Another successful Hongkod Koisaan Run for 800 runners this year
PENAMPANG: It was yet another successful edition of the Hongkod Koisaan Run, which was held at the KDCA Hall here on Sunday.
Some 800 participants, including a handful of foreign runners, took part in the 10km run which was organised by the KDCA Youth Council.
The event, coordinated by Casero Events Sdn Bhd, saw the return of several winners from last year’s inaugural edition.
Among them was Kenyan James Karanja, who repeated his dominance in the men’s open. First-timer and fellow Kenyan John Waithaka was second, while local favourite Fabian Osmond Daimon from Team CaseroXCarino was third.
Other returning champions were Yusop Tungkop and Kona Liau. Yusop retained his title in the men’s veteran, while Kona lived up to her billing as the winner of last year’s women’s veteran category.
It was only in the women’s open which saw a new winner in Eyeliah Rubidi. She dethroned last year’s champion Hyenie Roslin, who finished second.
Although the top three finishers in all four categories are familiar faces, such as Guainus Salagan (men’s veteran) and Su Chong Yeong (womens’ veteran), the third place winner of the women’s open Britanny Isabelle Boilis was a new face.
The champions of all categories received an RM800 winner’s purse, while the runners up walked away with RM600. Prizes of RM500 each were also given to all third place runners.
The event was flagged off by Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) deputy president Datuk Seri Clarence Bongkos Malakun.
Also present were State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Johnny Mositun, KDCA Youth Council chairman Caesra Mandela Malakun, Casero Events directing manager Steve Johnny Mositun - who is also KDCA Youth deputy chairman, KDCA Women Council chairperson Joanna Kitingan and members of the KDCA Youth Council.
Meanwhile, the KDCA Youth Council thanked all their marshals, the crew of Casero Events, UCSF Volunteers, their full list of collaborators and supporters namely Penampang district officer Luvita Koisun and her office, Penampang Police and Traffic, Sabah Amateur Radio Society, Kupi2 Fm (official radio station), Ararat Sports & Souvenir Sdn Bhd and CARINO as the official apparel, F&N for sponsoring Isotonic Drink as the official beverage, Kota Kinabalu City Hall and Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, St John Ambulance.
Special mentions were also given to sponsors who gave their support generously namely, Ouvaan, ITCC Penampang, Creamos-Kim Teck Cheong Group of Companies, Santhana Vasan, Kota Integriti Sdn Bhd, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili - who is also KDCA deputy president, Montis Sdn Bhd, Akasa Bina Sdn Bhd, Dekojuta Development Sdn Bhd and Datuk Joseph Paulus Lantip.