This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on July 16, 2018

Runners representing Sime Darby Property Bhd in The Edge Kuala Lumpur Rat Race 2018 are psyched to be running the race to raise funds for various charities.

Sharifah Najdah, a seasoned running enthusiast, is well-prepared as she runs 5km twice a week — a personal training programme she started four months before the big day. She says she takes great satisfaction in reaching the finish line in time in each run she enters. But for her, the beauty of the Rat Race is that it is much more than a test of will or achieving a personal best. What makes it special is the purpose behind it.

“It is a very good concept. The funds raised will help run programmes that benefit the underprivileged. My contribution to making it a successful event is the least I can do,” she says.

Joining her this year is Mohd Dzulkaedah, who is running in the Rat Race for the first time. He was inspired to pound the hilly trails and pavements around Padang Merbok to support a good cause.

“It is a noble cause to channel energy and time to help charitable organisations. I think the Rat Race is a good platform for corporate runners to do good,” he says.

He believes Malaysians need to change their mindset as they are usually only aware of the need to contribute to charity on a seasonal basis — during a festive season, school break or disaster relief when the need arises.

“There should be structured voluntary programmes for interested employees to assist charitable bodies for a period of time,” he suggests.

Dzulkaedah looks forward to meeting runners from other corporations to exchange views on how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be institutionalised through corporate and community activities, such as organising runs.

As in past years, funds raised by the Rat Race will be channelled to providing education and training — including the promotion of English and financial literacy among young Malaysians — spearheaded by The Edge Education Foundation.