Duyong: 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, last year the event 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, approximately 200 autistic children participated, in addition to the local community and people from outside Melaka, and the event integrated cultural elements.

The programme was officiated by the Melaka Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman. Mohd Noor Helmy commented that the Duyong International Cultural Run is a platform to unite people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and states through sportsmanship and togetherness. The running route, about five kilometres long, was expanded to include areas besides Duyong, namely Bukit Baru.

He mentioned that 11 checkpoints were provided along the route, featuring cultural elements like traditional music performances and multi-ethnic food offerings, providing a unique experience for participants. This year's event also offered 500 lucky draw prizes, including the grand prize of an umrah package and a second prize of a cow weighing over 300 kilogrammes. The event featured a performance from the local rock band XPDC.