Run for a better world

Gearing up: Raja Riza (fifth from left) with participants who signed up early for the 2nd International Humanitarian Run 2015, which will be held on Aug 1.

VOLUNTEER relief organisation Mercy Malaysia will be holding the My Mercy Run 2015, on Aug 1 in Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur.

“This is the second year that we are having this international humanitarian run. We came up with it last year and we wanted to have an awareness programme other than just a dinner,” said Mercy Malaysia honorary secretary Raja Riza Shazmin Raja Badrul Shah.

“We wanted to have something more fun and healthy for Malaysians, so while we run and exercise, we also donate,” she said.

This run is held in collaboration with marketing consultancy company Go International Group, which conceptualised the run and will work together with Mercy Malaysia as co-organisers.

The My Mercy Run 2015 has three distances — 3km, 7km and 10km — and also has three categories — solo, group and virtual.

The virtual category is for those who wish to donate to the run without actually participating.

Participation fees for this year’s event is RM80 for those in the individual category and RM400 per group of six for the group category.

Children below 13 may also participate, but they can only register for the 3km run and must be accompanied by an adult.

Participants who register for the run will receive a race pack which can be collected at the Mercy Malaysia headquarters in Kuala Lumpur from July 25 to 31.

The race pack contains an event T-shirt, a race bib and an entry into the event’s lucky draw.

Activities during the event include a warm-up exercise and a light breakfast while the finishers will receive a finisher’s medal and goodie bags.

Additionally, registered participants can take part in a weekly exercise event every Friday called Fun Fit Friday, which will be held in KLCC Park at 6pm from June 5 onwards.

The training clinic, which will be conducted by Go International Group’s sports marketing head Nikki Yeo, also doubles to help raise awareness on the run.

Yeo believes that a fit mind and body will go a long way in helping Malaysians stay safe, especially in times of disaster.

“It is crucial for Malaysians to always be prepared for disaster and understand that mental and physical fitness can actually help people to evade disasters,” said Yeo who is also an American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified trainer.

In addition, there will be a “We-Fie” photo competition which participants are encouraged to take part in for a chance to win prizes for the most creative poses.

As the event is a “fun run”, participants are encouraged come in costumes .

“Last year, there were participants from all walks of life that came together for the good of humanity and the unity was an inspiration to witness.

“This year, with the devastation that our country has faced from floods, we want to bring that feeling of hope and resilience, undoubtedly in the hearts of Malaysians, back,” said Raja Riza.

Mercy Malaysia also hopes that more organisations, companies and local talents will support the event or even volunteer their talents for the events.

Interested parties can email Lili Hassan of Mercy Malaysia’s fundraising and sponsorship team at [e-mail] or Go International Group Sdn Bhd managing director Jasmine Low at [e-mail].

Individuals who wish to make a donation are welcome to do so and will be issued a tax-exemption receipt for all cash donations.

Those interested in participating can visit www.mercy.org.my while runners are encouraged to spread the word through Twitter with the hashtag #myMERCYrun.

For details, call 03-2142 2007.