Kota Kinabalu: More than 5,000 people took part in the Jom! Malaysia-China 2026 Run at Padang Merdeka here on Sunday.
The run was organised by the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah in conjunction with the 52nd anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.
Association President Dr Oh Ei Sun said the event is now in its seventh edition, excluding a two-year hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said the run has grown into one of Sabah’s best-known mass participation sporting events, thanks to support from government agencies, Chinese-invested enterprises, local businesses, chambers of commerce and various sectors of society.
Participants gathered from the early hours of the morning for a warm-up session at 6.20am before more than 5,000 runners were flagged off for the seven-kilometre route along the Likas Bay coastal road.
A photo exhibition commemorating the 52nd anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations was also held, featuring historical photographs highlighting cooperation in diplomacy, trade and investment, education, culture, tourism and local-level exchanges.
Chinese Consul General in Kota Kinabalu Dr Zhu Xinglong said the run provided a platform for people from Sabah’s diverse communities to interact while strengthening Malaysia-China friendship.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin, the guest of honour, said the event has become an important platform for people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
A lucky draw after the race awarded 249 cash prizes and gifts worth more than RM43,000. The grand prize was a one-year Skechers Malaysia running shoe package worth RM5,508.
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