Mt Kinabalu Climbathon returns after seven-year hiatus

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew (backrow 3rd from left) at the announcement of the 31st edition of the Mount Kinabalu climbathon.

KOTA KINABALU: After a seven-year hiatus, the gruelling Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is set to make a comeback on Oct 6.

Sabah's Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew announced that registration for the 31st edition of the race, which includes a 26km run up and down the 4,095m mountain, will open on June 4.

Often dubbed the "world’s toughest mountain race", Liew said this year's event will feature the men’s elite, women’s elite, and men’s veteran (40 years above) categories.

The last Climbathon was held in 2017 with Sabahan runner Safrey Sumping and Sandi Menchi Catlona Abahan from the Philippines winning the men’s and women’s elite titles respectively.

"The time is right to hold the Climbathon again after seven years," she said, adding that technical issues and the Covid-19 pandemic were among reasons the event was not held after 2017.

“I believe we are ready and that’s why we are opening up again. We expect around 200 participants for the Climbathon,” Liew said.

She said that the Climbathon was more than just a race.

"It embodies the unbeatable human spirit, endurance as well as encompasses the breathtaking beauty of Sabah.

“We welcome athletes from across the globe to tackle this formidable challenge and experience the majestic Mount Kinabalu,” she added.