celestrial Reyes Ho followed by Shane Ryan Mos (second) and Nathanael Sim En Cheng (third).
For 4km Kid-Girl, Elsisca Desmond Benson emerged champion with Angela Ngajuk Helen and Angeli Layah Helen in second and third place respectively.
All first ten runners in each category received a medal and cash prizes.
The event also saw participation from 20 individuals with special needs from Miri Ability Services Association.
One of them, 48-year-old Lahung Ngau from Long Atip said she was very excited to be able to participate in the run and looked forward to join the next edition.
“What amazed me most is the teamwork I can see from all participants. Everyone here is very happy and looking at their happy faces I am very excited to join again as this also makes me happy,” she said.
Yesterday’s event was flagged off by Lee who donated RM5,000 to the run.
Also chipping in to help the needy were Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting (RM5,000), Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon (RM2,000) and Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau (RM5,000).
This year’s Bomba Run adopted Muslim Orphans Welfare Association of Miri (Perkaya), Miri Ability Services Association and Diabetes Malaysia Miri branch as beneficiaries.
Other side activities included the Spinning Cycle Class demonstration conducted by Soul Spinning, aerobics, Zumba by Cottage Fitness, Bomba exhibitions and demonstrations on the use of fire extinguishers and techniques in putting out a fire, blood screening, photo booth, free flow of drinks and birthday celebration for those who were born on Aug 18.
A moment of silence was observed before the run as tribute to the late unsung hero Roviezal Robin, the tour guide who died in an incident in Mulu Caves last month.
Among those present were Bomba Sarawak director Khirudin Drahman, Zone 6 Bomba chief Law Poh Kiong, Miri mayor Adam Yii, and Steve Teo who represented Miri MP Dr Michael Teo.