KUCHING, July 31 — More than 2,000 people are expected to take part in the Merdeka Spirit Run 2.0, an inclusive community event that will unite Malaysians from all walks of life to celebrate the nation’s 69th National Day through sports, unity and community spirit.
The event, organised by JVY Event Management Company in collaboration with Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU), will be held alongside the DBKU Car Free Morning programme on Sept 6, 2026, at Padang Merdeka. Activities will begin at 6.00am, with participants gathering for a morning of fitness, patriotism and social engagement.
The organisers said the event has already received an encouraging response, with more than 1,600 participants registering ahead of the Aug 6 registration deadline. They are confident participation will exceed 2,000 runners by the closing date.
Organising Chairman Ryan Jee Kouk Hiong said the Merdeka Spirit Run 2.0 is more than just a running event. It is designed to promote unity among Malaysians while encouraging greater inclusivity by welcoming people regardless of race, religion, age or physical ability.
He said the true meaning of Merdeka lies in bringing people together and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in community activities.
“The Merdeka spirit is about unity, belonging and ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to participate. This event brings together people from different races, religions, backgrounds and abilities to celebrate as one community,” he said.
Participants can choose between the public 3km and 5km categories. In line with the event’s inclusive approach, organisers will also introduce a dedicated 1km category for wheelchair users, allowing persons with disabilities to enjoy the event in a safer and more accessible environment.
Around 40 persons with disabilities (OKU), representing various disability groups including those with physical, visual, hearing and intellectual disabilities, are expected to take part in the celebration.
Adding to the meaningful occasion, approximately 70 children from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak Yatim Sarawak (PERYATIM) will also participate, reflecting the organisers’ commitment to ensuring that the National Day celebration is open to every segment of society.
Beyond the running events, participants will enjoy a variety of supporting activities throughout the morning. NutriGold will organise five interactive game stations together with a product sampling booth, while Elite will provide sports massage services for runners seeking recovery after completing their routes.
To keep the atmosphere lively, aerodance sessions will be conducted before the run as a warm-up exercise and after the event to maintain the festive spirit at Padang Merdeka.
Ryan also acknowledged the contribution of CheckPointSpot for providing a complete registration system that simplifies the registration process for participants.
He said a reliable registration platform plays an important role in ensuring smooth event management, especially for programmes involving thousands of participants, while also offering greater convenience to the public.
The Merdeka Spirit Run 2.0 is expected to transform Padang Merdeka into a vibrant gathering place where families, friends, community organisations and individuals can celebrate Malaysia’s National Day together in a meaningful way.
Organisers believe the combined efforts of DBKU, sponsors, volunteers, supporting organisations and members of the public will further strengthen community ties while encouraging greater participation by persons with disabilities and other community groups in future sporting and recreational activities.
Team Kuching King and Sarawak Daily will support this meaningful community event and look forward to joining thousands of participants in celebrating Merdeka through unity, inclusivity and a healthy lifestyle. Their support reflects a shared commitment to promoting positive community initiatives and bringing greater awareness to events that strengthen social harmony across Sarawak.
As Kuching prepares for this year’s National Day celebrations, the Merdeka Spirit Run 2.0 aims to demonstrate that patriotism is best celebrated through unity, healthy living and creating opportunities for everyone to take part, regardless of their background or ability.
