SERIAN: The rugged trails of Kampung Batu Bedang came alive with endurance, grit and international participation as 520 runners from 13 countries took part in the Silabur Ultra Trail (SUTra) 2026.
Now in its fourth edition since debuting in 2023, the event featured 15km, 30km, 50km and 100km categories, drawing participants ranging from casual trail enthusiasts to seasoned ultra-distance runners.
Tebedu assemblyman, Dr Simon Sinang Bada, said the growing participation showed the increasing appeal of Tebedu as a destination for eco-adventure tourism and trail running.
“When international participants come here, they do not just run the trails.
“They experience our hospitality, taste our local cuisine, learn about our traditions, and form meaningful connections with our people,” he said in his speech during the SUTra 2026 closing ceremony today (May 3).
He added that the event had transformed Kampung Batu Bedang and surrounding areas into destinations of interest for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and authentic local experiences.
According to him, programmes such as the Silabur Ultra Trail not only promote healthy lifestyles and endurance sports, but also create opportunities for local communities through tourism-related activities.
“This is the power of tourism driven by sports and community initiatives,” he said.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Morshidi Frederick, representing Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the event reflected Sarawak’s continuing efforts to position itself as a leading eco-adventure tourism destination.
“This event is not only involving the runners, but also the local community.
“When you look at the revenue, it is not only enjoyed by the organisers; the local community is also going to receive the fruits of it,” he said.
Morshidi said the participation from 13 countries demonstrated growing international confidence in Sarawak’s trail running and eco-tourism potential.
Alpha Sports Event manager and SUTra organiser, Josh Tan, said this year’s edition recorded its highest participation so far, with the Philippines contributing the largest number of international runners, followed by Singapore and Brunei.
“We hope to achieve 1,000 participants by next year,” he said when met by reporters after the closing ceremony.
Also present were Serian Deputy Resident, Abdul Khalid Manap, and Tebedu district officer’s representative, Angela Thomas.
