Sometimes, the best trips are not just about the places we visit, but also the people we meet, the experiences we share and the wonderful memories we bring home.
My recent trip to Terengganu was one such experience! From enjoying a lovely journey on a chartered bus to having a wonderful stay at Resorts World Kijal and experiencing the excitement of Mesra Run 2.0, it was a refreshing getaway filled with fun, fitness and plenty of memorable moments.
And of course, no trip to Terengganu would be complete without enjoying its laid-back charm, beautiful surroundings and delicious local food!
A Comfortable Journey to Terengganu… Let the Adventure Begin!
One of the things I enjoyed about this trip was travelling together with other members of the media and content creators on a lovely chartered bus. There is always something special about group travel, especially with people we are familiar with… no need to worry about driving, navigating unfamiliar roads or finding parking!
Instead, we could sit back, relax, enjoy the journey or just have a good rest as well as an opportunity to chat, laugh and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Sometimes, the journey itself becomes part of the holiday, and this was definitely one of those occasions. It was a lovely way to kick-start our Terengganu adventure before heading to the exciting activities planned for the trip.
A Wonderful Stay at Resorts World Kijal
After the journey, it was time to settle in and enjoy our stay at Resorts World Kijal.
Located along the Terengganu coastline, the resort offers a lovely setting for anyone looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. I always appreciate a stay that allows me to slow down, recharge and enjoy a different environment, especially when travelling for an event.
Whether you are travelling with family, friends or as part of a group getaway, having a comfortable place to return to after a busy day makes the experience even better.
For me, this trip was not just about attending an event. It was also about enjoying the journey, making new memories and appreciating the little moments along the way.
And with Mesra Run 2.0 waiting for us, there was plenty to look forward to!
Mesra Run 2.0… Double the Participants, Double the Excitement!
The highlight of our Terengganu trip was undoubtedly Mesra Run 2.0, which took place on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at Mesra Mall.
Organised by Mesra Mall in collaboration with Jabatan Belia dan Sukan Negeri Terengganu (JBSNT), the event was held in conjunction with the Terengganu state-level Hari Sukan Negara (HSN) 2026 celebrations.
And guess what? The event attracted approximately 2,000 participants this year… double the number of participants who joined its inaugural edition last year!
Now, that is what I call an encouraging response!
The atmosphere was lively, with participants, supporters and families gathering at Mesra Mall to celebrate fitness, sports and community spirit. Seeing so many people coming together for a common purpose was truly heartwarming.
The run was flagged off by Francis Tan, Executive Director and CEO of Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd, which manages Mesra Mall; Cik Aziam Muhammad, General Manager of Mesra Mall; and Tuan Haji Asmadi bin Mohamad, Director of Jabatan Belia dan Sukan Negeri Terengganu.
The Terengganu state-level Hari Sukan Negara 2026 celebration was officiated by Datuk Abdul Kahar Abdul Latif, Director of Federal Development, Terengganu.
From 5KM Fun Run to Family Walks… There Was Something for Everyone!
What I particularly liked about Mesra Run 2.0 was its inclusive approach to fitness.
The event welcomed people of different ages and abilities, making it more than just a running competition. It was a celebration of an active lifestyle and the importance of staying healthy together.
The programme featured 1,455 participants in the 5KM Fun Run and 545 participants in the 10KM category, alongside the 3KM Berjalan Ria Madani family walk.
Due to hazy conditions and concerns about air quality on race day, the organisers made the precautionary decision to shorten the route. The 10KM category was therefore conducted over 5KM, while the prizes remained unchanged.
Although the route had to be adjusted, the change did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd!
The outdoor area of Mesra Mall was buzzing with energy, and it was wonderful to see participants continuing to show up and support the event.
After all, fitness is not always about how fast you run or how far you go. Sometimes, it is simply about making the effort to move, staying active and enjoying the experience.
More Than Just Running… A Three-Day Sports Carnival!
Did you know that Mesra Run 2.0 was actually the highlight of a three-day programme held from 8 to 10 October?
Beyond the running events, Mesra Mall hosted a variety of recreational and competitive activities designed to encourage more people to embrace an active lifestyle.
There were 14 other sporting events and activities, including archery, badminton, netball, woodball, football, darts, chess, bidas, tenpin bowling and drone sports training.
There was even a pushbike race for children aged three to seven, a children’s colouring contest and the Sports Carnival Inspire OKU Active for persons with disabilities.
How wonderful is that?
Instead of focusing only on serious athletes or experienced runners, the programme created opportunities for families, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities to get involved.
It was also great to see activities catering to different interests, including e-sports, showing that sports and recreation can take many different forms.
Whether you prefer running, playing badminton, trying archery or simply enjoying a family walk, there was something to get you moving.
Promoting a Healthy Body and a Healthy Mind
Another meaningful aspect of Mesra Run 2.0 was its connection to mental health awareness.
As Cik Aziam Muhammad shared, the event continued Mesra Mall’s mental health awareness campaign, which highlights physical health as one of the factors that support mental wellbeing.
I think this is such an important message, especially with how busy our daily lives can be.
Between work, family commitments and the constant demands of everyday life, it is easy to forget to take care of ourselves. Sometimes, we just need to step away from our usual routines, get outdoors, move our bodies and spend time with others.
Physical activity can be a wonderful way to support our overall wellbeing, and community events like this make it easier and more enjoyable to get started.
The theme for Hari Sukan Negara 2026 was “Sports and Artificial Intelligence Technology”, while the celebrations also emphasised more inclusive participation, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
I love seeing initiatives that remind us that staying active should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Mesra Mall… More Than Just a Shopping Destination
What I found interesting about this event was how Mesra Mall is positioning itself as more than just a place to shop.
It is also creating opportunities for the community to gather, participate in recreational activities and spend quality time together.
According to Francis Tan, Mesra Run is part of a broader national agenda to encourage healthy living while bringing people together and contributing to Terengganu’s economy.
And I can certainly see how events like this can make a difference.
When people come together for a community event, they do more than participate in the activities. They also support local businesses, explore the surrounding area and create opportunities for the local community.
With sports, family-friendly activities and a lively atmosphere, Mesra Run 2.0 showed how a shopping destination can become a gathering place for people from all walks of life.
My Takeaway from this Terengganu Trip
Looking back, this Terengganu getaway was a lovely combination of travel, relaxation and community spirit.
From the comfortable chartered bus journey to my stay at Resorts World Kijal, followed by the lively atmosphere at Mesra Run 2.0, it was a trip that reminded me to appreciate experiences beyond the usual tourist attractions.
I enjoyed seeing people of different ages come together, supporting one another and celebrating the importance of staying active. It was also encouraging to see how an event could bring fitness, mental wellbeing, inclusivity and community engagement together.
And honestly, these are the kinds of experiences that make travelling worthwhile for me. It is not just about checking places off a list… it is about discovering something meaningful, meeting people and bringing home stories worth sharing.
A big thank you to the Mesra Mall team for making this Terengganu trip and Mesra Run 2.0 experience so memorable. Thank you for the warm hospitality, the wonderful arrangements and the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful community event.
It was lovely being part of a celebration that encourages everyone to move more, live healthier and spend quality time together.
Until the next adventure… Terengganu, thank you for the wonderful memories!
Planning a Visit to Terengganu?
If you are planning a trip to Terengganu, why not combine your sightseeing with a little local food hunting, a relaxing coastal stay and some community experiences along the way?
Keep an eye out for upcoming events at Mesra Mall, too. You might just discover a fun reason to make Terengganu your next getaway destination!
For the latest updates on Mesra Mall and its events, visit:
- Website: www.mesramall.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyMesraMall
