WORLD’S ELITE MOUNTAIN RUNNERS RETURN FOR 33RD MOUNT KINABALU INTERNATIONAL CLIMBATHON

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KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, 6 OCTOBER 2026 – Mount Kinabalu will once again become the centre of international mountain running as approximately 250 elite and experienced runners from around the world gather in Sabah for the 33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon on 18 October 2026.
Recognised by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), the prestigious mountain race is not an ordinary open-entry competition. Participants are selected based on their submitted running profiles and experience, reflecting the demanding terrain and high level of endurance required to compete on one of the world’s most iconic mountains.



This year’s competition features three categories: Men’s Elite, Women’s Elite and Men’s Veteran, bringing together leading Malaysian athletes and international competitors from Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Italy, Russia, Spain, Thailand, the United States, Vietnam and other countries.
SECOND APPEARANCE ON SKYRUNNER® WORLD SERIES
Adding further international significance to the 2026 edition is the Climbathon’s return for its second appearance on the official Merrell Skyrunner® World Series.
The 2026 Merrell Skyrunner® World Series features 19 races across 12 countries and four continents, bringing together some of the world’s leading skyrunners for a highly competitive season of mountain racing.
Mount Kinabalu will host the 17th race of the 2026 circuit, placing Sabah at an important stage of the international series as athletes compete for valuable World Series points and rankings ahead of the SkyMasters Grand Finale at Marató dels Dements in Spain on 7 November 2026.
The World Series ranking and points system is managed by SkyMan SA and officially sanctioned by the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF), the global governing body for skyrunning.
Approximately 20 leading Skyrunner® World Series athletes are expected to compete on Mount Kinabalu this year, further strengthening the international profile of the race.
Among the Elite Men are Daniel Antonioli of Italy, currently ranked No. 7 in the 2026 Skyrunner® World Series; Alex Oberbacher of Italy, ranked No. 11; Shoma Otagiri of Japan, ranked No. 18; and Luis Ovalle Rodriguez of Chile, ranked No. 33.
The Elite Women’s field includes Svetlana Nurmukhametova of Russia, currently ranked No. 6 in the 2026 World Series; Vanja Cnops of Russia, ranked No. 23; and June Villarroel of Spain, ranked No. 33.
Also returning is Sandi Menchi Abahan of the Philippines, who finished seventh in the 2025 Elite Women’s Race and was champion of the 2024 edition.
SABAHAN RUNNERS READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD
Sabah’s leading mountain runners will also be looking to make their mark on home ground.
The Elite Men’s category will feature Oswald Maikol, who placed 11th in the 2025 Elite Men’s Race, alongside Jude Maikol, who finished 12th, and Sheron Sariman, who placed 13th.
In the Men’s Veteran category, Daved Simpat returns to defend his title after winning the category in 2025. He will be joined by fellow Sabahan contenders Raichin Sungkit, Safrey Sumping, Milton Amat, Tivel Peter Ramo and Pettry Osman, all of whom were among the leading finishers in the category last year.
Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, YB Datuk Jafry Ariffin, said the return of the Climbathon to the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series further strengthens Sabah’s international profile as a destination for adventure, nature and world-class sporting events.



“The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon represents the spirit of Sabah – challenging, resilient and deeply connected to our natural environment.
“To see runners from around the world coming to Sabah to take on Mount Kinabalu reflects the international standing this event has built over the years.”
He said the event’s inclusion in the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series places Mount Kinabalu alongside international mountain-running destinations across four continents.
With Sabah hosting one of the final races before the SkyMasters Grand Finale, he added that this year’s Climbathon carries particular significance for athletes competing on the World Series circuit.
He also highlighted the opportunity for Sabahan and Malaysian runners to compete alongside internationally ranked athletes on home ground, providing valuable experience while inspiring the next generation of mountain runners.
SPORTING EVENT WITH WIDER TOURISM IMPACT
Held within Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its outstanding natural value and biodiversity, the Climbathon combines elite sport with Sabah’s world-renowned natural environment.
Kinabalu Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 and was subsequently recognised as a Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023.
Datuk Jafry said the event also contributes to Sabah’s wider tourism ambitions by providing an international platform to showcase Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding destination.
Beyond the competition itself, athletes, families, supporters and visitors have the opportunity to experience Sabah’s communities, culture, landscapes and hospitality, creating broader benefits for the state’s tourism industry and communities surrounding the destination.
Since its inception in 1987, the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon has developed into one of Sabah’s most enduring sporting events, becoming synonymous with endurance, resilience and the adventurous spirit of the state.
Its inclusion in the Skyrunner® World Series further connects Mount Kinabalu with the international skyrunning community and provides Malaysian and Sabahan runners with a rare opportunity to compete alongside some of the sport’s leading international athletes.
TIMPOHON RUN OPENS CLIMBATHON WEEKEND
The Climbathon weekend will begin on 17 October 2026 with the Timpohon Run 2026, offering running enthusiasts a more accessible opportunity to experience the excitement surrounding the event.
The 10-kilometre route starts at Kinabalu Hall in Kinabalu Park, continues towards Timpohon Gate before turning back along the Silau-Silau Trail and returning to Kinabalu Hall for the finish.
More than 350 participants have registered for the Men’s Open and Women’s Open categories. Participation is limited to runners who are not competing in the main Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon.
The 33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is organised by the Sabah Tourism Board through its subsidiary, Sri Pelancongan Sabah, in collaboration with Sabah Parks.
The event is officially sponsored by Tourism Malaysia, BigBigPlace and Life Water Industries (K2 Drinking Water & Tritonic), with support from sponsor partners Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Sabapak Eco, Kinabalu Heritage Car Rental & Truly Borneo Tours & Travel, ZEAK, Wave and Engine.
Members of the public are invited to witness the official flag-off at 6.30am on 18 October 2026 at the Parking Lot, Kinabalu Hall.
For more information, visit www.climbathon.com.my
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

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