KOTA BELUD: The natural beauty of Kadamaian, set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, will once again take centre stage globally through the BigBigPlace Kadamaian Adventure Race (KAR) Ultra 2026.
The ultra-trail running event, renowned for its challenging routes, is scheduled to take place from July 24 to 26 at D’Sawah Tambatuon Guesthouse here.
Surrounded by lush green hills, clear rivers, village trails and panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu, KAR Ultra has become one of Sabah’s premier sports tourism events.
Organising director Javaduis Bollah said the 10th edition of the race is expected to attract more than 2,000 local and international participants.
He said entries have already been received from Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, the United States, Great Britain and Romania.
“The growing international participation proves that KAR Ultra is increasingly recognised as a global ultra-trail event that not only tests participants’ physical endurance, but also introduces Sabah’s natural beauty to the world.
“Kadamaian offers a unique attraction with Mount Kinabalu as its backdrop, combined with traditional village trails, rivers, farms and natural paths that provide an unforgettable experience for every participant,” he said during a press conference on Saturday.
He added that participants are not merely competing in a race, but also immersing themselves in the beauty of nature and the charm of rural life rarely found elsewhere.
In conjunction with KAR’s 10th anniversary, two new categories have been introduced – 100 miles (160km) and 6km.
Javaduis said the 100 Miles category was specially introduced to mark a decade of KAR, while the 6km category aims to encourage beginners and more participants to experience ultra-trail running in Kadamaian.
The three-day event now features five categories: 100 Miles (160km), 80km, 35km, 12km and 6km.
Beyond sports tourism, the event is expected to boost the local economy, benefiting homestay operators, campsite providers, transport services, traders and handicraft makers.
The organisers are also prioritising participant safety by conducting a Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course on May 16 and 17 to train crew members in handling emergencies.
In addition to providing fully equipped checkpoints and medical teams, organisers will implement the “Leave No Trace” campaign to help preserve Kadamaian’s natural environment.
“We want KAR Ultra to continue growing as a world-class ultra-trail event and become an icon of Sabah’s sports tourism,” he said.
He added that 30 villages will be involved along the race route, including Kampung Tambatuan, Purakogis, Narinang, Bayayat, Koung Malaan, Tambulaung, Bahab, Soronsob, Pomotodon, Tiong Komburaon, Kayangat Lama, Tamu Darat, Gaur, Piasau and Tambulion, among others.
BigBigPlace is among the main sponsors, contributing RM15,000 worth of sports equipment prizes for winners.
The event also receives support from Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Ewon Benedick, who contributed RM25,000.
The total prize pool exceeds RM50,000, including cash prizes, medals, certificates, sports accessories and nutrition products.
Participating agencies include the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Ministry of Health (KKM), paramedic teams, radio communication clubs and 4WD teams.
Members of the public interested in participating can register at:
https://checkpointspot.asia/event/Kadamaian-Ultra-2026
More information is available through KAR Ultra’s official social media platforms and website:
https://www.karultra.com.my/.
