KOTA KINABALU: 6 October 2026
About 250 elite and experienced mountain runners from 12 countries will compete in the 33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon on Oct 18.
The ITRA-recognised race will have three categories: Men’s Elite, Women’s Elite and Men’s Veteran.
The Climbathon returns to the Merrell Skyrunner World Series for a second year. It is the 17th of 19 races in the 2026 circuit, staged in 12 countries.
Mount Kinabalu is one of the final stops before the SkyMasters Grand Finale at Marató dels Dements in Spain on Nov 7, with runners chasing vital World Series points. About 20 world-ranked runners are expected on the start line.
In the Men’s Elite field are Daniel Antonioli of Italy, world No. 7; Alex Oberbacher of Italy, No. 11; Shoma Otagiri of Japan, No. 18; and Luis Ovalle Rodriguez of Chile, No. 33.
In the Women’s Elite field are Svetlana Nurmukhametova of Russia, world No. 6; Vanja Cnops of Russia, No. 23; and June Villarroel of Spain, No. 33.
Also returning is Sandi Menchi Abahan of the Philippines, who won in 2024 and finished seventh last year.
Sabah’s top challengers in the Men’s Elite are Oswald Maikol, 11th last year; Jude Maikol, 12th; and Sheron Sariman, 13th.
In the Men’s Veteran category, defending champion Daved Simpat will face fellow Sabahans Raichin Sungkit, Safrey Sumping, Milton Amat, Tivel Peter Ramo and Pettry Osman.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said World Series status had strengthened Sabah’s standing as a global adventure destination.
“The Climbathon represents the spirit of Sabah — challenging, resilient and connected to nature,” he said.
“Its place in the World Series puts Mount Kinabalu alongside top mountain-running destinations on four continents.
“As one of the last races before the Grand Finale, this year’s event carries extra significance.”
He said the race would also boost tourism by bringing athletes, families and supporters to experience Sabah’s culture, communities and landscapes.
The public is invited to the flag-off at 6.30am on Oct 18 at the Kinabalu Hall car park.
Information: www.climbathon.com.my
