Ipoh Half Marathon @ Ipoh Car-Free Day

The 61st edition of Ipoh Car-Free Day (ICFD) programme this morning was further enlivened with the flag off of the Ipoh Half Marathon (IHM), which was organised in conjunction with the ongoing 35th Ipoh City Day celebration. This was the first time that the running event was hosted at the national level, plus implemented during the Ipoh Car-Free Day initiative.

There were three categories in IHM, with the 21km category being flagged off at 2am this morning, followed at 3am for the 10km distance. Doing the honours for the 5km run at 7.30am was State Education, Higher Education, Youth & Sports Committee chairman, YB Tuan Khairudin Abu Hanipah. He was accompanied by Ipoh City Mayor Y.Bhg. Dato’ Rumaizi bin Baharin@Md Daud.

A total of 3,380 participated in IHM. Each of them received a running jersey, timing chip, running bib, and other goodies. Those who successfully completed the run received a medal and e-certificate. Cash prizes awaited the winners of each category. In addition, there were prizes like bicycles and hampers given away in a lucky draw.

The primary theme of Ipoh Car-Free Day this month is the celebration of the environment. World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5th June. This is timely as it gave the community an opportunity to assess the success of ICFD since it was first established. This programme, when it was previously hosted along Jalan Raja DiHilir, won the Placemaking Award (Platinum) by the Malaysian Institute of Planners under the Street (Utilisation During Events) category. ICFD, besides achieving an increase in visitor numbers, also saw growing participation from agencies.

The Ipoh City Council remains committed to hosting Ipoh Car-Free Day, with the goal to transform Ipoh as a Low Carbon City in line with the Low Carbon City Challenge 2030 (LCC2030C) organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC). ICFD is also an ongoing awareness campaign to reduce carbon emissions in Ipoh. This is the Ipoh City Council’s contribution to the country’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by the Year 2030.