Participants enjoying the snowfall as they make their way along Beach Street in Penang. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
UNDER a flurry of artificial snow, participants in Christmas headgear jogged and walked together in high spirits along Beach Street, Penang, filling the air with holiday cheer and laughter.
Among the 2,500-strong crowd at the Occupy Beach Street Christmas Run 2024 were Tan Ah Ewe, 59, seen pushing her 91-year-old mother, Thor Bong Chi, in a wheelchair.
The retired teacher and her mother soaked in the morning sun as they made their way along the 5km fun run through the scenic heritage enclave.
Tan, an avid runner, said this was the first time her mother joined her in such an event.
Tan pushing her mother Bong Chi in a wheelchair.
“Though my mother can walk, age has slowed her down. I thought a wheelchair ride would let her enjoy the morning air.
“She loved the sights and buildings as I pushed her along.
“It was challenging, but we took our time, strolling through the route,” Tan said at the finish line of the run on Dec 22.
Describing the run as fun, Tan said she would look out for similar ones to take her mother along from now on.
“I used to take part in marathons but my knee has been giving me trouble so I now just do short fun runs. But I still train daily by running around my housing area.”
Tan said her mother, who likes to go out, enjoyed the whole event including the fake snow along Beach Street.
Foreign participants joining in the fun run.
“My husband and sister joined us, so after this we will have a hearty breakfast together.
“These events are nice as we can do it at our own pace and even bring the elderly along,” she said.
Some participants, like Helen Yii, 49, and her husband Andy Luah, 44, brought along their pets which attracted attention and requests to snap photos.
The fun run started and ended along Beach Street, with participants making their way through Light Street, Farquhar Street, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Transfer Road, Penang Road and Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong.
The event culminated with a Zumba session, Christmas carolling and a lucky draw with various fun prizes.
Earlier, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who flagged off the sixth edition of the Christmas Run at 7am, said: “Christmas is a season of joy, reflection and connection.
“Beyond the festive celebrations, it is a time to remember the values that bind us as a community – appreciation, togetherness and compassion.
“This event is a perfect reflection of those values, embodying Penang’s spirit of inclusivity, unity and mutual respect,” he said.
