KOTA KINABALU, October 6, 2026 – Mount Kinabalu will once again take centre stage as approximately 250 elite and experienced mountain runners from around the world converge in Sabah for the 33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon on October 18, 2026.
More than an ordinary open-entry race, the ITRA-recognised event brings together runners selected based on their submitted running profiles and experience, reflecting the demanding nature of competing on one of the world’s most iconic mountains.
The runners will compete across three categories – Men’s Elite, Women’s Elite and Men’s Veteran – bringing together leading Malaysian athletes and international competitors from countries including Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Italy, Russia, Spain, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam, among others.
The 2026 edition carries added international significance as the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon returns for its second appearance on the official Merrell Skyrunner® World Series.
Featuring 19 races across 12 countries and four continents, the 2026 Merrell Skyrunner® World Series brings together some of the world’s leading skyrunners across a season of highly competitive mountain races.
Mount Kinabalu hosts the 17th race of the 2026 circuit, placing Sabah at a pivotal stage of the season as runners pursue valuable World Series points and rankings ahead of the SkyMasters Grand Finale at Marató dels Dements in Spain on November 7, 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 take on Mount Kinabalu this year, further strengthening the international calibre 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 category will see Svetlana Nurmukhametova of Russia, currently ranked No. 6 in the 2026 World Series, compete alongside Vanja Cnops of Russia, ranked No. 23; and June Villarroel of Spain, ranked No. 33. Sandi Menchi Abahan of the Philippines, who placed seventh in the 2025 Elite Women’s Race, will also compete. She was the champion of the 2024 edition.
Sabah’s leading mountain runners will also be looking to make their mark on home ground in the Elite Men’s category, including Oswald Maikol, who placed 11th in the 2025 Elite Men’s Race; Jude Maikol, who placed 12th; and Sheron Sariman, who placed 13th.
Daved Simpat returns to defend his Men’s Veteran 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 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.
“Its 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, this year’s Climbathon carries particular significance for runners competing on the World Series circuit.
“We are equally proud to see our Sabahan and Malaysian runners competing alongside internationally ranked athletes. It gives our runners an opportunity to challenge themselves at an international level on home ground, while inspiring the next generation to pursue the sport,” he said.
Datuk Jafry said the Climbathon also demonstrates how international sporting events can contribute to Sabah’s broader tourism ambitions.
“Mount Kinabalu is one of Sabah’s most recognisable tourism icons, and events such as the Climbathon allow us to showcase the mountain and the surrounding destination to an international audience.
“The impact also goes beyond the race. Athletes, their families, supporters and visitors have the opportunity to experience our communities, culture, landscapes and hospitality, creating wider benefits for Sabah’s tourism industry and the communities surrounding the destination,” he said.
The event takes place within Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its outstanding natural value and biodiversity. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the park was also recognised as a Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023.
Since its inception in 1987, the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon has grown into one of Sabah’s most enduring sporting events and has become synonymous with endurance, resilience and the adventurous spirit of the state.
Its challenging mountain environment has earned the Climbathon a distinctive place in Sabah’s sporting and tourism calendar, while its inclusion in the Skyrunner® World Series connects Mount Kinabalu directly with the international skyrunning community.
For Malaysian and Sabahan runners, the event also provides a rare opportunity to compete on home ground alongside some of the sport’s leading international athletes.
Timpohon Run Opens Climbathon Weekend
The action begins a day earlier with the Timpohon Run 2026 on October 17, providing a more accessible opportunity for running enthusiasts to experience the atmosphere of Climbathon weekend.
The 10-kilometre route will start at Kinabalu Hall in Kinabalu Park, taking runners towards Timpohon Gate, before turning back to the Silau-Silau Trail and returning to Kinabalu Hall, where they will cross the finish line.
The Timpohon Run has attracted more than 350 participants in 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 flag-off at 6:30am on October 18, 2026, at the Parking Lot, Kinabalu Hall.
For more information, visit www.climbathon.com.my.
