Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon

Experience the ultimate test of endurance and skill at the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2025, proudly hosted by the Sabah Tourism Board through its subsidiary, Sri Pelancongan Sabah. This adrenaline-fuelled race returns on 19th October 2025, set against the stunning backdrop of Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark declared in May 2023.

Climbathon is recognised worldwide as one of the toughest mountain races on Earth, covering a grueling 26-kilometre trail—with a 13.3 km ascent followed by a 13.3 km descent—pushing even elite runners to their absolute limits.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

These rules may be cited as the 32nd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon Rules 2025:

• “CLIMBATHON” refers to the 32nd Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon 2025.

• “COMMITTEE” refers to the Organising Committee of the 32nd Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon 2025.

• “PARTICIPANT” refers to a participant of the Climbathon duly registered with the Committee.

ENTRY FEES

   i. MALAYSIAN (Elite & Veteran Category) – [RM350]

   ii. INTERNATIONAL (Elite & Veteran Category) – 100.82USD [RM450]

ATTIRE

Each participant is free to choose his or her own attire for the Climbathon. However, the use of transparent clothing is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Participants are reminded that the temperature at the base of the mountain ranges from 13°C to 20°C, while at the summit of Mount Kinabalu it ranges from 2°C to 10°C.

PARTICIPANT NUMBERS

Each participant will be assigned an official race number, which must be securely affixed using safety pins on both the front and back of their attire.

TIME LIMIT

The time limits allocated for each category are as follows:

A. Men’s Elite Category:

i. From the starting line to the summit: within 3 hours 30 minutes

ii. From the summit to the finish line: within 3 hours

B. Women’s Elite Category:

i. From the starting line to the summit: within 4 hours

ii. From the summit to the finish line: within 3 hours 30 minutes

C. Men’s Veteran Category (40 years and above):

i. From the starting line to the summit: within 4 hours

ii. From the summit to the finish line: within 3 hours 30 minutes

OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE

All participants must complete the Climbathon without any outside assistance.

CHECK STATION JUDGES

Check station judges, identifiable by their name tags, will be stationed at various checkpoints along the Climbathon route. All participants must pass through these check stations. Failure to do so will result in automatic disqualification.

APPEAL JURY

Any participant may submit an appeal to the Jury, which consists of three members, headed by a qualified Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union Technical Official. All decisions made by the Appeal Jury are final.

INDEMNITY

The Committee shall not be held responsible for any injury or death occurring before, during, or after the Climbathon.

AMENDMENT TO RULES AND REGULATIONS

The Committee reserves the right to amend the Rules of the Climbathon at any time as it may deem fit.

ELIGIBILITY

Men’s and Women’s Elite – Participants must be between 18 years old as of 19 October 2025, born on or after 19 October 2007). 

Veteran’s Category – Must be 40 years old above born on or before 19 October 1985. Participants must present their identification card or passport during registration for age verification.

Falsification of any information on the entry form, such as age classification, will result in disqualification.

OTHERS

Climbathon will not accept any entry from runners participating for charitable reasons.

RACE SCHEDULE

RACE REGISTRATION: 17 & 18 OCTOBER 2025

Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Venue: Climbathon Secretariat, Kinabalu Park

(Please bring along your IC/Passport and payment receipt)

17 October 2025 (Friday)  |  Venue: Kinabalu Hall, Kinabalu Park

9:00 am – 6:00 pm : Race kit collection

18 October 2025 (Saturday)  |  Venue: Kinabalu Hall, Kinabalu Park

9:00 am – 6:00 pm : Race kit collection

6:00 pm : Briefing for all categories

RACE DAY: 19 OCTOBER 2025 (Sunday)   |  Venue: Kinabalu Hall, Kinabalu Park (Starting/Finish Line)

5:00 am : Arrival of all participants & guests

6:20 am : Arrival of the Guest of Honour

6:30 am : Race Start 

12:30 pm : Expected arrival of 1^st runner at finish line

01.00 pm : Prize Presentation

02:00 pm : End of event

Time limit:

Men’s Elite

• 3 hours 30 minutes to the peak
• 3 hours from the peak to the finish line
   

Women’s Elite & Men’s Veteran

• 4 hours to the peak

• 3 hours 30 minutes from the peak to the finish line

PRIZE