Hundreds of participants gathered as early as 5.30am yesterday to take part in the National Day Run 2011, which was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and held simultaneously in Tutong, Belait and Temburong Districts.

In the Brunei-Muara District, the National Day Run was held at Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien in the capital and ended at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex.

His Royal Highness Prince Hj 'Abdul Malik and Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah attended the National Day Run 2011.

Upon arrival, HRH Prince Hj 'Abdul Malik was greeted by Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hazair bin Hj Abdullah, Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, and Datin Hjh Adina binti Hj Othman, Deputy Minister of MCYS.

YAM Pengiran Muda Abdul Mu'min also took part in the run.

Also in attendance were Dato Paduka Awang Hj Mustappa bin Hj Sirat (Deputy Minister of Defence), Pengiran Haji Bahrom bin Pg Hj Bahar (Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs), permanent secretaries, senior officers, officers and staff of MCYS.

Participants competed in six categories in the run and one category for Fun Run. The event kicked off with a warm up session led by staff from MCYS.

After the warm up, HRH Prince Hj 'Abdul Malik officiated the run and participated in the two-kilometre Fun Run category, whilst HRH Princess Fadzilah competed in the 10km run for women 18 years and above category.

The main aims of the National Day Run 2011 were to commemorate the 27th National Day celebration themed, "My Country Brunei Darussalam" and to collect funds for the Humanitarian Fund for Flood Victims in Australia and Earthquake Victims in New Zealand and the Humanitarian Fund for Earthquake and Tsunami Victims in Japan. - Borneo Bulletin (28th March 2011)