Bandar Seri Begawan - More than 3,400 running enthusiasts took part in the National Youth Day Run 2012 yesterday. It was held in conjunction with the National Youth Day 2012 and took place in the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium area.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Seta Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, was the guest of honour at the event.

Also present were Datin Paduka Hajah Adina binti Otbman, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; Dato Paduka Awg Haji Mohd Hamid bin Haji Mohd Jaafar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; Haji Ismail bin Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Setia Dato Paduka Hj Hashim, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; Haji Abdul Malik bin Haji Mohammad, Acting Director of Youth and Sports, as well as organising committee members of the National Youth Day Run 2012.

An instructor led an aerobic session prior to the run.

Some of the runners interviewed by the Bulletin said they were impressed with the design of the sports shirt with the Brunei Methanol Company logo.

The runners were divided into categories - male aged 19 to 40 (10km), female aged 19 to 40 (10km), male aged 15 to 18 (5km), female aged 15 to 18 (5km), special needs (2.5km) as well as a 2.5km 'Fun Run' for both male and female runners.

The minister and the deputy minister presented medals and mock cheques to the winners. There was also a lucky draw for the runners.

One of the more recognisable winners in the race was Dk Nurul Aina Syafiqah, the young prodigy who once again bolstered her reputation as a dedicated runner, after competing in the BIBD run last week.

Her father, Pg Hj Zainal, who is also her coach and trainer, was proud of her time and her overall performance.

The National Youth Day Run is one of the components of the National Youth Day 2012, which is organised by the Department of Youth and Sports under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports every year on August 1.

The declaration of the Youth Day on August 1 by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di- Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam marks a recognition and appreciation for the youth movement in the country.

Among the purposes of the run were to encourage youths to promote and prioritise a healthy lifestyle through participation in sporting activities while uniting them in the country in raising awareness of National Youth Day as well as to foster closer ties among all the youths in the country.