KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Hock Seng Lee (HSL) Samarahan Marathon will return on May 17, 2026, with organisers offering subsidised entry fees aimed at keeping participation affordable, announced HSL and the City Joggers Club Kuching (CJC).
HSL marketing and communications lead, Abraham Tiong said entry fees for the 2026 edition are among the lowest in the region with early-bird registration running from Dec 20 to Jan 20, 2026.
During this period, fees are set at RM95 for the Half Marathon (21km), RM75 for the 10km, RM50 for the 6km and RM40 for the 3km category.
He said the actual cost per runner is close to RM120, covering race and finisher tees, medals, food and drinks, goodie bags and other essentials, as well as operational expenses such as route marshals, first aiders, ambulance rental, student volunteers, prize money and allowances for safety personnel including RELA and the police.
Tiong said the company is subsidising between 15 and 25 per cent of the cost per runner under its ‘Healthy Bodies, Happy Minds’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
“We want to keep the fees low so more people can join in 2026,” he said, adding that affordability is the key focus for the upcoming edition.
Tiong said the marathon has evolved steadily since its first edition in 2021, with the introduction of a full marathon category in 2023 and route refinements in 2024 to create a faster, flatter course.
“For 2026, our goal is to make the event more affordable. I encourage everyone to sign up early and enjoy the early-bird rates,” he said.
He confirmed that the 42km full marathon category will not be included in 2026 due to safety concerns, as the usual route along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway is undergoing extensive construction works for the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project.
“Safety is a top priority. We aim to bring back the 42km category in 2027 via the Sejingkat Bridge, subject to planning with the relevant authorities,” he said.
Meanwhile, CJC president Elizabeth Wong welcomed the continued collaboration with HSL, saying the partnership has helped strengthen the running community in Sarawak.
“Running has grown significantly across Sarawak since CJC was formed in 2014.
“With rising costs, we appreciate HSL’s willingness to support the event through CSR, making the 2026 rates good value for the public,” she said.
For 2026, the 3km and 6km routes will be entirely within La Promenade’s gated community while the 10km and 21km routes will head towards Tanjong Bako Road before looping back.
Organisers said the course remains one of the faster routes in the region, with minimal elevation gain and few U-turns.
The 2026 running festival will carry a “Retro Games” theme, with themed medals, tees and merchandise inspired by classic video games and the Year of the Horse to be unveiled in January.
For more info, visit hsl.com.my and lapromenademall.com.my.
