Colours of Malaysia: An estimated 400 participants taking part in the Sarong Run which saw them dressing up in traditional and national outfits. — Bernama
IPOH: The heart of the city exploded in a kaleidoscope of colours, thanks to a huge group of people seen donning the sarong.
Along with boys, men, women and a few toddlers, a party of around 400 people turned up at the Sultan Azlan Shah roundabout here wearing colourful sarongs as they took part in the 6km Sarong Run as well as other activities in conjunction with National Day.
The occasion also celebrated the humble sarong, whose appearance ranges from colourful vibrant designs to simple lines and boxed patterns.
The event was organised by Pertubuhan Seni Kayangan Perak and Kelab Olahraga Bagirun, in collaboration with Tourism Perak, the Perak Culture and Arts Department, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the National Culture and Arts Department, as a warm-up for Visit Perak Year in 2024.
For the first-ever Sarong Run here, participants came in their best outfits with the sarong concept. The event saw the crowd pairing the sarong with any type of clothing of their preference including the kebaya, baju Melayu, kain batik selempang and baju Kedah.
Some were spotted just tying the sarong around their waist or using it as a headgear.
Kelab Olahraga Bagirun chairman Khairul Amnan Osman said this was the first time such a run with the sarong concept was held in Perak.
“I believe for a run while donning sarong, this is a first for the country,” said Khairul Amnan.
Colours of Malaysia: (Left)An estimated 400 participants taking part in the Sarong Run which saw them dressing up in traditional and national outfits. Sarong Run participants taking a ‘wefie’ before starting the run at the Sarong Festival, Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shahin Ipoh. — Bernama
“Besides the run, we also had traditional games like bowling using coconuts, sepak raga ratus, pancing botol (bottle fishing) and terompah gergasi (giant clogs).
“The 6km run started from the roundabout and around the Meru Raya areas,” he said.
“People enjoyed the run, as besides keeping fit, they got to be creative on how they were going to run with a sarong.
“Some who concentrated on the run used the sarong by tying it around their waist. Some used it as headgear while others strapped it across their body.
“Others came dressed totally in outfits made out of sarong and took the challenge of completing the run as well,” he added.
