'Jom! Malaysia-China 2026 Run' draws 5,000 participants in Sabah

More than 5,000 people took part in the "Jom! Malaysia-China 2026 Run" in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, on July 26, celebrating the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China through sports and cultural exchanges.

Organized by the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah, the event brought together participants from diverse ethnic communities, Chinese-invested and local enterprises, government agencies, schools and social organizations.

The 7-kilometer run started from Padang Merdeka and followed the scenic Likas Bay coastal road. Families, students and corporate teams joined the event, highlighting Sabah's multicultural harmony and long-standing people-to-people ties with China.

A photo exhibition marking the anniversary was held alongside the run, showcasing the development of bilateral cooperation since diplomatic relations were established in 1974. The exhibition featured milestones in trade, investment, education, culture, tourism and subnational exchanges.

Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah president Oh Ei Sun said the annual run, suspended only during the COVID-19 pandemic, has become one of Sabah's signature community sporting events. He said it promotes healthy living while serving as a platform to strengthen friendship, cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation between Malaysia and China.

The event concluded with a lucky draw featuring 249 prizes worth more than RM43,000, including a one-year running shoe package sponsored by Skechers Malaysia.

Among those attending were Chinese Consul General in Kota Kinabalu Zhu Xinglong, Malaysian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Speaker of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly Richard Yong We Kong, Senator Phoong Jin Zhe, Deputy Director of the Strategic Planning Division of Tourism, Malaysia, Mohd Shahrir Hadzim, and Skechers Malaysia wholesale and franchise director Ram Tang.