Mary representing Josie in flagging off the 28KM category.
TAWAU: The Tropical Rainforest Run 2025 was held today at Tawau Hills Park, celebrating its 4th edition and the second year featuring its extended 28KM course.
Known as one of the most iconic jungle trails in Borneo, the event once again challenged runners from Malaysia and abroad with steep climbs, 100 percent natural jungle trails and the breathtaking surroundings of one of Sabah’s most treasured rainforest parks.
Sheron Sariman of Malaysia successfully defended his title in the Men’s Open category, breaking his previous record of 3:23:45 by finishing this year’s race in 3:16:20. Meanwhile, Jane Wanjiru Muriuki of Kenya emerged as the new champion in the Women’s Open category, clocking a time of 3:56:26. In the veteran categories, Maithya Onesmus Mathangu of Kenya claimed the Men’s Veteran title with a time of 3:39:02, while Teo Lian Geok of Malaysia secured victory in the Women’s Veteran category with a time of 5:06:34, surpassing last year’s Malaysian winner, Epang Sarawi, who finished in second place.
“I’m thrilled and grateful to have won the race this year,” said Sheron, Men’s Open champion. “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.”
“I feel very grateful and happy to win the Women’s Open category. 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,” said Jane, Women’s Open champion.
“I’m very happy to win the Men’s Veteran category. It isn’t easy to be number one at my age. I’m 51, so this victory means a lot to me. This is my second time racing in Sabah; I finished second last year. I really enjoy running in Tawau Hills Park because of its great climate and unique environment,” said Maithya, Men’s Veteran champion.
“I didn’t expect to win the Women’s Veteran category, especially with strong runners from Kenya competing, so I was truly surprised and very happy to become the champion. As a veteran runner, I stay motivated because I want to remain active and continue training, with many races and events in Malaysia that I still hope to join. My advice to young and aspiring runners is to train consistently, ideally every week, because discipline and dedication will help you continue to improve,” said Teo, Women’s Veteran champion.
The 28km course once again brought runners deep into the heart of the rainforest, beginning with a demanding 13.25 km ascent to the summit of Mount Lucia (1,240m) before transitioning into a technical descent through dense foliage, winding roots and shaded jungle paths. Meanwhile, the 6km Fun Run provided a relaxed and family friendly alternative, welcoming casual runners, nature enthusiasts and visitors eager to experience the tranquility of Tawau Hills Park.
This year’s edition welcomed about 300 participants from eight countries: the Czech Republic, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, the Philippines and the USA, reflecting growing regional interest in Sabah’s nature based sporting events.
The run was flagged off at 6:30 am by Mary Malangking, Deputy Permanent Secretary I of the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, representing Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary, who highlighted the event’s role in promoting both outdoor recreation and conservation appreciation within the park.
The Tropical Rainforest Run featured four competitive categories comprising Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s Veteran and Women’s Veteran, with top finishers receiving cash prizes and sponsored rewards.
Top 3 Results
Men’s Open:
1st (Sheron Sariman, Malaysia, 3:16:20)
2nd (Walter Herman, Malaysia, 3:16:28)
3rd (Arikchely Airyl Arikah, Malaysia, 3:20:39)
Women’s Open:
1st (Jane Wanjiru Muriuki, Kenya, 3:56.26)
2nd (Pamela ChepKoech Bundotich, Kenya, 4:13.15)
3rd (Purity Jelimo Serem, Kenya, 4:14.25)
Men’s Veteran:
1st (Maithya Onesmus Mathangu, Kenya, 3:39.02)
2nd (Sapirin Sumping, Malaysia, 3:39.24)
3rd (Raichin Sungkit, Malaysia, 3:48.33)
Women’s Veteran:
1st (Teo Lian Geok, Malaysia, 5:06.34)
2nd (Epang Sarawi, Malaysia, 5:22.06)
3rd (Kona Lydia Binti Liau A Ken, Malaysia, 5:26.44)
Recognised by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), the Tropical Rainforest Run awarded international trail points to participants who completed the 28km route, further enhancing its appeal among trail runners seeking global ranking credentials.
Beyond the race itself, the Tropical Rainforest Run continued to promote Sabah’s vision of eco tourism and conservation awareness. Participants were encouraged to practice “leave no trace” principles throughout the event, ensuring the park’s pristine environment remains protected.
In addition, 10 per cent of registration proceeds were donated to Sabah Parks conservation initiatives, reinforcing long term efforts to safeguard Tawau Hills Park’s unique rainforest ecosystem.
Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and main organiser of the event, said that each year the event brings together runners to journey through the world’s tallest tropical trees, past three majestic dormant volcanic peaks, sulphur springs and areas known for wildlife sightings.
He added that the trails are set within a lush natural park renowned for its rich biodiversity.
The event was organised by STB through its subsidiary, Sri Pelancongan Sabah, in collaboration with Sabah Parks and supported by the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and Tourism Malaysia in conjunction with the “Visit Malaysia Year 2026” campaign.
The Tropical Rainforest Run was made possible through partnerships with the International Trail Running Association, Tawau Municipal Council, Tawau Runner Club, K2 Drinking Water, Zeak, ArusFoods and Evenesis.
