(Front from left) Chai and Rasah MP Cha Kee Chin with winner of the 21km Men’s Open category Tan Chong Lun, second-placed Noel Leroy Michael Kadum and third-placed Muhamad Shamil Danial Azmi.
IJM Land Half Marathon has made a return after a three-year hiatus following the Covid-19 pandemic with more than 10,000 runners taking part.
The ninth edition of the event, flagged off from Dataran Centrio in Seremban 2, Negri Sembilan, was not only held to promote a healthier lifestyle but also to support charitable causes.
IJM Land Bhd senior general manager Chai Kian Soon, in a statement, said the event had grown exponentially since its inception in 2012 and had become a platform to foster camaraderie and a way of giving back to society.
“In line with our tagline ‘Run Together, Bond Stronger’, we are extremely proud of the tremendous success of this year’s half marathon.
“It symbolises the unity and spirit of our community,” he said, adding that IJM Land was grateful for the support from participants, sponsors and partners.
Present to launch the event was state secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim.
There event encompassed several categories, namely the 21km run, a 12km run (for men and women aged 19 and above and for girls and boys aged 13 and above) and a 5km fun run for individuals 19 years and above.
Chai said apart from being a platform for sporting excellence, IJM Land Half Marathon also served as a platform focused on philanthropy.
Two charities, Pertubuhan Hospice Negri Sembilan (Hospice) and Malaysia Lysosomal Diseases Association (MLDA), received donations totalling RM40,000 while Pertubuhan Artritis Negri Sembilan received RM10,600.
“We are committed to contributing to those in need and making a meaningful impact on the community,” he said.
“The funds raised have touched the lives of those in need, and we aim to carry this forward for years to come.”
There were also other goodies on the sidelines for participants and their families, including free-flowing popcorn, ice cream, cotton candy and a range of refreshing beverages including Milo, isotonic drinks, Yakult Ace and Kombucha Tea.
Apart from interactive games, health screenings and sports massages, there were also lucky draw prizes such as iPhone 14 Pro Max and MacBook given away to winners.
This year, the organisers also introduced its “Students Run Together” contest following requests from teachers to inspire students in Form 1 to 4 to participate in sports.
This also strengthened bonds within the community, especially after the challenges faced during the pandemic where they did not get to experience events such as the half marathon, the statement said.
