Penonton: World Diabetes Day Run 2012

Sunday, November 11, 2012

World Diabetes Day Run 2012 - Top 10 Results

Date: 11 Nov 2012

Distance: 10km

More photos here

Thousands of Malaysians lend their support for the World Diabetes Day 2012 Walkathon and Fun Run (Press Release)

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 November 2012: Today over 2,800 people of all ages turned up to support the World Diabetes Day 5km Walkathon and 10km Fun Run held at Dataran Merdeka. This event was organized by Malaysian Endocrine & Metabolic Society (MEMS) together with diabetes care societies and leading pharmaceutical corporations. Ministry of Health (MOE) is also strongly supporting the collaborative effort to raise awareness on the increasing number of people living with diabetes in Malaysia.

Every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day is celebrated by millions of people who unite to bring the diabetes epidemic into the spotlight. This year, MEMS organized the World Diabetes Day as part of its commitment towards improving diabetes care and awareness in Malaysia.

People living with diabetes, their family and friends from all walks of live took part in the walkathon and fun run which was flagged off by YB Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Minister of Youth and Sports, following the early morning exercise warm-up routine by instructors.

“There is a diabetes epidemic worldwide with more than 360 million people living with diabetes. In Malaysia, 20.8% of the population aged over 30 years have diabetes and about 50% of them are undiagnosed. I hope the enhanced awareness among the public about diabetes through this walkathon and fun run will enable early detection of the disease and its complications. Late diagnosis or poor management of diabetes can result in disabling and life-threatening complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputations.” Said Professor Dr. Nor Azmi Kamaruddin, President of MEMS while urging public to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

Professor Dr. Nor Azmi added that the World Diabetes Day activities are port of MEMS’ constant efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of the future generations, promoting diabetes care and prevention. As part of MEMS’ initiatives for World Diabetes Day, the iconic Menara KL will be lit in blue, the colour of the blue circle for diabetes, from 11 – 14th Nov 2012.

The World Diabetes Day 5km Walkathon and 10km Fun Run saw the top three winners of each category receive cash prizes while the first 100 finishers also walked away with the specially designed medal.

There were various booths providing free tests, diabetes risk analysis and free diabetes education counseling carried out by healthcare professionals and these booths proved to be particularly popular with the public. The ground of Dataran Merdeka were transformed into a carnival like atmosphere where participants were entertained by the numerous activities planned throughtout the day. Children were kept busy with fun games and the highlight of the day was the lucy draw where participants walked away with attractive prizes.

Those present at the event agreed that it was a perfect way to spend their time with family and friends while keeping fit and doing their part in promoting awareness on diabetes.