TAWAU, September 20, 2026 – Sheron Sariman of Malaysia successfully defended the Men’s Open title at the Tropical Rainforest Run 2026, while Sinapilin Sarawi claimed the Women’s Open title and Sapin@Sapirin bin Sumping@Jemari emerged as champion in the Men’s Veteran category. The newly introduced 10KM category also saw its first-ever champions crowned, with Donal Ronaldi Lasius taking the Men’s Open title and Noor Arina Hamid winning the Women’s Open title.
This year’s edition attracted runners from Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Kenya, China, Hong Kong, and Japan, showing the event’s growing appeal among local, regional and international trail runners.
“There was an expectation for me to maintain my winning streak, so I’m glad to come away with another win this year. My preparations were not as extensive because of the severe haze in Sabah, but I continued with easy runs every week to maintain my momentum. I really enjoy the Tropical Rainforest Run, and I would definitely recommend this race to new trail runners,” said Sheron Sariman, Men’s Open champion.
“The forest trail is very challenging, especially with the steep hills and tree roots, which require more focus and agility. I have taken part in the Tropical Rainforest Run every year since the first edition and hope to return again next year,” said Sinapiling Sarawi, Women’s Open champion.
“Winning the Men’s Veteran category means a lot to me, especially after finishing second last year. I trained for two to three months before the race, including long runs on hilly terrain. The downhill section towards the river was the most challenging because it was slippery and had many tree roots, but the training helped me get through it,” said Sapin@Sapirin Bin Sumping@Jemari, Men’s Veteran champion.
The 28KM course once again challenged participants with a demanding route through the heart of Tawau Hills Park, beginning with a steep ascent towards Mount Lucia before taking runners through technical rainforest terrain, winding roots and shaded jungle trails.
Making its debut this year, the 10KM course offered a shorter route for participants looking to experience Tawau Hills Park’s rainforest landscape. The course reached a high point of approximately 543 metres at Bombalai Peak, providing recreational runners, families and nature enthusiasts with another way to explore the park through an active outdoor experience.
The run was flagged off at 6:30am by YB Dr. Andi Md Shamsureezal Bin Mohd Sainal, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah. The event highlighted the role of outdoor sporting activities in encouraging greater appreciation of Sabah’s natural landscapes and protected areas.
The Tropical Rainforest Run featured three competitive categories for the 28KM course, namely Men’s Open, Women’s Open and Men’s Veteran, with cash prizes awarded to the top 20 finishers.
Top 3 Results
28KM
Men’s Open
1st – Sheron Sariman, Malaysia, 03:10.24
2nd – Milton bin Amat, Malaysia, 03:11.51
3rd – Oswald Maikol, Malaysia, 03:13.07
Women’s Open
1st – Sinapilin Sarawi, Malaysia, 05:08.45
2nd – Satriana Sahirin, Malaysia, 05:09.53
3rd – Lalitah Binti Lintanga, Malaysia, 05:12.29
Men’s Veteran
1st – Sapin@Sapirin Bin Sumping@Jemari, Malaysia, 03:24.28
2nd – Raichin Sungkit, Malaysia, 03:41.29
3rd – Dennis Isika, Kenya, 03:55.20
10KM
Men’s Open
1st – Donal Ronaldi Lasius, Malaysia, 00:53.58
2nd – Aiman Haziq Bin Samry@Mohd Shamr, Malaysia, 00:59.05
3rd – Yusri Bin Bahari, Malaysia, 01:01.36
Women’s Open
1st – Noor Arina Hamid, Malaysia, 01:20.34
2nd – Mailin Salungin, Malaysia, 01:23.58
3rd – Nursayfawati Foo, Malaysia, 01:27.40
Recognised by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), the 28KM course awarded international trail points to eligible participants, adding to the event’s appeal among trail runners seeking internationally recognised race credentials.
The Tropical Rainforest Run 2026 was organised by the Sabah Tourism Board through its subsidiary, Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd., with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah and Tourism Malaysia. The event was also supported by Sabah Parks, International Trail Running Association (ITRA), Tawau Municipal Council, SD Guthrie and Tawau Runner Club. The event committee also comprised the Tawau District Police, Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia, Tawau Hospital and Radio Amatur Group, while sponsor partners included K2, Teck Guan and Calvary Crown.
