A race to the peak

Runners from 26 countries converge on Sabah to pit their speed, stamina and endurance against the rugged terrain of Mount Kinabalu in the 33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon.

Runners making their way through Taman Kinabalu, with Mount Kinabalu towering in the background. A total of 253 participants from 26 countries took part in the annual climbathon.

Italian runner Alex Oberbacher celebrates after winning the men’s elite category at the 33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon. The 32-year-old finished ahead of compatriot Daniel Antonioli, who clocked 3:23:46, while Japan’s Shoma Otagiri came third in 3:29:54.

Spain’s June Villaroel poses with traditional cultural dancers from Ranau after winning the women’s elite category at the 33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon.

The gruelling 24.5km climbathon route features a 12.25km ascent to Low’s Peak, 4,095.2m above sea level, followed by an equally long technical descent.

Photos: Bernama