KUNDASANG: Sabah is considering increasing prize money for the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon and offering financial support to help local runners compete in overseas competitions.
Speaking at the flag-off of the 33rd edition at Kinabalu Park on Sunday (Oct 18), Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said reviewing cash rewards is necessary.
"I think it is time for us to offer more attractive prizes to encourage greater participation, particularly among international runners," he said.
This year’s top-category champions receive RM8,000, down from higher payouts in earlier editions, such as 2011, when winners earned US$4,500 (approx. RM14,000).
Jafry added that his ministry is also discussing financial assistance for Sabahan runners to gain valuable international experience competing on the global circuit.
The 24.5km mountain race drew 253 runners from 26 countries, serving as the 17th stop of the 2026 Merrell Skyrunner World Series.
Competitors tackled steep ascents toward the 4,095-meter summit before descending back down the course.
Italy’s Alex Oberbacher claimed the Men’s Elite title in 3:20:54, using a strong downhill run to finish ahead of fellow Italian Daniel Antonioli and Japan’s Shoma Otagiri.
"The downhill was very, very good, and I did a good downhill, so this is the reason why I won this race," he said.
In the Women’s Elite category, Spain’s June Villaroel secured a victory in 4:09:14, beating Russia’s Svetlana Nurmukhametova and Belgium’s Vanja Cnops.
"It feels very crazy. I didn't expect it, so it feels amazing. I cannot believe it yet, and I'm so happy," she said.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Markov Evegenii won the Men’s Veteran title in 3:29:11, with local Sabahan runner Daved Simpat taking third place.
The Climbathon was first held in 1987.
