TWO sisters triumphed in their respective categories at the Kemuyang Nature Challenge 2023 in Sibu that attracted 300 hashers.
Seasoned hasher, Lim Siet Fah won the 9km Women’s Open (age 15 to 45) category.
She took home RM1,500 and a medal after beating Teo Lian Geok into second place (RM1,200).
Third place went to Yong Yee Ling (RM800).
(Front row) Siet Hiang and Siet Fah (fourth and fifth from left, respectively) and the winners after receiving their prizes for the Kemuyang Nature Challenge 2023.
A vocational school teacher in Kuching, Siet Fah, 41, said she was fully prepared for the run.
“I just trained as usual but as preparation for the Kemuyang run, I added more elevation training on rolling hills, once or twice a week, plus a hike during the weekend,” she told The Star.
A Saratok native, Siet Fah, who took up road running in 2018 and hiking in 2021, said she was about four minutes faster than Teo.
“My sister did not join me in the training as she is running her business in Kapit,” she added.
Her elder sister, Siet Hiang also did her family proud by winning the 7km Women’s Veteran (46 to 65) category. She received RM800 and a medal.
Lee Leh Ha, who came second in the category, received RM600, and Jinah Nyanggin came in third place winning RM400.The champion of the 9km Men’s Open (15 to 45) category was Jetris Foo, while Lucas Wong and Belton Mosolon were second and third, respectively.
Hardy Suntol emerged winner in the 7km Men’s Veteran category, and Tan Wee Mung was second place. Third place went to Chua Hau Ming.
They all received similar prizes as the women’s winners.
Those from fourth to 10th in all four categories were given RM80.Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Ministry deputy permanent secretary Dolhadi Mazuki said a total of 156 participants were from Sibu, while others were from Kapit (24), Sarikei (39), Miri (21), Bintulu (15), Kuching (27), Sabah (4).
“The objective of the programme is to strengthen physical and mental resilience to face challenges and trials and realise the government goal of encouraging the youth to participate in healthy activities, enabling them to recognise their potential, foster competitiveness and instil a spirit of progress,” he said at the prize-giving ceremony.
“Additionally, the programme aims to cultivate a spirit of sports unity among the people, contribute to the country’s economic development through the sports industry, as well as strengthen the structure of development and organisation of local, national and international sports championships.”
Dolhadi hoped the challenge next year would be organised on a bigger scale.
