RUNNING is now an activity associated with many causes in the country.

From raising funds for the poor and the sick, many have come forward to organise running events that aim to highlight the troubles of special organisations and provide for them.

However, Patrick Bernard from the United Kingdom feels that there are not many events that reach out to help the deaf community in Malaysia.

Bernard has been living in Kuala Lumpur for four years now and runs frequently with some of the veteran runners here.

He, along with some of his running mates, will be organising a run called ‘Run for the Deaf’ to help raise funds for two organisations — the Malaysian Deaf Sports Association and Pusat Majudiri Deaf Club YMCA KL.

The idea to organise the run, Bernard said, was inspired by his sister, who is deaf.

“I grew up going to clubs for the deaf with my sister and I thought that I should help people who are like her here in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

The run also coincides with International Deaf Day, which is celebrated for a week in the UK.

The event will be a celebration of the deaf community in Malaysia, where hearing and deaf runners can take part in a 5km fun run and 10km competitive run.

Bernard said support for the event has been pouring in since the day he set out.

“The businesses and residents in and around Bangsar have been helpful in lending a hand to point me in the right direction as well as to support by providing funds and material goods,” he said.

The race will see some 500 deaf participants, who will be guided by interpreters along the route.

Bernard is also looking for volunteers to help out on race day to give out goodies bags and race packs.

“We hope to draw about 2,000 runners and will close registration before the closing date, which is Sept 28, if we hit this target,” he said.

Registered runners will each receive a dri-fit event T-shirt, race bib, finisher’s medal, trophy, certificate and a goodie bag.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first five runners who cross the finish line for the 10km run.

The charity event will be held on Sept 28. The 10km run starts at 6.45am while 5km run will commence at 7am.

‘Run for the Deaf’ is open to those aged 13 and above and will be flagged off at YMCA Kuala Lumpur, 95 Jalan Padang Belia, Kuala Lumpur.

Proceeds from the event will be equally divided between the two organisations.

Two running clinics will be held at Taman Bukit Jalil on Aug 30 and Sept 13 for those interested.

For details and registration, visit www.actifestyle.com or www.themarathonshop.com.my

You can also fill in registration forms at CIMB Bank Brickfields and Lafuma Yellowstone, 16, Jalan Telawi, Bangsar.