KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tourism Board (STB) expresses its enthusiastic support for the upcoming Harmony Run themed ‘Unity and Respect For Diversity’, organised by the KSRun Athletics Club.
Scheduled for 9 March, STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the event would help market Sabah as more than a tourist destination but also as a symbol of religious and multicultural unity.
“This event truly represents our goal of highlighting the diverse cultural heritage of Sabah and fostering unity among its people.
“Sabah takes pride of the prevailing high sense of religious tolerance among the State’s multiracial and multi-religious society,” he said.
Joniston made these remarks following a briefing about the race by event organiser Wendy John on Monday. Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit was also in attendance.
“Sabah is more than simply a place to visit. It is a multicultural melting pot, and the Harmony Run is a unique opportunity for locals and visitors alike to embrace the diverse religious traditions that coexist harmoniously in our beautiful state.
“Participants will not only engage in a healthy and spirited run but will also have the chance to explore the cultural and religious landmarks along the route,” he added.
Aimed at promoting religious and cultural diversity awareness, the Harmony Run offers both 5km and 10km routes and will be flagged off at the Padang Merdeka.
It covers routes that include five significant religious places, namely the State Mosque, Sacred Heart Church, Gurdawara Sikh Temple, and Peak Nam Toong Temple.
Joniston also encouraged the organising committee to engage with representatives from various religious bodies to ensure the objectives of the run is achieved.
Meanwhile, Wendy said more than 700 participants registered out of the targeted 1,000, with most being locals and participants from Sarawak.
She added that they have also received 100 participants from outside Sabah for the virtual run, adding interested individuals can find more information about the Harmony Run event on the KSRun Athletics Club Facebook Page.
