TAWAU: Malaysian trail runner Sheron Sariman defended his Men’s Open title at the Tropical Rainforest Run 2025 after setting a new course record at Tawau Hills Park, Sunday.
Sheron finished the gruelling 28-kilometre jungle course in 3:16:20, improving on his previous record of 3:23:45.
“It was a tough field with many strong runners, but I’m happy that my performance remained strong, and breaking the Men’s Open record makes this victory even more special,” he said.
Now in its fourth edition, and the second year featuring the extended 28km route, the Tropical Rainforest Run is regarded as one of Borneo’s most challenging and most iconic rainforest races.
The course began with a steep 13.25km climb to the summit of Mount Lucia at 1,240 metres before descending through technical trails, winding roots, dense forest, and shaded jungle pathways. A 6km Fun Run was also held for families, casual runners, and park visitors.
In the Women’s Open category, Kenyan runner Jane Wanjiru Muriuki claimed the title with a time of 3:56:26.
“It’s my first time running in Sabah, and although the course was very tough, God gave me the strength and energy to finish it well. The organisers of the Tropical Rainforest Run have done an excellent job in managing the race,” she said.
Kenya’s Maithya Onesmus Mathangu won the Men’s Veteran category, completing the race in 3:39:02.
“It isn’t easy to be number one at my age. I’m 51, so this victory means a lot to me. I really enjoy running in Tawau Hills Park because of its great climate and unique environment,” he said.
Maithya, who finished second last year, said his return to Sabah was motivated by the challenge and beauty of the course.
In the Women’s Veteran category, Malaysia’s Teo Lian Geok emerged champion with a time of 5:06:34, overtaking last year’s winner, Epang Sarawi, who finished second.
“I didn’t expect to win, especially with strong runners from Kenya competing. My advice to young runners is to train consistently, ideally every week, because discipline and dedication will help you continue to improve,” she said.
The event drew about 300 runners from eight countries — the Czech Republic, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the United States — reflecting growing international interest in Sabah’s nature-based sporting events.
The run was flagged off at 6:30 a.m. by Deputy Permanent Secretary I of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Sabah, Mary Malangking, who represented Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai.
The ministry highlighted the event’s importance in promoting outdoor recreation and conservation awareness in Tawau Hills Park.
Recognised by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), the race awarded international trail points to all participants who completed the 28km route, contributing to their global trail-running ranking.
The organisers encouraged runners to observe “leave no trace” principles to protect the park’s rainforest environment. In line with its conservation goals, 10 percent of the registration proceeds were donated to Sabah Parks’ ongoing conservation initiatives at Tawau Hills Park.
Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit said the annual run allows participants to experience landscapes featuring towering tropical trees, dormant volcanic peaks, sulphur springs, and areas known for wildlife sightings.
He said the natural terrain makes the race unique and reinforces Tawau Hills Park as a key ecotourism attraction.
Top results for the Men’s Open category were Sheron Sariman of Malaysia in first place (3:16:20), followed by Walter Herman of Malaysia (3:16:28) and Arikchely Airyl Arikah of Malaysia (3:20:39).
In the Women’s Open category, Jane Wanjiru Muriuki of Kenya finished first (3:56:26), ahead of Pamela ChepKoech Bundotich of Kenya (4:13:15) and Purity Jelimo Serem of Kenya (4:14:25).
The Men’s Veteran category won by Maithya Onesmus Mathangu of Kenya (3:39:02), followed by Malaysia’s Sapirin Sumping (3:39:24) and Raichin Sungkit (3:48:33).
In the Women’s Veteran category, Malaysia’s Teo Lian Geok placed first (5:06:34), followed by Epang Sarawi (5:22:06) and Kona @ Lydia Binti Liau A Ken (5:26:44).
The event was organised by the Sabah Tourism Board through its subsidiary, Sri Pelancongan Sabah, in collaboration with Sabah Parks.
It was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment of Sabah, Tourism Malaysia, and partners, including the International Trail Running Association, Tawau Municipal Council, Tawau Runner Club, K2 Drinking Water, Zeak, ArusFoods, and Evenesis, in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
