The world’s most gruelling mountain race will return to Kundasang as the 32nd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon takes place on 19 October 2025, drawing top skyrunners from 27 countries.
Flagging off at Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 24.5km course will challenge runners to ascend 12.25km to Mount Kinabalu’s 4,095.2-metre summit before descending the same route to the finish line.
The race, part of the prestigious Skyrunner® World Series and registered under the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), will feature 20 elite international athletes alongside Malaysia’s best. Participation is capped at 250 runners for safety reasons.
Among the countries taking part are Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, France, Great Britain, Italy, Russia, the United States, and host nation Malaysia.
A day before the main event, the 9.8km Timpohon Run on 18 October will offer an accessible mountain experience for runners of all levels, taking participants through scenic trails within the UNESCO Global Geopark.
Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit said this year’s Climbathon will see the return of defending champions Walter Herman and Daved Simpat from Sabah, and Sandi Menchi Abahan from the Philippines.
The long-standing course record of 2 hours, 39 minutes, and 10 seconds set by Catalonian Kilian Jornet Burgada in 2007 remains unbeaten.
Top runners to watch include Luca De Pero of Italy, currently ranked No. 1 in the Skyrunner® World Series 2025, and Anastasiia Rubstova Yurievna of Russia, ranked No. 3 in the women’s category.
“The Climbathon continues to bring global attention to Mount Kinabalu, inspiring visitors to stay longer, explore our communities, and support Sabah’s tourism economy,” said Julinus.
The flag-off ceremony will be held at 6:30am on 19 October 2025 at Kinabalu Park, to be officiated by Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah.
