Brunei’s running scene has been sprinting ahead at full throttle, and it’s not just the athletes who are feeling the rush. With every passing year, more Bruneians are lacing up their trainers, whether for a leisurely jog or a competitive race.
The recent Brunei Half Marathon 2024 BMW Edition, a first for the country as the inaugural race certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), wasn’t just another race – it was a bold statement.
A declaration that Brunei’s love for sport is fast, furious, and here to stay. More than 1,000 participants signed up, making it one of the largest sporting events in the nation, with a mix of seasoned marathoners and first-timers all crossing the same starting line.
The message? Running is no longer just for the elite, it’s a sport for everyone, from those looking to break a sweat to those eyeing the podium.
In early December, over 1,000 runners lined up to take part in this inaugural race, making it one of the largest sporting events in Brunei to date, uniting seasoned marathoners with first-time participants.
Whether you’re lacing up your shoes for the first time or gunning for the podium, running is a sport that invites everyone to join the movement.
Locally, events such as Bandarku Ceria, which takes place every Sunday, continue to captivate runners of all ages and abilities. These weekly runs, stretching from the heart of the capital to the grounds surrounding the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, bring together hundreds of running enthusiasts enjoying the simple joy of movement in the open air. These community-driven events reflect the rising popularity of running, which has taken root across the nation.
Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports introduced a new facility aimed at promoting an active lifestyle – the Stadium Concourse running track. This new track is designed to offer a unique experience, allowing runners to enjoy the benefit of an indoor track while taking in a scenic outdoor view, similar to international public running spaces such as Singapore’s Our Tampines Hub.
The opening of this track represents a shift towards more accessible and flexible training venues, catering to those who prefer running within the stadium’s protected environment, shielded from the elements.
But it’s not just the infrastructure that’s pushing the sport forward. Running clubs like Larian Tanpa Batas (LTB) and Weekend Pacers have blossomed in Brunei, providing a supportive space for individuals to connect and run together.
These groups promote camaraderie and a sense of community, proving that running can be as much about connection as it is about competition.
One of the standout figures in Brunei’s running community is Asari Rashid, affectionately known as Bam, a distance running specialist and the founder of the Tuesday Intervals programme. This weekly event draws a wide range of participants, from beginners to seasoned runners, all coming together for an evening of speed training.
Even on rainy days, committed runners are seen braving the weather, donning waterproof jackets to keep their routines intact.
Brunei’s growing appetite for running is also reflected in the number of competitions held across the country in 2024. The sport continues to gain momentum with events like the JW Wellness Run in June and the upcoming Kie’s Shoecare End of Year Run this month.
Night-time running has also become a popular trend, with Bruneians increasingly embracing the cooler evening hours for their workouts. One of the earliest competitive races of the year, the Brunei Night Run in January, saw dozens of runners race along the Budiman Walk, drawing large crowds and sparking interest in nocturnal sporting events.
Brunei’s athletes are making waves beyond the borders as well, with standout performances in regional competitions.
Local distance specialist Ruzaini bin Mahadi claimed first place in the men’s 10-kilometre open category at the Borneo Marathon in Kota Kinabalu, clocking a time of 34:39s.
Meanwhile, marathoner Muhammad Amirul bin Jamil earned a respectable third place in the full marathon event, crossing the line in 2:54:31s.
The highlight of Brunei’s long-distance racing calendar in 2024 came during the Borneo Run in August, held at the Brunei Shell Recreation Club in Belait.
Ruzaini, ever the favourite, delivered a stellar performance, securing second place in the half marathon with a time of 1:17:35s, just ahead of rival Muhammad Amirul Hamdi, who finished in third place with a time of 1:22:16s.
The year rounded off with another remarkable victory for Ruzaini at the VA Run in November, where he clinched the men’s 10-kilometre title with an impressive time of 33:42s, cementing his status as one of Brunei’s top long-distance runners.
As 2024 draws to a close, it’s clear that the running community in Brunei is on an upward trajectory, and the future looks bright for anyone looking to lace up their shoes and take to the roads, whether for fitness or competition.
The support of the local community, the rise of running clubs, and the ever-growing number of races signal a promising new era for the sport in Brunei. – Fadhil Yunus
