Over 20,000 Participants Enliven Duyong International Cultural Run 2025

MELAKA, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- More than 20,000 participants enlivened the Duyong International Cultural Run 2025, which entered its third edition, starting and finishing at the Fatimah Stadium in Bukit Serindit here today.

Duyong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem said this year's event saw a significant increase in participation, including approximately 2,000 international participants from Indonesia.

"Last year we received 10,000 participants, with the number increasing every year since it was implemented in 2023, reflecting the success of this event as a sports tourism attraction and a platform for community unity.

“This year we also had the participation of approximately 200 autistic children, in addition to the local community and people from outside Melaka, and this year's event is more dynamic with the strengthening of cultural elements," he told reporters here today.

The programme was officiated by the Melaka Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee chairman  Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman.

Commenting further, Mohd Noor Helmy said the Duyong International Cultural Run is also a platform to unite people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and states through the spirit of sportsmanship and togetherness.

He said the running route, which is about five kilometres, was also expanded to include other areas besides Duyong, namely Bukit Baru.

He also said that 11 checkpoints were provided along the route, featuring cultural elements including traditional music performances and multi-ethnic food offerings, thus providing a unique experience for participants.

He added that this year's event also offered 500 lucky draw prizes, including the grand prize of an umrah package and the second prize of a cow weighing over 300 kilogrammes.

The event also saw a performance from the local rock band XPDC.

-- BERNAMA