Every Sunday morning, the early risers will brush off the feeling of sleepiness or the cool breeze of the air conditioner to wake up and make their way to the capital for a run or partake in another form of healthy activity in the countless editions of Bandarku Ceria.
As popularised by neighbouring countries on advocating a green environment such as the Car-Free Sunday initiative in Singapore or KL Car-Free Morning in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Bandarku Ceria or commonly known as BKC, offers Bruneians an opportunity to promote a healthy lifestyle outdoors without worrying on the imminent dangers of traffic.
While work and family commitments may seem to hinder an individual’s ability to focus on their running schedule, BKC is the perfect place to go for a run or long walk considering the time and the cavernous space one can enjoy.
Regardless of fitness levels, people make use of the long stretch of deserted roads to run, roller-blade, cycle or even for a leisurely stroll for most of the morning at a time when the heat is much lesser.
The recent 80 Billion Steps Together initiative conducted by the Ministry of Health also serves as motivation for people to go out and reach the goal as a collective effort nationwide.
Scores of recreational and competitors’ runners, cyclists and rollerblading enthusiasts excitedly line up the streets of Bandar frequently populated by tourists to as far as the Prime Minister’s Office building.
Despite the pitch-dark clouds blanketing the night skies, a line-up of vehicles can be seen parked at the One Riverside parking lot as eager individuals clad in running gear synonymous with the top brands plotted their route with varying distances to cover.
In an effort towards practicing an active and healthy lifestyle, runners from opposite directions are a common sight whether they are heading from the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium towards the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha (RIPAHS) Bridge or vice versa.
The BKC initiative also allows runners to cover vast areas within Bandar that would only be possible to access via road through the convenience of their own vehicle.
Subject to free time, passers-by can enjoy the accessibility of empty roads, providing an ideal setting to embark for long distances from 10 kilometres (km) onwards.
Whether you start your run at the Silver Jubilee Park meeting point or One Riverside, one can customise their route without getting worried of incoming traffic for a full four hours from 6am to 10am.
If one opts for a short distance yet able to break a sweat, they can perhaps start from the Jalan Kumbang Pasang road adjacent to the apartments and reach the blue clock tower at the heart of Bandar before returning to where they originally began.
That would sum up to a distance of at least 5km which is normally considered as a fun-run category on the side-lines of a running competition.
But if one fancies a longer run and build additional mileage specially to accommodate their training needs, one can run far towards the iconic RIPAHS Bridge and then to the surrounding areas of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex before returning to their meeting point.
One popular route normally used is crossing towards the scenic Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas once they pass through the St Andrew’s School before continuing along the waterfront en route to RIPAHS Bridge.
What can normally be seen during the popular BKC is a group of runners striding in sync and perfect harmony while solo runners can also be seen engaged in their own world listening to their headsets or earpieces.
Considering the benefits of running or other cardiovascular-related activities which is scientifically proven, BKC is indeed the perfect occasion where one can enjoy while at the same time enjoy the company of family and friends.
As health benefits intertwine with the camaraderie of friends and family, BKC stands as an emblem of Brunei’s commitment to holistic well-being, echoing the spirit of a community in motion. – Fadhil Yunus
