PEKAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today said major running and marathon events have the potential to become tourism products for Malaysia.
He said hosting such events could help promote interesting places in the country, not only to locals, but foreign tourists.
"The events would not be for sporting purposes alone, but for tourism as well, as participants would also get to see what Malaysia has to offer," he said.
Najib was speaking before the prize giving ceremony of the Uda Pekan Bridge Run held here today.
"For example in today's run, the participants got to enjoy Pekan and its scenery while running," he said.
Najib added that such events could also help generate income for the locals.
"Participants would definitely spend their money at the event venue on accommodation and food, thus boosting local tourism," he said.
The inaugural Uda Pekan Bridge Run, which was flagged-off at 8am, saw some 1,500 runners taking part.
Besides the 8km category for men and women (local and international), there was also the 3km Fun Run open category.
Najib presented winners with their prizes: in the 8km category, each received RM1,000 (first place), RM800 (second), RM700 (third), RM500 (fourth) and RM400 (fifth).
Meanwhile, Uda chairman Datuk Dr Mohd Shafei Abdullah said the run is an initiative to promote a healthy lifestyle, in line with government's efforts to produce productive Malaysians by 2020.
"At the same time, this run is designed to reach out to the Pekan community, as well as to promote the town’s real estate products," he said.