Sekolah Menengah St James Run successful
KOTA KINABALU: The first SEMESJA Run concluded successfully and organisers said they are happy with the encouraging response which included not just members of the public but also foreign participants.
The Parent-Teacher Association of SMK St James Tenghilan said the event on Sunday was not only aimed at raising funds for charity but also for the association’s activities. It was also aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle awareness to the public.
The event featured various categories including the Men’s Open which was won by John Waithaka Njihia. The Kenyan topped the podium with local runner Fabian Osmond Daimon finishing in second place followed by Retson Tirip in third.
Walter Herman and Sapirin Sumping completed the top five while Wincenbert Latius was sixth, followed by Samson Duasin in seventh, Aizan Sofizan eighth, Neckleos Lorin ninth and Doimis Mojimbun tenth.
The Women’s Open was won by Hynie Roslin Danius, while Madeline See Lie Chie was second and Mailin Salungin third.
Claire Castellano was fourth, followed by Lucia Jail in fifth, while Teo Su Chin, Exmeralda Kuyun, Milsah Namih, Emmie Juriah and Marysia Sidan completed the top 10.
In the Veteran category, Ruston Masri and Guianus Salagan were the top two, while Yusup Tunkob completed the men’s podium finish. The Women’s veteran saw Kona Liaw, Wilbinah Bahoi and Fariza Sumping emerge as the top three winners.
The school had its own students taking part in the run and Mohd Faizal Rahman Tullah was the top finisher in the Boys’ category. Adly Mazwell Jogan and Royvanneo Tiga were second and third respectively.
The Girls’ category saw Chlestine Ann Jalisa, Alesyia Helon and Bibilin Fauzi emerged as the top three runners.
Present to flag off the participants and give away the prizes was Datuk Jahid Jahim.
He lauded the SMK St James Tenghilan PTA for organising the event and for teaming up with local company Casero Events which aided in the smooth execution of the run.
“I think all of you did a good job in organising this run and the encouraging turn out is a testimony to the success of your efforts,” Jahid said.
Meanwhile, some participants had hoped for the run to cover a greater distance and Jahid encouraged the PTA to consider this in its future edition of the SEMESJA (Sekolah Menegah St James) Run.
Despite facing time constraints, the organisers still managed to attract a total of 400 entries thanks to the coordination and experience of Casero Events.
Casero’s Steve Johnny Mositun said they were happy to be involved in the event and that they look towards more partnerships in future with the school and the PTA.
“I think the success of this event proved to be a stepping stone and that it has helped put Tenghilan on the map as another successful running event in Sabah,” Steve said.
Towards this end, headmaster Soo Yong Huat thanked everyone for their involvement and participation in making the event successful.
“We especially thank Mr Steve Mositun and his team as they did a good job in ensuring that everything went smoothly,” he said while noting that most of the outstation runners were familiar with Steve and his crew.
Also present at the ceremony was SMK St James Tenghilan PTA deputy chairman Mining Sokida who represented chairman Jefred Emin. They thanked Jahid for officiating at the ceremony.