‘Run for the Wild’ gathers more than 700 participants, including virtual runners
KUCHING: The ‘Run for the Wild’ released over 300 runners ‘into the wild’ outside Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus yesterday, as the local community showed their dedication to the conservation of orangutans, sharks and rays.
In addition, 451 virtual runners from 34 countries also took part – bringing the grand total of runners to over 700.
The event, organised by Swinburne Sarawak together with Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Malaysia and in partnership with Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC), entered its third edition this year.
It has seen growth in the number of worldwide participation every year. Local runners such as musician Peter Paris, and members of Sarawak Society for the Deaf are among the regular supporters of this event.
Organisations such as LONGi and Sarawak Energy Bhd also brought their staff out to take part, while long-time partner Kuching Hilton provided refreshments at the midway pit- stop along the 10km route. The hotel also sent its employees to ‘run wild’ with other participants.
Those who took a longer breather at the hotel were also able to enjoy the artwork on wildlife and environment, created by members of Sarawak Artists Society.
Back at the Swinburne Sarawak multi-purpose hall, runners for the 5km run took off at 7.10am, while the participants for the more easypaced 1.5km walk left at 7.45am.
Children arrived for the 8.30am colouring contest, accompanied by their parents toting their own portable tables so that the ‘ little artists’ would not have to prostrate on the ground to colour their artwork.
Throughout the competition, the parents had the option to sit in for the talks by WCS Malaysia director Dr Melvin Gumal and WCS Indonesia shark and ray coordinator Efin Muttaqin.
Efin gave audience a rundown on the threats to sharks and rays, and talked about how to be a responsible consumer. Gumal, on the other hand, spoke about the state of orangutan conservation between last year and this year.
He also explained the concept of ‘ Run for the Wild’, telling the audience that there were people taking part ‘virtually’ from places like Barcelona and Argentina.
“It is beautiful that so many generous people came together on a Sunday morning to run for conservation.
“We hope that such generosity for our wildlife spreads throughout this season of giving and we’d like to thank all our supporters for taking the time to celebrate wildlife with us,” Gumal said. A total of 53 students from Swinburne Sarawak volunteered during the event.
Those interested to support the conservation of orangutans, sharks and rays can still sign up to be virtual runners for the runforthewildmalaysia. com/ virtual-runner, which is open till this Dec 31. WCS Malaysia is based here, with offices in Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Johor and Kuala Rompin. It focuses on the conservation of five priority species – orangutans, sharks and rays, elephants and tigers.
For more information, go to malaysia.wcs.org or fb.me/WCS. Malaysia.
For information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit swinburne.edu.my, or fb.me/swinburnesarawak.