Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, along with 5,009 participants, yesterday took part in Bandar Run 2012, held in conjunction with the 42nd anniversary of the renaming of Brunei Town to Bandar Seri Begawan at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien.

Also taking part in the run was YAM Pengiran Muda Abdul Mu'min.

The run, organised by the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department, was held to commemorate a significant chapter in the nation's prosperous history and a city that has achieved global status in the world scene, with the theme of "Run for your Bandar as a Nation".

The run also served as a platform to unite the community, particularly those living in the city, whereby such commitment from the residents was central in enlivening the atmosphere and enhancing the image of Bandar Seri Begawan as a unique, scenic and prosperous city. It was also aimed at encouraging the community to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

The run was contested in distance classes namely the 2.5-km (Fun Run Open), 5-km, 10-km and 21-km (half marathon), each comprising men's and women's categories with the exception of the Fun Run Open.

Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohammad Yussof flagged off the race for all the categories and also presented the prizes to the top three winners at the end of the run.

Prior to the start of the run, the participants took part in a mass warm-up session.

The winners in both men and women categories in the 21-km run were awarded with a cash prize of B$1,500, a medal and a certificate. The runner-up, meanwhile, walked away with a B$1,250 cash prize, a medal and a certificate, and the second runner-up took home a cash prize of B$1,000, as well as medal and certificate. The winners in the 10-km run for both categories received a B$1,000 cash prize, medal and certificate, while both male and female winners in the 5-km run took home B$500 cash prize, as well as medal and certificate.

The huge participation involving runners, volunteers, committee members, organisers and supporters clearly showcased the unity in commemorating the milestone in the capital's rich history and tradition. Johndan Kiplimo Maru, winner of the Men's 21-km run, shared with the Bulletin his appreciation of the beauty and magnificence of Bandar Seri Begawan and the warm hospitality of its people, which according to him, is second to none. - Borneo Bulletin (26 November 2012)