The Kawang Adventure Tropical Race (KTAR) 2026, held on 11 and 12 July 2026, successfully concluded its second edition by bringing together adventure sports enthusiasts from across Malaysia while showcasing the villages of Kaiduan and Bolitikon as emerging Community-Based Tourism (CBT) destinations in Sabah.
Organised by local event organiser Event Finder, KTAR is Sabah’s only locally organised multi-discipline adventure race. More than a sporting competition, the event demonstrates how adventure tourism can create meaningful experiences for visitors while generating opportunities for local communities through sustainable tourism.
At the heart of KTAR 2026 is the belief that tourism should directly benefit the people who live in the destination. By bringing participants into the villages and surrounding natural landscapes, the event highlights Kawang’s pristine rainforests, rivers, rich biodiversity and local culture, while encouraging community participation through
hospitality, guiding services, food vendors, homestays and other tourism-related activities.
The flagship Adventure Race features four disciplines, Trail Running, Stand Up Paddle (SUP), Mountain Biking and Orienteering, with each team comprising two participants. KTAR 2026 also includes individual categories, namely the 21KM Trail Run and 5KM Fun Trail Run, making the event accessible to both seasoned athletes and recreational outdoor enthusiasts.
Auther Kimon, Race Director of Kawang Adventure Tropical Race (KTAR) 2026, said:
“We chose Kawang because its diverse natural landscape provides the perfect setting for every discipline in the Adventure Race, from trail running and stand-up paddle to mountain biking and orienteering. More importantly, it offers an opportunity to showcase the beauty of Kaiduan and Bolitikon while promoting Community-Based Tourism through meaningful experiences with the local community.”
KTAR is envisioned as more than just a sporting event. By attracting participants to experience the area’s nature, culture and hospitality, the event aims to position Kawang as an emerging Community-Based Tourism destination, create opportunities for the local community, and attract even greater participation in the years ahead as KTAR grows into one of Sabah’s signature adventure tourism events, he added.
The second edition has recorded a 20% increase in participation compared to the inaugural event, attracting 21
Adventure Race teams, 102 participants in the 21KM Trail Run and 66 participants in the 5KM Fun Trail Run.
Participants hail from Sabah, Labuan, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, reflecting the growing recognition of
KTAR as an emerging adventure tourism event on the national calendar.
The successful organisation of KTAR 2026 is made possible through the strong support and collaboration of
government agencies, strategic partners, sponsors and the local community, all of whom share a common vision
of advancing sustainable tourism and empowering rural communities through Community-Based Tourism.
The Adventure Race concluded with outstanding performances from teams across both the Men’s and Mixed Team categories.
Men’s Team Category
- Champion: BT Ninety (M. Azri B. M. Chung & Azizan B. Ayub) – 3:15:30
- Runner-up: Hariadi & Adrian Team (Hariadi B. Jainneh & Adrian L. L. Ping) – 3:26:41
- Second Runner-up: M. Kamarul Azham & Shahrin B. Amir – 3:27:58
Mixed Team Category
- Champion: KBS Adventure Racing Team (Suhaimi Mohamddin & Norazrin Kamsor) – 3:26:20
- Runner-up: Shin Chan (Johnie Ngongoloy & Natahsya Soon) – 3:48:32
- Second Runner-up: Zirbad Cycling Club (Ryehana Rajap & Azmi Murshid) – 4:11:29
Strategic Partners
- Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah (KEPKAS)
- Tourism Malaysia
- Office of the Member of Parliament for Papar, YB Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali
Sponsors
- Sabah Mineral
- Sabah Energy
- JETAMA
- Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Sports Product Sponsors
- Y Sandal
- Big Big Place
- Altra
As KTAR continues to grow, the organisers aspire for the event to become a flagship Community-Based Tourism adventure event that showcases the best of Sabah’s nature, culture and community while delivering lasting benefits to local people and positioning the state as a premier adventure tourism destination.
