SARIKEI: The inaugural Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang Bridge Half Marathon not only drew an unexpected turnout of 1,800 participants but also unleashed its potential to grow into a prestigious international sporting event in the future.
Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, said the response showed that marathon running is gaining popularity among Sarawakians.
“Given this encouraging turnout, I would like to see the event expanded further.
“In fact, if the opportunity arises, it could be upgraded into a full 42-kilometre marathon, which would have the potential to attract runners from across the globe,” he said during the prize-giving ceremony today.
The event, which offered more than RM60,000 in total prize money, featured three main categories -21 kilometres, 10 kilometres, and 5 kilometres – for men’s, women’s, and veteran divisions.
Len Talif, who is also Kuala Rajang Assemblyman, said the state government will coordinate marathon events across Sarawak to avoid overlaps, positioning such events as a new sports tourism attraction for the state.
The half marathon, with Ta Ann Holding Bhd as its main sponsor, was organised in collaboration with various government agencies, non-governmental organisations, clubs, and individuals.
