A unicorn mascot among a sea of participants at the fun run.
BAYAN Lepas residents Mohammad Aiman Rosli and Zahara Najihah Zakaria have been passionate about health and fitness for years.
Even before welcoming their three children, they had participated in the “Love Penang Run in 2017”.
This year, the couple, both 33, took their commitment to family fitness to the next level by bringing along their young children – six-year-old Aisyzaim, three-year-old Aisyzayyad and nine-month-old Aisyzaydam.
“We want to stay healthy and at the same time encourage our children to embrace healthy activities like these.
“It’s also our way of showing love for Penang,” they said.
They were among the more than 10,000 participants who joined the annual “Love Penang Run 2024” held at Lebuh Pantai in George Town.
Before flagging off the race alongside several dignitaries, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from participants, reported state publisher Buletin Mutiara.
Chow (third from left) with participants at the annual run.
“The impressive turnout reflects not only the commitment and spirit of Penangites, but also the enthusiasm of participants from neighbouring states,” he said.
Chow said the event aligned with Penang2030, a vision prioritising family and aimed at making Penang a “Family-Focused, Green and Smart State.”
The initiative is part of the state government’s broader effort to promote a healthier lifestyle and address Malaysia’s rising obesity rate, the second highest in South-East Asia.
Later, Chow joined the 5km run alongside Penang executive councillor Lim Siew Khim, Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai, Penang Forward Sports Club adviser Datuk Tom Khoo and club president Lim Choo Hooi.
Also present were state executive councillor Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Penang Island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Penang Deputy Chief Police Officer Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin, Decathlon Malaysia chief executive officer Li Jiao, Decathlon Malaysia northern city leader and country communication leader Nurul Shaffa Mustafa and representatives from sponsors.
Mohammad Aiman, Zahara Najihah and their three children enjoying their outing at the ‘Love Penang Run 2024.’ — Photos: Buletin Mutiara
The run started at Lebuh Pantai through Lebuh Light, Lebuh Farquhar, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Jalan Larut, Jalan Hutton, Jalan Penang, Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, and back to Lebuh Pantai.
Throughout the event, Chow interacted with participants and took photos with them.
Volunteers along the route held placards with motivational messages like “Health is Wealth” and “Sweat Now, Shine Later”.
Rela members and the police also ensured a safe and smooth event, while St John’s Ambulance members on bicycles provided additional support.
The event ended with a lucky draw offering prizes such as a Perodua Axia, electric motorcycle, 20 bicycles, and smartphones.
