Seremban mayor Datuk Masri Baharuddin (front row, centre) flagging off the IJM Land Half Marathon 12km run. On Masri’s left is Chai.
A RECORD 12,000 runners participated in a sporting event in Seremban 2, Negri Sembilan, marking the run’s 11th edition and the township’s 30th anniversary.
Held at Dataran Centrio in Seremban 2, the IJM Land Half Marathon’s festive atmosphere marked the township’s transformation over the years.
The sporting event championed healthy living, community bonding and charity.
IJM Land chief operating officer Datuk Chai Kian Soon described the event as a platform to foster healthy lifestyle and strengthen community ties.
“What makes this event especially meaningful is seeing how both milestones embody the same core values, which are connecting people, building lasting relationships and creating a positive impact.
“As we reflect on three decades of Seremban 2’s growth alongside our marathon’s evolution, we see how sports and community development go hand-in-hand.”
Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun launched the event.
The race featured three categories – 21km, 12km and 5km fun runs.
IJM Land contributed RM15,000 each to Pertubuhan Hospice Negri Sembilan and Malaysia Lysosomal Diseases Association and RM12,500 to Pertubuhan Artritis Negri Sembilan.
In recognition of outstanding school participation, RM3,000 was awarded to Chung Hua High School for registering the highest number of runners totalling 560 students.
This year’s total contributions exceeded RM45,000, bringing the cumulative amount contributed since the run’s inception in 2012 to more than RM350,000.
Attractions that day included an electric vehicle showcase, a petting zoo, carnival games, car race simulation, face painting, balloon clown activity and an appearance by popular fictional character Labubu.
Families enjoyed a variety of fun activities, with themed airbrush tattoos, and caricature art.
There were also free health screenings, massages, sports recovery services and adolescent health awareness programmes.
Participants enjoyed refreshments, coffee and frozen yoghurt at a discounted rate, along with giveaways through sponsor activations and interactive booths.
More than 300 lucky draw prizes worth over RM35,000 were won, including smartphone, tablet, watch, apparel gift cards, hypermarket gift vouchers, and health screening packages.
Sustainability was also a highlight of the event, with an educational booth by SWM Environment promoting environmental awareness and recycling efforts with on-site waste segregation support.
“The IJM Land Half Marathon not only promotes physical fitness but also supports charitable causes and environmental sustainability, reflecting our values as a responsible corporate citizen,” said Chai.
