KUCHING: The inaugural Borneo 100 Triathlon will boost Sarawak's standing as a prime destination for sports tourism and endurance events, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the June 21 event is internationally sanctioned under the Malaysia Triathlon Association, ensuring it meets recognised national standards of race governance, safety and competition structure.
It will also be timed by SEA Games official timers to ensure accuracy and integrity in race results.
"This places Borneo 100 at a higher level – not just as a local event, but as a credible and competitive race on the international stage," he said when launching the race here on Thursday (April 2).
Karim said sports tourism was a key growth area for Sarawak.
In this regard, he said Borneo 100 had the potential to increase tourist arrivals, encourage longer stays and drive higher visitor spending.
He added that the event venue at Sematan offered a race experience combining culture, nature and adventure with open sea swimming, scenic coastal cycling and a flat Pan Borneo Highway run route.
Karim also said Borneo 100 had received strong early response, attracting participants from Malaysia as well as Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Germany, the Philippines, China, Russia and Italy.
"With a clear target of at least 20% international participation, Borneo 100 has strong potential to grow into a recognised international triathlon brand," he said.
Organised by Kelab Triatlon Kuching Selatan and Grit Event Management, Borneo 100 is expected to attract 350 participants in total.
Race director Eric Tay said four categories were available, starting with the standard aquathlon involving a 1.5km swim and 10km run.
Other categories are the sprint triathlon, Olympic distance and Borneo 100, with swimming distances ranging from 750m to 1.5km, cycling from 20km to 80km and running from 5km to 18.5km.
