Big turnout at Ruhiang/Kiulu Adventure Challenge: A pleasant surprise
Published on: Thursday, March 05, 2015
Tuaran: Organisers of the fourth edition of "Ride for Nature" Ruhiang/Kiulu Adventure Challenge 2015 was surprised with the turnout of participants considering that there were other major events being held almost simultaneously throughout Sabah.Steve J. Mositun, Managing Director of Casero Events, said a total of 450 participants took part in the one-day event."The event was indeed a success with bigger numbers of participation despite it clashing with other major events around Sabah…it was certainly out of the organiser's expectation," he said.ADVERTISEMENT He said that it was never easy for a local company like Casero Events to bring out its own branding and make its vision and mission a reality.But thanks to Casero's focus ever since the event was mooted four years ago where its main goal was to create "Sport Tourism Attraction" in a targeted area or district, its hard work paid off."After four years of hard work, the Ruhiang/Kiulu Adventure Challenge is already established as one of the annual event for the district of Kiulu," he said.He noted that the event seemed to draw people to visit Kiulu and take part in the gruelling race.ADVERTISEMENT "We are also happy that Sabah local celebrity DJ Othoe who is KKFM announcer came in a colourful attire for the charity walk and ride for the disabled organisation Rumah OKU Tolumis Tuaran," he said. Dr Suzain, the programme coordinator and co-organiser, he said, managed to collect dry items for the disabled home.
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"We certainly felt blessed with many youths and members of the community who came and supported the side event," he said.Steve said Sakinah who is known locally thanks to clips about her went viral in Youtube came and was guest emcee together with DJ Othoe. Kiulu Assemblyman cum Director of Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, said the STB is open for discussion and look at the possibilities on how to assist in a win-win situation to ensure a better and bigger scale event in the future.He said the Ruhiang/Kiulu Adventure Challenge is good sports tourism product not only for the district but also for Sabah.Meanwhile, Mohd Faizikry Jumah won the Ride for Nature 35KM Open category followed by Chai Eng How and Edy Martony Kaikin in third place.In the Veteran Open category, Yamin Ali won first place while Willborn Gondolos, second and Arjali Amad, third.In the Adventure Run 10KM Open category, Runston Masri was simply in his elements to win the top prize.Wincentbert Latius came second while Mohd Sahi, third place.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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In the 21KM Open category, Kenyan runners, who are known for long distance running, won first place through its runner Willy Rotich.Local runner Fabian Osmond, who came second, was not too far behind while Walter Herman, came third.