TUTONG

FIVE hundred runners of all ages took part in yesterday's Sungai Basong Running Challenge, a tribute foot race in celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 68th birthday.

Co-organised by Tutong’s Youth and Sports Department and Brunei Darussalam Athletics Association (BAA), the foot race saw participants go through the Sungai Basong Recreational Park trails which encircle Bukit Ambok, pass four checkpoints at DST tower station, along the bicycle trail and uphill checkpoints, including at the official residence of Tutong district officer. Sungai Basong Recreational Park is situated along the Muara-Tutong highway and five minutes drive from the Tutong town centre.

Participants competed against one another in four categories namely 10km for Under-18 (male), 10km for Under-18 (female), 10km open men and 10km women categories.

A 5km fun run was also opened to the public.

Among the participants was Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Mu’min.

Emerging as champion for the 10km U-18 (male) category was Khairul Anam Ramli and the 10km U-18 (female) category was Noor Asllyn John.

Meanwhile, Sefli Anak Ahar came first under the 10km open men category, beating Shaminan Hj Md Salleh and Rahimi Hj Hasan who came in at second and third place. Sefli clocked 35 minutes and 58 seconds.

For the 10km open women category, Bibi Marcella Kula won the first place after clocking in at 53 minutes and 14 seconds.

Sofinah Hj Adris and Noor Fiza Etis were placed second and third place respectively.

The Tutong District Officer, Wardi Hj Mohd Ali, flagged off the runners as guest of honour. Also present were Kamil Lamat, Head of Tutong’s Youth and Sports Department; officers and staff under the department, BAA members and volunteers.

Sungai Basong Recreational Park is one of the most popular spots in the district which was opened to the public in 1989. Apart from the trails, an ‘herb garden’, Tutong’s heritage and model houses and buildings of different ethnic groups in the district are also among its features.

The Brunei Times