KUCHING: More than 2,000 runners are expected to take part in the fifth edition of the HSL Samarahan Marathon, better known as #Samarathon, this weekend.
The annual running event will feature the half-marathon, 10km, 6km and 3km categories, with the 21km race once again emerging as the main attraction among participants.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the event continues to attract strong participation from both local and international runners.
“The HSL Samarahan Marathon has grown into one of Samarahan’s major annual sports events.
“It also carries a tourism element, drawing not only local runners, but also participants from outside Malaysia,”he said during a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly building today (May 13).
Abdul Karim said Sarawak’s running scene has continued to grow rapidly over the years, with more road races and marathon events being organised throughout the state.
“When it comes to marathons, Sarawak is one of the states organising the most events in Malaysia,” he added.
Meanwhile, organisers confirmed that this year’s edition will not feature the full marathon category due to ongoing ART construction works in Samarahan.
Race pack collection activities will begin at La Promenade Mall on Friday ahead of race day on Sunday, May 17.
Also present during the press conference were Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.
