Liew (middle), flanked by Malangking (on her right) and Dr Maklarin, with Pan (left), Chee (right), the organisers, partners and sponsors, displaying the Mt Kinabalu International Climbathon promotional poster.
KOTA KINABALU: The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is destined to return after a seven-year hiatus.
Announcing this at a press conference at Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said the 31st Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2024 will take place at the Kinabalu Park, Kundasang, on Oct 6.
It is jointly organised by the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, Sabah Tourism Board, Sri Pelancongan Sabah and the Sabah Parks Board of Trustees; supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau and Tourism Malaysia; and sponsored by K2 Drinking Water.
“I am thrilled to share this exciting news with elite athletes and outdoor enthusiasts from Malaysia and other parts of the world.
“This event has become synonymous with pushing the boundaries of human achievement, and I do not doubt that this year’s event will be no exception.
“The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is not just a race; it symbolises the unbeatable human spirit, physical and mental endurance, and the breathtaking beauty of Sabah.
“We extend a warm welcome to athletes from across the globe, inviting them to embrace this formidable challenge and immerse themselves in the magnificence of Mount Kinabalu,” Liew said.
From another perspective, she stressed that the climbathon highlights her Ministry’s steadfast commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
“We aim for participants to not only push their physical limits but also to develop a profound appreciation for Sabah’s natural wonders. Let this event inspire us all to safeguard and cherish our environment for generations to come.”
At this juncture, the Minister urged media practitioners to help promote the 31st edition of this premier event globally through their reports and writings.
Mount Kinabalu is reportedly one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia. It is also the 20th tallest mountain in the world by topographic prominence and is one of the highest peaks in the world that is easily trekked by most climbers.
To a question, Liew cited four main reasons for reviving the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon.
“We are of the view that now is the right time for the highly-anticipated return of this global activity after a seven-year absence. Upon reflection, the Climbathon has long been revered as one of the most prestigious mountain running competitions globally, attracting elite athletes from every corner of the world,” she said, adding that another key objective is to boost the local economy by supporting businesses like hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, all of which benefit from the increased activity and revenue generated by the event.
Thirdly, Liew said, the Climbathon seeks to revive its status as a historical event, honouring its tradition and significance in the local community’s history.
“This effort brings back an event cherished by many, with deep historical roots.”
According to the Minister, the most significant factor is the declaration of Kinabalu National Geopark as Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark on May 24, 2023, making Malaysia the third country globally to be awarded the “Triple Crown” status by UNESCO.
“This declaration made Sabah the third location in the world, after China and Korea, to receive UNESCO’s ‘Triple Crown’ recognition. Sabah’s two other UNESCO ‘Crown’ sites are the Kinabalu Park, designated as a World Heritage Site on December 2, 2000, and the UNESCO Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve declared on June 12, 2014,” said Liew.
Also present were the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking, Sabah Parks Director Dr Maklarin Lakim, Sri Pelancongan Sabah Chairman Ken Pan On Ying, Sri Pelancongan Sabah CEO Thonny Chee and Sabapak Eco Sdn Bhd CEO Remysta Taylor.
This year’s Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon will feature three categories: Men’s Elite, Women’s Elite, and Men’s Veteran (40 years and above).
Participants will brave a challenging course spanning 26 kilometres, with an elevation gain of 2,760 meters. The trail covers 13.3 kilometres from the starting point to the midpoint and another 13.3 kilometres to the finish line.
Registration opens on June 4, and participants must submit a qualification form. For further information and registration, please visit www.hellosabah.com and www.climbathon.com.my or emailgreetings@hellosabah.com.
