KOTA KINABALU: Some 206 runners from 17 countries will strive to conquer one of the tallest peaks in South-East Asia at the 31st Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2024 in Kinabalu Park, Kundasang on Sunday (Oct 6).
Returning after a seven-year hiatus since it was last held in 2017, the event will feature a remarkable lineup of elite runners among the participants, including former winners of the last Climbathon held.
The runners list are predominantly Malaysians (155) with season athletes returning namely from the Philippines, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, as well as participants from Peru, the United States, Britain, Sweden, Hungary, France, Australia, China, Vietnam, Poland and Singapore.
This year’s summit race includes three categories; Elite Men (74 participants), Elite Women (60) and Men Veterans (72).
Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit said for the Elite Men category, top runners returning include Walter Herman, who previously placed fourth in 2017 and sixth in 2016.
“Also competing is Roger Herman from Malaysia, who secured seventh place in both 2016 and 2017.
“Wilsen Singgin from Malaysia, who achieved ninth place in the Elite Men category in 2016, will also be participating.
“In the Elite Women’s category, we have Sandi Menchi Catlona Abahan from the Philippines, who won the Elite Race in 2016 and 2017.
“Our own Malaysian runner Ahineh Dainin who was the second runner-up in the Elite Women category in 2017, is also competing, along with Tahira Najmunisaa Muhammad who was the second runner-up in 2016.
“In the Men’s Veteran category, we have Sabahan Safrey Sumping - the first place winner of the Elite Race in 2016 and 2017 - and Daved Simpat who placed third in the Elite Race in 2017, as well as Sapirin Sumping who achieved fifth place in 2016,” said Julinus in a statement.
Organised by the Sabah Tourism, Culture & Environment Ministry, STB, Sabah Parks and Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd with support from Tourism Malaysia, the event will be flagged off at 7am by the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking.
The cash prize for the champion in each category is RM8,000, while the second and third place winners will receive RM6,000 and RM4,000 respectively.
Additional cash prizes will be awarded to the fourth through 10th place finishers.
