An early morning view from the top of Mount Kinabalu.
KOTA KINABALU: A total of 206 participants from 17 countries are set to compete in the 31st Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2024 on Sunday (Oct 6), racing up and down Malaysia's highest peak.
This year's summit race features three categories: Elite Men with 74 participants, Elite Women with 60, and Men Veterans with 72.
Seasoned athletes from Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam, known for their records in previous Mount Kinabalu Climbathons and similar races, are among the participants.
According to organisers, 155 runners are Malaysians, with Sabah representing 84 participants, followed by 33 from Selangor, 13 from Kuala Lumpur, five from Perak, and four from Negeri Sembilan.
Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit stated that the race will be flagged off by the state Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking at 7am on Sunday (Oct 6).
He noted an overwhelming response from both local and international participants.
Countries represented include Peru, the United States, Great Britain, Sweden, Hungary, France, Poland, Australia, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam.
The 26km race offers RM8,000 to the winner of each of the three main categories: Men’s Elite, Women’s Elite, and Men’s Veteran.
Second and third place winners will receive RM6,000 and RM4,000 respectively, with additional cash prizes awarded to those placing fourth through tenth.
