Joniston with the runners showing thumbs up.
TUARAN: The inaugural Nabalu Countryside Run witnessed the exhilaration of trail runners as they traversed the picturesque villages near Pekan Nabalu, undeterred by the scorching sun.
Drawing more than 200 cross-country running enthusiasts, including participants from Brunei and England, the event proved successful.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman flagged off the run and presented medal prizes to the top performers.
Organised by the Kampung Nadau Youth Club, the Nabalu Countryside Run featured two trail categories: 8km and 21km, ensuring a thrilling experience for runners of all skill levels.
Joniston highlighted the importance of such events in promoting sustainable tourism and community empowerment.
He expresses his enthusiasm for the positive impact this run would have on the local economy and on preserving Sabah’s natural surroundings.
Joniston said the event would greatly complement the State Government’s concerted effort to promote rural community-based tourism (CoBT).
“By actively involving the local community in organising and promoting such events, a profound sense of pride and ownership would be instilled among villagers.
“The Nabalu Countryside Run not only allows our rural villages to exhibit their natural splendour to sports and nature enthusiasts, but it also creates opportunities for sustainable tourism,” he stated.
Supported by STB as one of the main sponsors along with property developer KTI, the event aimed to showcase the pristine beauty of Sabah’s rural areas while fostering community engagement.
