Kota Kinabalu: The world’s most gruelling race in Kundasang will once again draw hard-battled mountain and trail runners from 27 countries.
They are eagerly awaiting to prove their prowess at the 32nd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon on Oct 19.
The race will be flagged off at Kinabalu Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Runners will take on a 24.5-kilometre course, with a 12.25km ascent to the summit of Mount Kinabalu at 4,095.2 metres (13,435 feet) above sea level, before descending the same distance back to the finish line.
A cut-off time has been set by the organiser for those who cannot complete the course within the stipulated time.
This globally recognised high-altitude mountain race will feature 20 elite skyrunners from the Skyrunner® World Series, competing alongside international and Malaysian runners.
For trail safety and capacity requirements set by Sabah Parks, participation has been capped at 250 runners.
All runners have been carefully selected based on their verified mountain and trail running profiles to ensure only qualified and experienced athletes take on the challenge.
The 27 participating countries are Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Austria, Brunei, China, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), France, Great Britain, Hong Kong SAR (China), Iceland, India, Italy, Macau SAR (China), Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United States of America and Vietnam.
Ahead of the big day, the 9.8km Timpohon Run 2025 will be held on Oct 18. Open to runners of all levels, it begins from the Kinabalu Park main gate, passes through Timpohon Gate and Mempening Trails, and ends at Kinabalu Hall.
Participants will marvel at the beauty of the Unesco Global Geopark while testing their endurance on a challenging yet accessible route.
The Timpohon Run aims to promote health, fitness, and community participation, and all runners are encouraged to join this thrilling mountain adventure.
Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit said this year’s Climbathon will see the return of last year’s defending champions.
They include Walter Herman, winner of the Men’s Elite Category, and Daved Simpat, winner of the Men’s Veteran Category, both from Sabah, as well as Sandi Menchi Abahan from the Philippines, winner of the Women’s Elite Category, heightening the level of competition.
The men’s elite record of two hours, 39 minutes and 10 seconds, set by Catalonian Kilian Jornet Burgada in 2007, still stands today.
Among the elite runners to watch this year is Luca De Pero from Italy, currently ranked No. 1 in the Skyrunner® World Series 2025, and Anastasiia Rubstova Yurievna from Russia, ranked No. 3 in the Women’s Elite Category.
In the Men’s Veteran Category, strong Sabahan contenders such as Saprey Sumping (2nd place, Men’s Veteran 2024) and Milton Amat (3rd place, Men’s Elite 2024) will be vying for the title alongside fellow Sabahan Daved Simpat, making this category one of the most anticipated showdowns of the event.
Julinus said the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon continues to be one of Sabah’s most recognised international sporting events.
“It not only brings global attention to Mount Kinabalu, but also encourages visitors to stay longer, explore our communities, and support Sabah’s local tourism economy.
“This event symbolises endurance, unity, and our pride in Sabah’s natural heritage,” he added.
The Climbathon is part of the prestigious Skyrunner® World Series (SWS) and is officially registered with the International Trail Running Association (ITRA).
This recognition allows participants to earn international ranking points for major global mountain races, further positioning Sabah as a premier international trail running destination.
Since its inception in 1987, the Climbathon has celebrated endurance, resilience, and Sabah’s adventurous spirit.
Set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, the 20th tallest mountain in the world by topographic prominence, the race continues to attract international acclaim and attention.
The public is invited to witness the flag-off ceremony at 6.30am on Oct 19 at Kinabalu Park, to be officiated by Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah.
For more information about the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon, visit www.climbathon.com.my and follow @hellosabahmy on Instagram and Facebook.
