Marcel Simok
Organised by KSRun Athletics Club, the North Borneo Race is set to take place in September, offering a unique opportunity for participants to discover the hidden treasures of Kota Kinabalu.
The running event, which is limited to only 70 teams, requires participants to decipher riddles and find their way to the next checkpoint.
Event organiser Wendy John briefed Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai about the race, with 20 teams already registered.
According to Joniston, the race fits well with the new Sabah destination logo, ‘Feel Sabah, North Borneo,’ and he believed it could draw participants from other states and tourists.
“Kota Kinabalu city, which serves as the state capital and the main entry point into Sabah, is home to several historical landmarks that not everyone knows about. The North Borneo Race is something I consider to be educational and beneficial to anyone interested in joining because it is a great way to learn about the city’s past,” he said.
Scheduled to coincide with Malaysia Day celebrations, the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment said the event is an ideal opportunity to highlight Kota Kinabalu’s historical sites.
“During the race, teams will face some physical and mental challenges that emphasize parts of the location’s culture and history,” said Wendy, adding that the teams will travel by car and on foot throughout the race.
The winning team of the North Borneo Race will receive MYR3,000, with the first and second runners-up receiving MYR2,000 and MYR1,000, respectively. Interested participants can visit the KSRun Athletics Club Facebook page.
“The North Borneo Race is not just a race but also an opportunity to discover the rich culture and history of Kota Kinabalu. It is a chance for participants to interact with locals, learn about their culture and history, and also challenge themselves both physically and mentally,” said Wendy.
Sashidaran Gunathevan
C. Khor
