Kota Kinabalu: The Borneo Half Marathon, held Sunday morning, has set a new record with 4,235 runners from 18 countries participating.
The event co-organised by City Hall (DBKK) and Kinabalu Running Club featured two race categories. The 21KM Half Marathon, which was sold out within two weeks of registration opening, and the 11KM Run.
Race director Datuk Dr Heng Aik Cheng said the strong turnout and early sell-out of the 21KM category show that the community is embracing active and healthy lifestyles.
“We are proud to see more Sabahans and visitors from across the region prioritising fitness and participating in events that promote well-being and community spirit.”
Heng is also president of Kinabalu Running Club honoured with the special appreciation award at the Sabah Tourism Awards last month for its contributions to the local running community and sports tourism development in Sabah.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who flagged off the race at Padang Merdeka at 4.30am, said the Borneo Half Marathon is a showcase of Kota Kinabalu City as an active and vibrant community.
“It not only encourages a healthy lifestyle but also highlights the city as a destination for sports tourism. Events like this demonstrate the spirit and energy of our residents and visitors alike.
“To be able to attract participants from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, China, Australia, Bangladesh, India, Switzerland, the United States, Austria, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Poland and South Africa, reflecting the event’s growing regional and international appeal,” he said.
Mayor Dato’ Sri Dr. Haji Sabin Samitah said DBKK supports initiatives that promote fitness and community engagement, and is proud to co-organise the Borneo Half Marathon, which continues to grow in participation and international recognition.
He congratulated everyone involved and also acknowledged the support of event partners, Lifewater Berhad, Pos Malaysia Berhad, N8 Sports Nutrition and Counterpain Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the top three winners in each of the half marathon categories were Arikchely Airyl Arikah, Azlan Kuste, Yannick Theriault (men open 16-30); Faezjertih Faezjertih, Safree Sabdin, MYL Asmil (men junior veteran 31-40); Fabian Omond Daimon, Azizan Ayub, Sapirin Sumpinng (men veteran 41-50); Tsin Ken Kok, Chee Wang Teo, Neil Sargent (men senior veteran 51 & above); Shannon Liaw, Siti Zulhijah Sahari, Joan Tan (women open 16-30); Weiling Lai, Jing Jing Tiew, Hasnita Asis (women junior veteran 31-40); Hon Lin Min, Li Khyun Chong, Mariana Sofiah Yusop (women veteran 41-50); Selfiah Swunto, Mimi Yong, Melissa Mei Lun Yeung (women senior veteran 51 & above), while the Intercity Cup was won by team Seberang Perai followed by team DBKK 2 and Team JKR.
