Participants setting off on their 3km run after the flag-off.
PARTICIPANTS came as early as 6am for a 3km run which saw 400 T-shirts being snapped up within half an hour as they showed support for Hulu Selangor Municipal Council’s (MPHS) car-free day held in Kuala Kubu Baru (KKB).
The run started at 7.30am with an array of fun activities for children and adults lasting until 1pm.
Organised by MPHS in conjunction with National Day, the event saw about 5,000 present at the venue known for its scenic view of Kuala Kubu Baru town and Fraser’s Hill.
MPHS president Mohd Hasry Nor Mohd, who flagged off the run, was happy to see the people in a jubilant mood, walking and cycling through town without worrying about the traffic.
“Unfortunately, we can only hold this event once a year as the place is usually busy over the weekends with tourists and it might affect businesses if it were to be held frequently.
“I also took time to walk through the town and meet the traders,’’ said Mohd Hasry, who also tried food sold at stalls set up along the streets.
Aida Azira Mohamad, 40, who brought her five-year-old daughter Zulaikha Abdul Hafi, took time to get a selfie in front of murals in the back lanes of old buildings and got their face painted.
“Unlike most weekends when it is usually packed with vehicles, today, we have the chance to walk in the middle of Jalan Mat Kilau without worrying about any vehicles hitting us,’’ she said.
Taking photos with murals proved a popular activity among the participants.
Athlete Dheevesh Saravanan, 18, and his cousins Jayswini Kajapathy, 14, and her elder brother Veshal, 15, from Taman Bukit Bunga in Kuala Kubu Baru, dominated the 3km run, all finishing within the top seven placings.
Dheevesh finished in first place while Veshal and Jayswini were in second and sixth, respectively.
Dheevesh said, “We were given a good breakfast and it was not about the prize but being proud of this area that we live in and winning in our own hometown.
“As an avid runner myself in 400m and 800m events, I have been training in KKB stadium for more than a year. I am also looking forward to competing in the Sukma Games next year in the long-distance events,’’ he said.
Veshal said he joined the event to show his support and enjoy the atmosphere.
“My sister and I have been training together for only a year and I can see such good improvement,’’ he said.
Many participants were also seen queueing up to buy KKB’s famous kaya puff and durian cake.
Besides the 3km run, there were also aerobics, story-telling time, a petting zoo, horse carriage rides, batik painting, a bubble balloon event, a joyride, face painting, lucky draw and competitions for singing, cooking state dishes, National Day costume and colouring among others.
There were also booths set up by government agencies, corporate companies, and those selling food and drinks.
On Oct 21 in conjunction with the MPHS anniversary, a similar car-free day will be held at Jalan Bunga Kertas in Bukit Sentosa.
MPHS president Mohd Hasry (left) taking part in one of the events.
Students showing their skills in a drum performance during KKB’s car-free day.
Children enjoying themselves on a cycle cart during the event at Kuala Kubu Baru. — Photos: SS KANESAN/The Star
(From left) Dheevesh, Jayswini and Veshal after the 3km fun run.
Children posing for a photo dressed in their Merdeka-themed costumes.
A student getting her face painted in one of the booths at the event.
