Harmony Run gets full support from Sabah Tourism Board

KOTA KINABALU: A run promoting unity and diversity that will have participants passing through various houses of worship here has been given a seal of approval by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB).

Its chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has expressed STB’s enthusiastic support for the upcoming Harmony Run themed "Unity and Respect For Diversity", organised by the KSRun Athletics Club.

Bangkuai said the event, scheduled for March 9, would help market Sabah as more than a tourist destination but also as a symbol of religious and multi-cultural unity.

"This event truly represents our goal of highlighting the diverse cultural heritage of Sabah and fostering unity among its people," he said on Monday (Jan 8).

"Sabah takes pride in the prevailing high sense of religious tolerance among the state's multi-racial and multi-religious society," he said.

Bangkuai, who is also state Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister, said this following a briefing on the race by event organiser Wendy John on Monday.

Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit was also in attendance.

Aimed at promoting religious and cultural diversity awareness, the Harmony Run offers both 5km and 10km routes and will be flagged off at the Padang Merdeka here.

The route included five significant places of worship namely the State Mosque, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Gurdawara Sikh Temple, and Peak Nam Toong Temple.

Bangkuai said the run offers a unique opportunity for locals and visitors alike to embrace the diverse religious traditions that co-exist harmoniously in Sabah.

"Participants will not only engage in a healthy and spirited run but will also have the chance to explore the cultural and religious landmarks along the route," he added.

The STB chairman at the same time encouraged the organising committee to engage with representatives from various religious bodies to ensure the objectives of the run are achieved.

Meanwhile, Wendy said more than 700 participants registered out of the targeted 1,000, with most being locals and participants from Sarawak.

She added that they have also received 100 participants from outside Sabah for the virtual run, adding interested individuals can find more information about the Harmony Run event on the KSRun Athletics Club Facebook page.