The recently-opened Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium Concourse has been given a nod of approval by the general public as the latest facility specifically catered towards activities such as brisk walk; jogging or even running hits the town.
Recently introduced under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Stadium Concourse unmistakably features a three-lane coloured running track with an indoor and outdoor concept.
The running track, covering a distance of approximately 639 metres, passes through landmarks such as the National Swimming Pool Complex and Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex. It is accessible through the huge staircase located opposite the Budiman Walk and interested users may enter the facility by scanning the QR code made available through the gates.
Since the announcement was made in late October, scores of people regardless of fitness abilities thronged the facility during the operational hours.
Families, couples and friends have made use of the public facility as well as government departments and organisations.
The opening of the concourse has been well received by the public and commended as a positive move towards encouraging the practice of leading an active and healthy lifestyle.
Built inside the stadium, the facility also serves as an ideal alternative for users who want to run, train or perform less intense activities outdoors but shielded from heat or rain.
The Bulletin caught up with 24-year-old Muhammad Ali Shafie who was using the facility for the first time.
Satisfying his curiosity after noticing people walking up the staircase, he and his partner was led to the entrance and discovered the running track.
The pair eventually made laps in the running track before leaving with a sense of satisfaction.
Muhammad Ali Shafie shared that the running track provides an option for users who opt from running outside and is safer without concerns of motorists or animals crossing the road. Following first-hand experience of the concourse, Muhammad Ali Shafie is most likely to pay repeated visits as he continues to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
With a focus towards cardio-based exercise in his training regime, Muhammad Ali Shafie also shared fitness goals to burn calories adding that he also frequents the gym.
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Ahmad Syakir said that the running track provides an ideal environment for recruits especially uniformed personnel to train and perform in an event of poor weather conditions.
Based on his experience, Ahmad Syakir also said that the running track is perfect for users to do activities such as brisk walk, jogging and running indicating the practicality of the toilets around the area.
Ahmad Syakir, who visits the facility with his 24-year-old friend Ahmad Nafiz, revealed that it was only his second time but was impressed enough to make another visit.
Since he was a Muara resident, he was first recommended to run along the Tanjong Batu Beach with the stretch of road totalling a distance of one kilometre (km) from one end to the other.
He then joined a group of friends to run along the surroundings of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium where he explained that there are specific routes for four-to-five kilometre runs.
Meanwhile, a representative from the Youth and Sports Department said that the concourse is equipped with lights especially those who wish to use the facility at night.
He also called for cleanliness to be maintained at the premises so that users can enjoy a conducive and comfortable place. – Fadhil Yunus
