The first HSL Samarahan Marathon attracted significant media attention with over 2,000 participants, surpassing the record set by the 2021’s HSL Fitness Weekend.
Participants included those from West Malaysia as well as international entries from countries like Kenya and beyond.
One of the key highlights of the competitive events was that many participants surpassed their personal bests.
The awards ceremony, graced by the presence of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) Chairman, took place at HSL’s La Promenade Mall.
Here are the media highlights:
Bernama, May 12
The Samarahan Marathon needs to become an annual event as it is able to attract runners from various countries, Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performance Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said.
The Borneo Post, May 13
The Samarahan Marathon 2024 is hailed as a success, having welcomed over 2,00 participants coming not only from Malaysia, but also from Singapore, Brunei and the African region.
DayakDaily, May 12
The two-day event fitness festival started with a six and three-kilometre Fun Run on May 11, followed by the 10km, 21km, and 42km categories today.
New Sarawak Tribune, May 13
The festival began with an exciting fun run and also featured a special award for Voon Kim Choon’s imaginative costumes.
The Borneo Post, May 12
Acccording to Abdul Karim, Sarawak currently boasts two internationally recognised marathons, namely the Kuching Marathon and the Miri Marathon.
Berita RTM, May 13
“Marathon Samarahan ini saya percaya kalau diangkat ia boleh diterima kerana penganjurannya cukup teratur dan sambutan daripada peminat larian jauh juga cukup baik,” kata Abdul Karim
New Sarawak Tribune, May 13
“My hope is that the organisers can request for this event to be included in AIM, making it renowned not only in Sarawak but also around the world,” Abdul Karim said.
DaykDaily, May 12
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said he looks forward to the HSL Samarahan Marathon becoming a yearly event in Sarawak, adding that his ministry would help to provide the necessary financial assistance for the organisation.
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