24th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon

Ranau Sabah - 9 Oct 2010

The 24th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2010 here has created history for the climbathon when it registered the highest number of international participants of 173 foreign runner out of total of 577 participants.

This annual events has been dubbed as the "World Toughest Mountain Race" and it will take place in Kinabalu Park Kundasang on Oct 23 and 24. The race this year is set to be an interesting race because apart from the encouraging respond from foreign participants, number of strong contenders will be competing, in particular top runner from Mount Fiji International Race and from two other prominent races in Japan.

In addition to date, Spaniard Jessed Hernandez, who is the top in 2010 Skyrunner World Series, will be competing in the Men's category whilst Italian Emanuela Briziois currently the lead for women's category and Climbathon is the fifth and final leg of Sky Runner World Series.

Malaysian Top Runners from Sabah, Safrey Sumping for men's open category and Danny Kuilin are among the strong contender expected to give the international runner a stiff challenge, this year. The record for the men open category remains unbroken since 2003 which set by Italian Marco De Gasperi ( 2hrs 36min ) while for women category is held by Anna Pichrtova from Czech who clocked an impressive finish at 3hrs 6min in 2004. For the men's veteran category a Malaysian from Sabah, Rodimin Sondudu held the record clocking formidable 3hrs 7min in 2004.

The total prize money for the winner is US$33,400 in which the cash prizes for men and women category are the same. US$4,500 for first placing followed by US$4000 for second place. Two 24-carat gold pendants would be given each to first winner of men and women category.

For more information, the public can contact Zachary at 088-232121/013-8504007 or e-mail Zachary@sabahtourism.com