SOME 10,000 participants thronged the Vision Park in Kepala Batas on the mainland today for the LovePENANG Run, courtesy of the Penang government.
The run was flagged off by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his delegation at 7.22am.
Referring to a similar run which was held on the island last year on Aug 14, Chow said it was right to spread the same energy and to convey the objective of the run to the Seberang Perai folk too.
“In line with the entire LovePENANG campaign’s objective, this run plays a very important role in our continuous effort to encourage everyone to rise from the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This is also a great platform for families to foster a close relationship with one another and to learn the importance of keeping healthy and fit.
“Coincidentally, this year’s LovePENANG Run is held on the same day as Mother’s Day.
“Mothers play a crucial role in family relationships and community empowerment.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish all mothers a blessed, joyful and meaningful Mother’s Day celebration with their loved ones.
“And of course, before your celebrations later, have fun and enjoy this non-competitive run in the presence of so many other individuals here today,” Chow said in his speech before flagging off the run.
One of the participants, K. Gobal, 61, a retired engineer, said he was excited about the return of the run for the second year after successfully participating in last year’s run.
“It feels great to be back for the second year, and this time I am here with my wife and daughter.
“Last year, it was just me and my daughter.
“Comparatively, this year’s run was smoother than last year’s, which was held in Beach Street. Traffic control was easier and lighter here.
“Roads on the island are narrower compared to the ones on the mainland.
“Set aside the differences, the most important thing is that we had fun today, and moving forward, we hope the state will organise more of such events for the public,” Gobal told Buletin Mutiara.
Another participant, Zamri Ahmad, 48, a salesperson, said he managed to complete the run with his family in less than an hour.
Meanwhile, Yeoh Teik Keng, 61, who took part for the second time, said the run on the mainland was more relaxing.
“But in terms of grabbing breakfast after the run, the one on the island wins the race.
“I think it’s a very Malaysian thing, where we have to eat breakfast after any type of physical activity.
“Here, it looks like we have to drive some distance to have our breakfast, unlike on the island, almost every corner you can find a place to eat,” Yeoh said.
At the end of the run, each participant received a finisher medal, LovePENANG T-shirt, and an e-Certificate.
Also, there were many attractive lucky draw prizes, such as five motorcycles, 30 bicycles, and 142 LovePENANG backpacks.
Among those present during the event were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat