Inaugural Manjung Run Draws Over 2,000 Participants, Raises RM36,000 Towards Beruas Rejuvenation Initiatives

Manjung Run 2024 organised by Vale, one of the world’s leading mining companies, in collaboration with Majlis Perbandaran Manjung (Manjung Municipal Council, MPM) welcomed over 2,000 participants from across the nation at the much-loved Padang Bandaran Beruas, situated at the heart of the quaint town. Aimed at inculcating healthy lifestyles within the community and the appreciation of local tourism offerings with Beruas town as the focal point, the run concluded with Mohammad Izul Amirul Mukmim and Diong Kai Chin winning the 21km men’s and women’s open category respectively while Mohd Ezmir Ahmad and Voon Yeen emerged as victors for the 21km men’s and women’s veteran category.

The event which kicked off with the 21km run, followed by the 12km, 5km and 3km categories, was officiated by YB Dato’ Mohd Zolkafly Harun, Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee Chairman. It was also graced by YB Dato’ Mohd Zaki Mahyudin, Perak State Finance Officer; YDh. Toh Seri Bijaya Lt. Col. (B) Dato’ Shaharudin Haji Nazari, Orang Besar Jajahan Manjung; YBrs. Tuan Shamsul Ridzuan Idris, Manjung District Officer; YBrs. Tuan Muhammad Faizal Shah Safian Suri, Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Manjung; YB Encik Azman Noh, State Assemblyman for Pengkalan Baharu; YB Puan Wong May Ing, State Assemblywoman for Pantai Remis; YDh. ACP Tuan Hasbullah Abdul Rahman, Manjung District Police Chief; YBrs. Tuan Haji Musa Hamid, District Education Officer for Manjung, YBrs. Puan Zuraida Md Taib, Chief Operating Officer, Tourism Perak; YBrs. Encik Mohd Helmi Arifin, Secretary of the Manjung Municipal Council; Mr. Leonardo Paiva, Chief Executive Officer of Vale in Malaysia; YBrs. En Faizal Ahmad Kasim, Penghulu of Beruas district and Mr. Afzal Mohsin, Chief Administrative Officer of Vale in Malaysia.

Beruas town was identified as the ideal location within the district to host the inaugural Manjung Run 2024 owing to its role as the historic site of Gangga Negara, one of the oldest Southeast Asian civilizations, its historical architecture with colonial-era shophouses to natural gems such as the beautiful Ulu Licin waterfall. 

In addition, Beruas town is home to a newly commissioned mural by Vale and MPM in collaboration with local artists. It features a woman dressed in traditional Perak attire, batik designs to signify skilled artistry from within the community and the flowering Beruas tree from which the town derived its name. These unique sights and sounds were showcased as key highlights throughout the run’s various scenic trails, encouraging residents and visitors to immerse in unique experiences and chart new memories in this charming town. 

Tuan Muhammad Faizal Shah Safian Suri, Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Manjung shared, “For the first ever Manjung Run, we’re seeing such great response and feedback. Participants hailing from Perak and other states have converged in Beruas for a truly dynamic and exciting sports tourism event in their 2024 calendar. We look forward to continually roll out initiatives such as these that promote the best of Manjung’s offerings as well as uplift the local economy and community in collaboration with Vale for the years to come.” 

As part of the organizations’ shared commitment towards inclusive, sustainable development in the district with a focus on community wellbeing and economic prosperity, proceeds from the run amounting to RM36,000 will be channelled towards joint rejuvenation initiatives in Beruas. 

Mr Leonardo Paiva, Chief Executive Officer of Vale in Malaysia said, “Manjung Run 2024 celebrates the culmination of efforts to debut a people-centric initiative, building on passion points of the community, exploring the intersection of fitness and travel. We’re honoured to collaborate closely with MPM for the past decade towards delivering greater value for communities through meaningful programmes. Manjung Run 2024 complements our Memorandum of Understanding with MPM signed last November to support sustainable urban development with heritage-focused urban rejuvenation initiative in Beruas as a key component. Drawing over 2,000 participants, we hope that the run has nurtured the curiosity to learn more about the town’s rich history and nature offerings that makes for a dynamic, prosperous Manjung as well as encourage its continued preservation for future generations.”

The full line-up of Manjung Run 2024 winners are as follows*:

The 21km category winners took home cash prizes of RM800 for first place, RM600 for second place, and RM400 for third place in the open and veteran categories while the 12km category winners won cash prizes of RM500 for first place, RM400 for second place and RM300 for third place in the men’s and women’s open and veteran categories. The 12km category also featured boy’s and girl’s junior categories, with winners awarded RM400, RM300 and RM200 for first, second and third place respectively. All participants that completed their runs regardless of categories did not go home empty-handed, receiving each a finisher medal.

Managed by SCORE Marathon, Manjung Run 2024 also hosted a carnival for runners and spectators to partake in fun activities from bowling with a twist using coconut shells, can toss to football penalty shooter games. Participants also had the opportunity to visit various booths and enjoy freebies from sponsors Cezar’s Kitchen, Dever Energy Gel, ExtraJoss, Ginbis and Himalaya.

This content is provided by Vale Malaysia Minerals.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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