Malaysia's First 24 Hour Race

Written by Kasumi Higewake

The 24 Hour Race which took place at Nexus International School on the 15th and 16th of November was absolutely fantastic! We hosted Malaysia’s First 24 Hour Race powered by Running To Stop the Traffik, a youth organisation managed by the talent, commitment and compassion of students and young adults who have one vision in mind: a world free from trafficking and modern day slavery.

Together with the races in Singapore and Hong Kong (which started in 2010), Kuala Lumpur held its first 24 Hour Race with over 250 runners participating from various schools. Together, the students in KL ran a total of 6027km for 24 hours non-stop, which is equivalent to the distance between Malaysia and Dubai. The weather was horrendous, either extremely hot or rapid thunder and rain. However, the students continued running for 24 hours to fight for human rights. Between the 3 cities, there were 1,500 students involved and together we ran 20,000km to end modern day slavery. We were able to set an example of endurance in today’s society to motivate others to join us for the same cause. The student runners committed to run for 24 Hours to raise awareness and funds for our anti-slavery charities.

Human rights are being violated across the world and we, the young leaders of tomorrow, have the power and ability to end the slavery. So it is our duty to educate each other and our community about what is happening in our society and take part and organise endurance youth movements so that when we are older, we will be living in a world that is not dependent on these movements. A world that is free from slavery.

You can still join and help us, simply by downloading the Run For Freedom RTST android app on the Google Play Store. Together with Frogasia, a YTL Company, we were able to produce an educational platform for students, teachers, parents and friends to learn about slavery and why we are keen on ending it today. Furthermore, by taking the quiz and sharing it via social media, Frogasia has offered to donate RM1 to us for every person who takes and shares the quiz. So, please join our movement and let’s make the world free from slavery!

I am extremely proud of the GIS runners, marshal volunteers, parents and teachers who contributed to this race. Thank you for playing a part in one of Asia’s biggest movements!!

For more information you can visit our website at: www.24hourrace.org

Or contact me directly at: kasumihigewake7897@gmail.com“