By Zaki Salleh
TAIPING: A noble mission advocating for the welfare of three Malaysian elephants through the Solidarity Run to Save Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK) has officially begun today.
The symbolic run saw DAK Solidarity Secretariat representative Neow Choo Seong begin his journey at Medan Simpang, Taiping, with the aim of completing the first phase of a 61-kilometre run towards Ipoh.
Based on the planned route, the run is divided into two main sessions, morning and afternoon, to ensure the runner’s safety is maintained at an optimal level.
The morning session began as early as 5am at the first checkpoint in Medan Simpang.
He then continued running through Changkat Jering and the royal town of Kuala Kangsar before resting in Sungai Siput after completing 49km.
To avoid the effects of extreme midday heat, the first-day schedule included a long break from 12pm to 5pm.
The run resumed from Chemor for the remaining 12km, passing through Meru Raya, before he is expected to arrive and complete the first day’s run at Padang Ipoh at around 6pm.
A total distance of 61km was covered for the day, after which he will rest overnight in Ipoh before continuing the next phase tomorrow.
In a brief statement, the DAK organisers expressed admiration for Neow’s strong commitment as well as the strong support shown by local communities at every stop.
Members of the public living along the route or near Ipoh are invited to show moral support for the runner.
They are also encouraged to join awareness activities and interactive exhibitions on elephant conservation held at the official overnight location tonight.
