KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — Tertiary students taking part in the inaugural Malaysians United Run 2015 are aiming to enter the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest participation of college and university students in a volunteerism run.

The event, organised by Institut Onn Ja’afar (IOJ), will be held on November 1 in conjunction with the institute’s first anniversary.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who is the institute’s patron, described the 4km run as a “community cohesion activity”. 

He said at the soft launch of the event yesterday it aimed at encouraging interaction among races in a fun and friendly environment, in line with the institute’s objectives. 

“With our efforts in organising activities like these, we hope to receive support from people from all walks of life regardless of race, religion, status and background but with a righteous soul that strives to ensure young people appreciate and love racial unity and the country,” he said.

“The Malaysians United Run is expecting about 15,000 participants between the ages of 18 and 24, from 27 public and private institutions of higher learning in the Klang Valley and other states.” He  was  confident the students would be able to set the record. 

Hishammuddin, who will be flagging off the runners, will also take part in the run.

Among the 14 sponsors for the run is Redberry Sdn Bhd, which donated RM50,000.

The money collected will be channelled by the institute to five charitable bodies — the Good Samaritan Home, Rumah Solehah, The Pure Life Society, Chow Kit Foundation, and Orang Asli Human Capital and Welfare Development Division.

Institute Onn Ja’afar’s chief executive officer, Charles Mohan, said the run would start at 6.30am at Padang Merbok.

“The participants will run from Padang Merbok  to Jalan Parlimen and Jalan Salahuddin, and then back to the finish line at Padang Merbok. After the run, Universiti Teknologi Mara students from Sabah, and HELP University will be presenting musical performances,” he said.

He said  this would be a platform for the students to hone their musical and creative talents. The institute, launched on Sept 7 last year, is a non-profit organisation which provides care and temporary relief for the poor and vulnerable through material aid. 

To achieve its objectives, it recruits and mobilises volunteers of all races, religions and social backgrounds.