Steven Lim stole the show at the 2022 Kota Kinabalu City Borneo Half Marathon (KKCBHM) as he knelt down on his knees at the finishing line to pop the all-important question to his girlfriend. – NSTP/ OLIVIA MIWIL

KOTA KINABALU: Steven Lim stole the show at the 2022 Kota Kinabalu City Borneo Half Marathon (KKCBHM) as he knelt down on his knees at the finishing line to pop the all-important question to his girlfriend.

The 38-year-old contractor from Kuala Lumpur took part in the 21 km run for the sake of proposing to his three-year girlfriend, Leah Tan.

“I had planned for the proposal in October 2021, but because of Covid-19, I postponed it.

“(This time), I ran in Kota Kinabalu to propose to her here because her family members are in Kota Kinabalu.

“While I was running, my mind was thinking about her. I was quite confident that she will accept my proposal, as we love each other so much,” he said, adding that he roped 40 of his friends to help him for the surpise.

A joyful Tan said yes to Lim’s unique proposal.

The event saw some 400 participants taking part in the 21 KM and 10KM categories, was held in conjunction with the 22nd anniversary of Kota Kinabalu being proclaimed as a city.

The second KKCBHM was initially scheduled for February this year but was postponed because of increasing Covid-19 cases in Sabah.

Sabrinah Ulah, 42, from Keningau added merriment to the event by donning a Dusun Gana inspired outfit to complete her 21 km run.

“I deliberately customised my attire just for this event. Previously I also ran in an event with kebaya and another one was in prisoner’s attire for the police day’s running event.”

Winner for the 21KM male under 45-year-old category was Wincentbert Latius said despite the participation fee being more expensive than other races, he still signed up for the run.

“It has been two years since there was a public running event. By signing it at a discounted rate of RM180, it motivated me to go for training.

“Prior to this event, I trained at least five days a week. For the next event, I would join the Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur run in Nov,” said the 28-year-old who clocked 1:23:13 for his 21 km run.

Present at the event were Assistant Minister to the Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir, mayor Datuk Noorliza Awang Alip and organiser Kinabalu Running Club president Datuk Dr Heng Aik Cheng.