Mt Kinabalu International Climbathon

The World's Toughest Mountain Race is back. The 17th edition of the Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon on October 4 and 5, 2003 at Malaysia's highest mountain will see men, women and veterans racing up and down Mt. Kinabalu (4,095.2 m) for a distance of 21km.

Cash prizes amounting to US$33,400 along with 24K gold pendants await the winners. In 1987, the Climbathon was originally started by Sabah Parks to create a rapid rescue squad comprising rangers to bring down injured climbers quickly during bad weather when helicopters can't be used.

In 1995, Sabah Tourism Board took over the organisation of the event. Today, the Climbathon has become known among local athletes and European mountain runners who form the majority of members in the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA). Malaysia is the first Asian country to be a member of the association which is under the patronage of the International Amateur Athletic Federations (IAAF).

Last year's Climbathon was endorsed as one of the seven official races of the Federation of Sport at Altitude for the Skyrunning World Championship Circuit (racing on high altitude). This year, it is also one of the official races and anticipates an increase in the number of participants.

The event is organised by Sabah Tourism Board and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sri Pelancongan Sabah, with the help of Sabah Amateur Athletic Association and Sabah Amateur Radio Association.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin