THE 10km trail run in Bukit Gasing was the key highlight of Petaling Jaya Greenscape 2026.
Endurance Trail Bukit Gasing, organised by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) saw 378 runners, including 17 international participants exploring the city’s natural green space.
Besides Malaysians, the international runners were from the Netherlands, Japan, Germany, Cambodia, Belgium, the Philippines, Indonesia, Poland, Spain and Thailand.
MBPJ deputy mayor Sharinaz Samsudin said the international participation highlighted Bukit Gasing’s potential as a nature-based recreational destination capable of attracting both local and overseas running communities.
Beyond promoting an active and healthy lifestyle, the trail event also served to raise awareness of preserving green spaces as valuable natural assets that contribute to the well-being of urban residents.
She said one of the challenges of development in Petaling Jaya was the replacement of natural ground surfaces with concrete.
“Concrete surfaces reduce the amount of rainwater absorbed into the ground, causing water to flow more rapidly into drainage systems and waterways.
“During periods of extreme rainfall, this can contribute to overflowing drains and flash floods.
“This programme highlighted the value of urban parks and natural environments as places for recreation and environmental learning.
“Spending time among trees and green spaces allows residents to better appreciate nature and understand the importance of protecting it,” she said during the prize-giving ceremony at Taman Jaya.
She also said that public awareness and responsible waste disposal were important to reduce environmental risks.
Also present was MBPJ Landscape Department director Dr Badrulzaman Jaafar.
The event was part of Petaling Jaya Greenscape 2026 programme held at the park, under the theme “Green Petaling Jaya, Together We Can!”.
It also saw the launch of PJ STEM Discovery Park, an initiative to give more access to community-based learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Many family-friendly activities were conducted across different age groups including a kokedama (Japanese art form) workshop, healthy bento workshop, orienteering competition, colouring competition, fun games and zumba.
Winner of the Women’s Open category in the trail run, Nur Haafidzah Abdul Aziz, 38 from Ampang said she had a pleasant experience on the trails.
“It is my first time in Bukit Gasing and the markings were clear to guide the runners. It was fun,” she said.
MBPJ administration staff Rose Darlila Roseli, 35, who took part in the kokedama workshop said the event was a good way to spend the long weekend.
“The workshop was interesting and free, so I decided to sign up. It was fun learning how to do it and we got to take our creation home,” she said.
Waste reduction and the circular economy were also emphasised through booths that offered to buy used cooking oil, an eco free market and food waste recycling workshops.
