Heritage Run to become tourist magnet

KUCHING: The Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run (KHMHR) could be a game-changer for Sarawak tourism, said Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.

Wee speaks to reporters after the KHMHR 2024 programme.

“I really appreciate the City Jogger’s Club (CJC) for organising a programme like this, because it is one way to attract the interest of outsiders to Sarawak,” Wee told reporters after the KHMHR 2024 event at MBKS on Saturday night.

Wee highlighted the event’s potential to showcase the city’s iconic landmarks and promote creative tourism.

“This running programme is also part of what we call creative tourism,” he said.

With over 3,500 participants, including a contingent of international runners, the KHMHR had demonstrated its appeal.

Wee urged the club to make the event an annual fixture and sought government support to expand its reach.
“In fact, I also hope that CJC can continue the enthusiasm for advocating this programme in the future and make it an annual event. Of course we also hope for support from the ministry, because this participation amount is only a start and is a good achievement,” he added.

The 10th anniversary edition of the KHMHR attracted runners from Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, the Netherlands, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Philippines, Kenya, and other parts of Malaysia.

The 21km, 10km, and 5km race took participants past 15 heritage sites, including the Old Museum, Sarawak Cultural Museum, Astana Sarawak, and the Darul Hana Bridge.

The event catered to a wide age range, with the oldest participant being 84 years old.