Bangkuai (left) listening to a briefing on the North Borneo Race.
KOTA KINABALU: If you like to run and look at old buildings then the North Borneo Race might just be your cup of tea.
Set to take place this September, the race will steer runners through the nostalgic part of the Sabah capital, allowing them to see the historical buildings or sites within the city.
Organised by KSRun Athletics Club, the running event is limited to only 70 teams, each of which comprises four people.
The race will take participants on a nostalgic journey, during which they must decipher riddles to get to the next checkpoint in the run.
On Wednesday (March 22), the event organiser Wendy John briefed Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai about the race, for which 20 teams have already registered.
Bangkuai, who is also the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister, said that the race fits well with the new Sabah destination logo, "Feel Sabah, North Borneo" and he believed that an event of this nature could draw participants from other states as well as tourists.
"Kota Kinabalu city, which serves as the state capital and the main entry point into Sabah, is home to several historical landmarks that not everyone knows about.
"The North Borneo Race is something I consider to be educational and beneficial to anyone interested in joining because it is a great way to learn about the city's past," he added.
Bangkuai also said holding the race in September was an ideal time because it coincides with the celebration of Malaysia Day.
Meanwhile, Wendy stated that participants in the North Borneo Race would have to find their way in the city and interact with locals.
"During the race, teams will face some physical and mental challenges that emphasise parts of the location's culture and history," she explained, adding that the teams will travel by car and on foot throughout the race.
She said that the race was supposed to take place in June but moved to September in conjunction with Malaysia Day, adding they will announce the official date for the event on their social media.
The winning team will receive RM3,000, the first-runner up RM2,000 and the second-runner up RM1,000.
Those interested in participating could visit the KSRun Athletics Club Facebook page.
