Kota Kinabalu: The success of the just concluded Kokol Ultra 2025 trail race held over the weekend has enhanced its reputation as one of the region’s top ultra-distance trail races.
Race director Rahmat Ali Mohd Hussain said a total of 650 runners coming from Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Great Britain, Australia and the United States took part in the annual event organised by Expertise Event Management and supported by Tourism Malaysia.
“Kokol Ultra 2025 is officially listed in the Tourism Malaysia event calendar as part of the national effort to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
It featured the 15km, 21km, 30km, 50km races and with the record number of entries and the presence of many international endurance runners this year, this marked another milestone in its growing reputation as one of Sabah’s premier ultra-distance trail races.
“In addition, UTMB Index certification and ITRA points were also awarded to eligible finishers, further enhancing the event’s international recognition among trail runners,” he said.
He added that the participants were very impressed with the breathtaking highland views with the demanding mix of road and trail terrain across the Kokol Highlands throughout the race.
“As part of the Tourism Malaysia official race calendar, Kokol Ultra proudly represents Sabah’s natural beauty, trail-running culture and community spirit, living up to its theme: “Run Beyond Limits, Discover Sabah.”
Apart from tackling steep ascents, fast descents, and river crossings, they were able to enjoy panoramic views of the South China Sea and Mount Kinabalu as well, truly embodying the event’s spirit of endurance and adventure.”
He also expressed his gratitude to some of the official partners and sponsors including JK Bal Sport, Ysandal Malaysia, Big Big Place, Goodr, N8 Sport Nutrition, Garden Bakery Sdn. Bhd for their support.
Meanwhile, the top three winners in each category of the 50km race were Men’s Open - Azman Salama (06:45:09), Christantine Christer Mattan (07:09:29), Muhammad Nor Mansor Muhamad Saleh (07:11:59); Men’s Veteran - Chris Timms (05:43:07), Samry Sainin (07:34:15), Romi Romantis Robi (07:51:17); Women’s Open - Adelinah Lintanga (08:11:47), Satriana Sahirin (08:16:45), Jurina Binti Paulus (09:11:03); Women Veteran - Margretta Walther (10:06:23), Maria Joycelyn Manalo Tugna (10:15:27), Tze Mui Chiam (12:12:59).
