| James Kon |
A TOTAL of 3,579 runners yesterday signed up for the Larian Hari Keputeraan 2017 across all four districts to enliven the 71st birthday celebrations of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
The largest crowds of 2,421 runners gathered at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in the Brunei-Muara District, where they were flagged off by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof.
The Belait District recorded 2,421 participants, while the Tutong District recorded 588 runners, and Temburong District 266 participants.
The annual event aims to get citizens and residents of the Sultanate to be part of the royal birthday celebrations, encourage a healthy lifestyle through sporting and recreational activities, and to unite the community – especially youth – for the development of sports in the country.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Noor Jusmin bin Haji Abdul Samad presented prizes to the top five winners (male and female categories) of the 10km race.
Younes Ammouta from Morocco finished the race ahead of local favourite Sefli Ahar with a time of 34 minutes and 19 seconds. Sefli Ahar, 17 seconds behind, finished in second place. Muhd Nurisman bin Ismail came in third (at 35 minutes and 17 seconds), followed by Haji Jupli bin Panbis (34 minutes and 26 seconds) and Mohd Samsul bin Jamri (35 minutes and 54 seconds).
Speaking to the Bulletin, Ammouta said “Alhamdulillah, despite the hot and humid weather, I managed to cross the finish line first.”
Despite still recovering from an injury, the Moroccan has already taken part in numerous runs in the Sultanate and is in the podium finishes. He hopes to compete in another event at the end of next month.
The 10km race (female category) saw Yvette Jacobine Maria Kohekas finishing in first place with a time of 45 minutes 16 seconds, followed by Airince Liam (45 minutes and 38 seconds), Leong shed Yee (45 minutes and 51 seconds), Cecilia Marksimon (47 minutes and 12 seconds) and Jenny Tan (47 minutes and 15 seconds).
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