280 participants set to ‘Run for the Wild’ on Dec 17
KUCHING: In approximately four more weeks, the 3rd Run for the Wild will take place in Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus here.
The event on Dec 17 will bring together 280 runners for the 1.5km fun walk, 5km or 10km categories in support of orangutans, sharks and rays.
Run for the Wild is coorganized by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Malaysia, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre.
This year’s edition features a few changes such as the appointment of event ambassador Peter Paris and his companion Pedro, the orang-utan plush toy, of the Keep Green Movement.
But the event will continue in its eco-friendly spirit, as organisers are encouraging runners and volunteers to bring along their own reusable water bottles when getting drinks at the water booths located at strategic points of the routes.
“By doing so, we hope to set an example for all that large-scale events do not have to generate massive amounts of waste,” stated WCS Malaysia’s director Dr Melvin Gumal.
He noted that this year has witnessed many news headlines on wildlife crimes.
“There is an obvious need to increase public awareness and garner public support to ensure the future of our wildlife is secured.”
Meanwhile, Swinburne Green Club Advisor and Associate Dean in the Faculty of Language and Communication Christina Yin said Swinburne is more than happy to be host and co-organiser.
“Conservation issues are of primary importance as our wildlife’s future and our own children’s future depend on sustainable lifestyles.
“Students who volunteer to help in this event are demonstrating their commitment to lead ecofriendly lives and we hope more people, young and old, will follow suit,” she said.
Though registration is now closed, those who wish to join the Run can still participate and contribute to the cause by joining the Virtual Run category. Virtual runners can submit their run or walk track logs to WCS Malaysia’s Facebook page as a show of support. Visit the event website at www.runforthewildmalaysia. com for more information and to register as a virtual runner.
Apart from the conservation awareness talk that will take place at the end of the event, this year’s Run will feature a number of entertaining side-activities such as face and henna painting, Zumba sessions and a coloring contest for primary school students.
The coloring contest will be split into two categories namely Category A for Primary 1-3 students aged 7 to 9, and Category B for Primary 4-6 students aged 10 to 12. Registration for the contest is open until Dec 1, and interested participants can sign up at https://goo.gl/forms/ tEsapSAJ2mNSmKH92.
Conservation issues are of primary importance as our wildlife’s future and our own children’s future depend on sustainable lifestyles. — Christina Yin, Swinburne Green Club Advisor and Associate Dean in the Faculty of Language and Communication