Among the participants was Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah who won third place in the Open Female Category.
A total of six categories were competed namely Category "A" (National) designated for national runners; Category "A" (Amateur) for male aged between 15 and 35; Category B was for male aged between 36 and 49 for male veterans50 years and abovecame under Category "C"; Category "D" was for female participants aged between 15 and 34 and Category "E" for female of 35 years old and above.
One of the participants, Rafuddin Zakaria who took part for the fifth time this year said: "I found the competition fun and challenging and is looking forward to the next challenge." He won third place in Category "A" (Amateur).
First timer, 20-year-old Ak Md Amin Pg Maidid came all the way from Belait to experience the race for himself. "Although I jog almost everyday for the competition other participants have the advantage as they can train at Bukit Shahbandar." The Shahbandar tracks are unfamiliar to hitt, he adde d. T he competition also attracted athletes from Malaysia as well. Adanan Hassan who previously participated in the Tasek C limb athon last year commented that yesterday's race was a stiff competition for runners. "Especially with well known national runners like Sefli Anak Ahar other athletes have to work hard if they wish to surpass him," he said.
"Eventhough this is my first time to climb Bukit Shahbandar, I enjoyed it and hopefully they will organise more of this in the future."
This sentiment was shared by Arsul Watu from Tutong who in fact never climb Bukit Shahbandar. At first I'm not confident especially as we have to run side-by-side with other well-trained participants but towards the end I realised that I'm fit as they are," said the 17-year-old.
His friend, Nasmi Misin agreed with him and calls for other youths to participate in similar activities. "It's much more beneficial to spend school holidays training for the competition rather than loitering at shopping malls," he said.
According to one of the working committee members, Hj Ryni Sofian Hj Othman, there might be changes in the categories in future competition due to public request.
The event, the fifth of its kind being held, was jointly organised by Brunei Sawmillers Association (BSA) and Forestry Department as part Of the World Forestry Day 2008 celebrations.
Present as the guest of honour was Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar who presented winners with their prizes. He also presented Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah with certificate of appreciation and a plaque.
