SARIKEI: The Night Marathon organised by Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) St Anthony in conjunction with its 88th anniversary last Saturday attracted 1,861 runners.
The participants comprised teachers, students and former students of the school.
The programme aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle besides inculcating the spirit of sportsmanship among the school and the local community.
Sarikei Parliament Member (MP) Andrew Wong Ling Biu flagged off the marathon.
In his speech, he pointed out that the event was a good platform for strengthening the bonds between teachers and parents as well as helping to improve the quality of education.
He added sports was the most effective therapy to inculcate positive values in students.
Meanwhile, SMK St Anthony’s principal Vincent Liong Shou Chuan said he was happy with the encouraging response from the local community.
“This is the result of cooperation of all parties, especially the organising committee. I would like to thank you all,” he added.
The marathon, which began at 7pm, was divided into four categories; junior women, junior men, men open and women open. Each category covered five kilometres.
Champion of the junior women category was Sandy Lam Jing Yueng. Ava Wong Jin Yi came second while Mary Jane Dibah was third.
In the junior men’s category, Aamriee Marzuqie was first while Akhmalruddin Ahmat and Chieng Chin Soon came second and third respectively.
In the men open category, Ahmad Jun emerged champion while RaymondTiong Hung Wei was second and Tiong Hua Kwong third.
In the women open category, Lee Leh Hua was champion, Yong Yee Ling second and Tang Siew Ling third.
Also present during the marathon was the president of SMK St Anthony Sarikei Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Maureen Chua.
