NEWS & UPDATES

KUCHING
11 AUGUST 2024

The annual Sarawak Energy Isthmus Run 2024 at Kuching Isthmus was held on 11 August.

Supported by the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication and the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak, the run—fully funded by Sarawak Energy—successfully raised RM180,000 from runner registration fees. The eight bodies that received this year’s collection were the Kidney Association of Sarawak, Association for the Welfare of Intellectually Disabled Children Sarawak, Life Care Society, Sarawak Women for Women Society, Sarawak Society for the Deaf, Mental Health Association of Sarawak, Sarawak Society for the Blind, and Salvation Army Children’s Home.

The Honourable Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability was present to flag off and run the 5KM fun run. He later congratulated all runners for completing their segments and contributing to the various charitable organisations

“I am pleased to see events such as these – which promote healthy living across Sarawak – grow in popularity in the State. Thank you to all runners and Sarawak Energy for making this possible,” said Hazland following the race.

Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili highlighted that the Isthmus Run 2024 is the largest run since its introduction in 2013, attracting 3,615 runners including 117 runners from other Malaysian states and 33 international runners from Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Kenya, Netherlands and Belgium.

“The Isthmus Run is one of Sarawak Energy’s major initiatives to promote healthy living among our workforce – complementing the Company’s sporting events and our weekly sports day on Thursdays. It is also a platform that allows us to give back to our local communities,” said Sharbini in his welcoming speech.

Sharbini also announced that the 10th edition of the Sarawak Energy Isthmus Run would take place on 10 August 2025, with a new 42.195KM full marathon category to celebrate a decade of the event.

This year, 596 runners participated in the 21KM half marathon; 765 runners in the 10KM category; and 2,254 runners in the 5KM fun run. Sarawak Energy’s Group Executive Committee members were also present at the event.

A total of 516 runners who participated in the 21KM half marathon category managed to finish within the 4-hour cut-off time. The top three finishers of the half marathon were Simon Rotich, Andy Yeo Jia Wei and Sunny Jong ShiXian in the Male Open category while Lavinia Kong, Lee Ee Hua and Ngiik Ching Lau won the Female Open category – they walked home with cash prizes valued at RM2,500, RM1,500 and RM750 respectively.

In the 10KM category, Muhammad Shahir, Ahmad Faisal, and Muhd Amirul Bin Muhammad were the top three finishers in the Male Open, while Cherynna Corey Chin, Emylia Lynn Ghazali Binti Zulfikar, and Lina Tchung led the Female Open. They received cash prizes of RM750, RM500, and RM300, respectively.

All top 15 finishers in both the 21KM half marathon and 10KM category were awarded cash prizes with the 21KM finishers receiving an exclusive top 15 finisher’s t-shirt.

In line with its commitment to sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Sarawak Energy implemented eco-friendly practices, such as using biodegradable paper cups and reusable non-woven race pack kits.

As part of its initiative to promote Sarawak’s Green Energy Agenda, free electric bus shuttles were also available for visitors from the city centre to the event venue. The utility also promoted green mobility with a hydrogen fuel cell and electric vehicle showcase as a side event of the Isthmus Run, where event-goers were able to view the Hyundai Nexo and BYD Atto 3.

Other side events included food trucks and various booths ranging from health and wellness to handicrafts and games. The event concluded with lucky draws, where prizes worth RM10,000 were bagged by lucky winners.

Event partners include 100 Plus, Milo, UCSI Hotel Kuching, AirAsia Ride, KPJ Kuching, Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Jabatan Laut Malaysia and Grit Event Management.

Hazland presenting the officiating speech. Earlier, he flagged off and took part in the 5KM fun run.

Sharbini presenting his welcoming remarks.

The top three finishers of the 21KM and 10KM Male and Female Open Categories receiving their prizes during the prize-giving ceremony.

The Sarawak Energy Isthmus Run 2024 raised a total of RM180,000 from the registration fees. This amount was equally donated to eight charities.

Runners for the 5KM category begin their run following the flag-off by Hazland.

Runners set off with determination after the flag-off outside Menara Sarawak Energy.

Running towards victory: Runners of the 10KM category sprint towards the finishing line while being cheered on by the cheerleading team.

Celebrating personal achievements: Participants take a group photo upon completing their run.

Runners and supporters take part in a lively Zumba session by inhouse instructors.