Local runner Muhammad Hafiq Syazwan bin Hermanti emerged the champion of the men’s open category in the Skechers 1st City Run 2023 after crossing the finishing line with a time of 43:35.18 yesterday.
Muhammad Hafiq Syazwan said, “Alhamdulillah, it was a great race and win. I had been preparing for this type of competition for years. I am happy with my time and I am looking forward to joining more races.”
The 26-year-old, who is under the Brunei-Muara District scheme added, “My next competition is the 5,000-metre race at Tuaran Athletics Championship next week in Sabah, Malaysia. I hope to achieve a podium finish.”
Muhammad Qasyifui Azhim, with a time of 44:01.20 was placed second, followed by Hulubalang Asgar Abdul Malik bin Awang Hidup who finished in third with a time of 44:11.18.
Muhammad Haqeen Darwish Rozqimie was placed fourth with a time of 45:17.34 and Ahmad Yazid bin Awang Hidup was placed fifth with a time of 45:38.07.
The veteran men’s category saw Shamsul Effendy bin Haji Sulaiman winning just 17 seconds ahead of his closest rival with a time of 46:20.67. Haji Mohd Baharuddin was placed second with a time of 46:37.26 while Sea Kong Meng finished third with a time of 51:57.86.
Noorhanisah binti Haji Abdul Ghani won the women’s open category with a time of 54:33:74 followed by Shazana binti Hamiroldzam second with a time of 58:49.05. Anis binti Puasa finished third with a time of 1:02:10.39.
Noorhanisah said, “Alhamdulillah I managed to get an important win in the city run. With the hot weather, the run was quite challenging, and I am happy that I was able to finish the race in 54 minutes.”
The 28-year-old is planning to compete in the World Heart Day event in October.
Thu Siaw Khim completed the race with a time of 54:37.36 and was placed first in the veteran women’s category. Erin Liam was second with a time of 58:02.19 and Kim Chai finished third with a time of 1:01:38.02.
Skechers Brunei Product Manager Lim Ke Nie and Skechers Brunei brand ambassador Sefli Ahar presented prizes to the winners. – James Kon
