By Viktor Chong viktorchong@thestar.com.my

PUTRAJAYA: It was a sea of red and green at Dataran Putrajaya last Saturday as around 2,300 participants took part in the Love Run 2018.

The event was a charity move to bring awareness towards the conditions of underprivileged children and to inspire others towards the spirit of giving. According to IQI Global managing director Daniel Ho, the run was divided into three categories — 12km professional run, 5km fun run and 3km angel and guardian run.

As part of the event, proceeds from the run will be given to four beneficiaries (Dignity for Children Foundation, Rumah Aman Children’s Home, SAMH Wisma Harapan and Refugee Welfare Fund supported by UNHCR) after deduction of expenses. Ho said that the amount received will be audited by an independent auditor before it is announced on their website.

Among the sponsors for the event include StarProperty.my, Propwall, Milo, Nestle and Yakult.

“I believe it is good to exercise and bond with your family at the same time,” said Propwall head of sales Kent Thew, who was also present during the run and who commented on a large number of families that turned up for the event.

Jacob Kibiwot, 45, was thrilled to win first place in the veteran male, 12km category.

Winners for the three categories also expressed their joy and hailed the event for the inclusion of the differently abled.

“We are grateful that the Love Run 2018 has a category for the physically disadvantaged,” said Mohd Ismail Bin Nazri, 19, who won the 3km angel and guardian category.

However, he added that it would have been better if there was a category for wheelchair users. According to Ho, IQI Global might organise new charity events in the future that involve extreme sports.