The inaugural 5 kilometre charity BOH Highlands Run took place on 28 September 2014 at BOH’s lush Sungei Palas Plantation in Cameron Highlands. The fun run was held to raise awareness on the importance of environmental conservation and was supported by the Pahang State Tourism Board.
The event was appropriately run under a ‘Mad Hatter Tea Party’ theme where fun prizes were handed out to the top three participants with the wackiest hats, along with the fastest male and female runners. The final runner also received a prize for taking time to truly enjoy the scenery of the plantation! Staying true to a passion for tea, a tea party was then hosted for all 500 participants, who raised a toast to the beautifully scenic views of Cameron Highlands and to BOH.
Caroline Russell, CEO of BOH Plantations spoke at the start of the run “Cameron Highlands has been more than just home to BOH for the last 85 years; it is a treasured part of Malaysian culture and our heritage. Thus, it is so important that we preserve its unique environment, not just for us, but for the future generations to come. It is really heart-warming to see so many participants enjoying themselves and appreciating the beauty of Cameron Highlands.”
As part of BOH’s ongoing commitment to environmental education (via its projects in various parts of the country) all proceeds were channelled to the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) for an environmental education project to be implemented in all 27 schools in the Cameron Highlands.
“Cameron Highlands has flora and fauna unique to the Highlands. It is essential that we protect this gift that nature has given us. I applaud BOH for organising such an enjoyable event that spreads awareness on the significance of nature conservation. We certainly need more concerted efforts like this to educate Malaysians, especially the young,” said Henry Goh, President of the Malaysian Nature Society.
YB Dato’ Haji Wan Rosdy Bin Wan Ismail, member of the Pahang State Exco, who also attended said “We hope the BOH Highlands Run and many events like these will continue to provide a platform for people to experience the beauty of Cameron Highlands and the need to preserve such a generous gift to our state”.