Runners dashing off at the flag-off as some react to the camera with cheer.

KUCHING: More than 1,600 runners participated in ‘Run for the Brave Heart 2016’ event held at Sarawak State Library in Petra Jaya yesterday.

The run – organised by Sarawak Bumiputera Chamber of Entrepreneurs (DUBS) Dewanita in collaboration with the Sarawak Heart Foundation (SHF) aims to raise funds for low income families burdened by high medical costs to treat children with heart diseases.

Runners assembled at the venue as early as 5.30am for registration. The run was then flagged-off by Minister of Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Datuk Fatimah Abdullah at 6.30am.

“I would like to say thank you to all of you in providing a meaningful contribution especially to those needy children, your support, be it in terms of money, morale support and advocacy, will help them in the long run,” she said in her speech during the event.

“As such, your contribution and sacrifice will enable them to undergo the much needed operation to enable them to continue with a normal life.”

She hoped public and corporate bodies will support more of such activities as this would indeed go a long way towards the community’s wellbeing.

“Once again, thank you for giving time for those who are needy in our society.”

For the event, runners took part in three categories of 2km, 5km and 10km; where finishers receive a ‘Run for the Brave Heart’ medal.

All proceeds from this charity run will go to SHF which provides aid to children living with heart diseases and their families.

Also present were Assistant Minister for Early Childhood Education and Family Development Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman and Dubs Dewanita chairperson Juita Drap.