Bandar Seri Begawan - The Bukit Shahbandar Challenge kicked off yesterday with almost 200 runners taking part in the competitive run through the Bukit Shahbandar Forest Reserve.
It may be considered unlucky for some but number 13, Wong Siew Ming, was the first person to cross the finish line yesterday.
In the C category for men over 50-years old, Wong bested 33 other runners in a 3.7km route in 25 minutes and 43 seconds. He took home a medal and $300 cash prize.
Noorsurainah Hj Tengah, 25, was in the D category which was open to women between 15 and 34-years old and ran the challenge for the first time. "Thanks to my friends, I`ve fallen in love with outdoor activities," she said.
Having recently started actively trekking, running and hiking, she felt that her performance at Bukit Shahbandar unsatisfactory, timing the 3.7km course at over 50 minutes. But she still managed to rank 6th in her category.
The only regret she had, she said, was that the organisers did not provide water at the several checkpoints along the route. "People are in a competition," she exclaimed. "We can`t be expected to carry bottles of water while we run."
Held for the fourth consecutive year, the challenge was organised by the Forestry Department and sponsored by the Brunei Sawmill Association as part of the World Forestry Day celebrations which falls on every March 21. The competition was aimed at promoting the forest reserve as a suitable area for jogging and other outdoor activities while creating awareness of the importance of preserving the forest.
The challenge was divided into six categories, which included a special one for national team runners. Amateurs joining in that A category ran a course of about 7km. The race was started by the Director of the Forestry Department at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Hj Saidin Salleh. While the department`s acting deputy director presented medals and prizes to the winners.
Source: www.brudirect.com (4 Desember 2007)