KUALA LUMPUR, 25 September 2016 – A total of RM240,000 was successfully raised from the Orchid Run & Ride 2016 which was held at the heart of Kuala Lumpur today. Already into its second year, the event was founded and organised by the Association of Wives and Women Staff of PETRONAS (PETRONITA) in collaboration with PETRONAS, drew the participation of over 5,000 runners and cyclists.

“The Orchid Run & Ride is the first and largest sporting event to date organised by PETRONITA in collaboration with PETRONAS. We wish to drive the message of ‘going the distance together’ with the aim to help the less fortunate while at the same time promoting a healthy living lifestyle,” said President of PETRONITA, Datin Dr Azura Ahmad Tajuddin.

Proceeds from this event will be channeled to four charitable bodies, namely the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), Paediatric & Congenital Heart Centre (PCHC) of the National Heart Institute (IJN), the National Intra Ocular Lens Bank, Ministry of Health Malaysia and Institute Telinga Pendengaran dan Pertuturan (Institute HEARS). The contribution was presented to representatives from the respective charitable bodies by Datin Dr Azura and witnessed by PETRONAS President & Group CEO, Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin during the event’s officiating ceremony.

The event saw the support and participation from MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team driver, Lewis Hamilton and Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, Toto Wolff. Also present were PETRONAS EVP & Group CFO, Datuk George Ratilal and CEO of KLCCUrus Harta, Datuk Hashim Wahir.

The response to this year’s event was very encouraging. Registration for all categories was oversubscribed in advance. There were two main categories, namely Category A – 12km Run: Men’s & Women’s Open (open to ages 16 years and above); and two sub categories under Category B, namely the 5km Fun Run (open to ages 7 years and above) and 5km Fun Ride (open to ages 12 years and above).

Aside from the run and ride, participants were also entertained by local talents such as Noh Salleh, KL Stompers and Insomniacks. Celebrities including Sazzy Falak, Vanida Imran, Rashidi Ishak, Daphne Iking and Sharifah Sakinah also lent their support with special appearances at the event.

“I hope that the Orchid Run & Ride will continue to be an annual event that Malaysians look forward to each year. We believe that a little goes a long way, and it’s our hope that everyone can playa part in helping the less fortunate while at the same time benefit from living a healthy lifestyle,” said Datin Dr Azura.