More than 5,000 join Klate Mega Fun Run on Malaysia Day

KOTA BARU: More than 5,000 people took part in the 'Klate Mega Fun Run' at Lembah Sireh here today, turning the Malaysia Day holiday into a day of fitness, fun and family activities.

The 4.2km fun run, organised by the state government, attracted participants of various ages, including families, children, government personnel and members of the local community.

Kelantan Youth, Sports, NGOs and Community Unity committee chairman Zamakhshari Muhamad, who flagged off the participants, said the event was held for the first time this year and received an encouraging response.

He said the programme also brought together various state and federal government agencies and members of the community.

"More than 5,000 participants joined the run, showing that the community welcomed this kind of healthy and recreational activity.

"We hope to make the Klate Mega Fun Run an annual event, especially as it provides an opportunity for people to spend their holiday in a meaningful and beneficial way while strengthening family and community ties," he said.

Participants also stood a chance to win various prizes, including a Proton Saga, an e-bike and other prizes.

Among those who took part was 48-year-old Sarmi Mat Salleh, who joined the run with his wife, Che Noor Umaimah Ludin, 35, and their 4 children — Nur Raeesa Azahra, 13; Nur Radhwa Azahra, 10; Mohd Rifqi, 8; and Mohd Raziq Al-Fatah, 3.

Sarmi said the family regularly participated in fun runs and other community activities whenever they had the opportunity.

"We have joined many fun runs before, so we were happy to take part in this event together as a family.

"It is a good way to spend the Malaysia Day holiday instead of just staying at home. We can exercise, enjoy the atmosphere and spend quality time with the children," he said.

Another participant, Nurashiken Ahmad, said the event was also a good opportunity for children to take part in outdoor activities while mixing with other members of the community.

"The children enjoyed it very much. They were excited from the beginning and kept looking forward to reaching the finish line.

"For us, the most important thing is that we could spend our holiday doing something healthy and beneficial as a family," she said.

The 40-year-old mother of three from Pengkalan Chepa joined the programme with her 39-year-old husband, Zaidan Zakaria, and their children, Azkayra, 9; Azib, 7; and Azhad, 3.

Zaidan said events such as the fun run should be held more frequently as they encouraged families to adopt an active lifestyle while bringing the community together.

The two families said they hoped to participate in more similar activities in the future.