World Heart Day is celebrated every 29th of September and is one of the avenues for Gleneagles JPMC Brunei to raise public awareness and knowledge on cardiovascular diseases and care. In conjunction with World Heart Day 2019, Gleneagles JPMC in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Brunei organised a Walk, Run and Cycle event at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien in the capital of Bandar Seri Begawan.
As one of the biggest fitness events to be held in the capital this year, people from all walks of life gathered in the early Sunday morning and painted the capital red as they donned the official World Heart Day T-shirts. Over 1200 participants from all ages took part across three main categories; the 1.5 and 3 km Fun Walk, 10 km Fun Cycle and 11 km Competitive Run. Everyone was in high spirits as they were all awarded with their participation medal in support of World Heart Day. Winners of the 11 km Men and Women Competitive Run also received $300 cash prize.
In addition to the Walk, Run and Cycle event, a carnival was also organized for the general public which included free health screenings, CPR demonstrations, general health awareness and numerous fitness activities conducted by established fitness studios. In attendance to officiate the event was the Honourable Minister of Health, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham Bin Haji Jaafar.
This year, World Heart Day carries the theme “My Heart, Your Heart”, aimed at raising public awareness and imparting knowledge on cardiovascular diseases including related risk factors as well as prevention measures in mitigating heart disease. The World Heart Day Walk, Run and Cycle event was followed through with several public exhibitions and forums in relation to theme, held across the main districts in Brunei.