1,199 take part in Labuan Autismlympic Run
LABUAN: First time long distance runner, Lo Pei Ling, 43, a local journalist at See Hua Daily News here, had nothing but praise for the event.
Pei Ling was running for the 6.5KM inaugural Autismlympic Run Bank Rakyat alongside 1,199 runners, including hundreds of autistic children, held at University Malaysia Sabah Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL) Tower yesterday.
Despite the sun being out, Pei Ling said it was ‘freezing’ and it didn’t stop her completing the run in 45 minutes.
She said she felt very safe and comfortable and praised the organisers Labuan Autism Association, UMSKAL and Bank Rakyat Labuan.
Pei Ling said everyone appreciated what the people after the race were doing and completing the race made her feel ‘very emotional’ thinking about the children with autism.
The last few meters, made up of UMS hill, ensured the finish was challenging, but she said she was driven by the amazing people all striving for the same goal to finish the run to bring awareness on autism.
“The atmosphere of running towards the tourist-popular Sg Miri Sunset Beach was amazing, making it a great day out for the runners.”
Pei Ling, with a group of her friends, took part in the run as they wanted to give back to the community, especially those with autism.
“Seeing the thousands of individuals lining up at the starting line for this year’s run was heart-warming, humbling and very encouraging for us - raising awareness for autism brings thousands together for the run,” she said.