KUCHING: The Kuching Marathon is aiming to attract 16,000 participants for its 2026 edition as the event continues its rapid rise as one of Borneo’s biggest running events.
Scheduled for September 27, the marathon has already recorded 8,000 registrations, with organisers expecting the figure to increase steadily over the coming months.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the annual event has grown significantly since its inaugural edition in 2014.
“Last year, they managed to bring in 14,000 athletes. This year their target is 16,000. That is another increase of 2,000, or probably they might be able to bring in more,” he said during a press conference today.
He added that the event also strengthens the tourism and hospitality sectors by attracting runners from outside Sarawak and overseas.
“When people come in, they have to stay somewhere. They support the hospitality industry, the hotels, including budget hotels,” he said.
Abdul Karim said the state government would continue supporting major sporting events due to their economic and tourism impact.
“One day we will be able to hit that target of 30,000 runners,” he added.
This year’s edition will feature four race categories: the full marathon (42km), half-marathon (21km), 10km and 5km runs.
The full marathon will flag off at 1:00am, followed by the half-marathon at 3:00 am, the 10km race at 5:00 am and the 5km category at 6:30 am.
He also highlighted the marathon’s unique arrangement allowing Muslim runners to perform Subuh prayers at selected mosques and suraus along the race route before continuing the race.
“Where can you find a race like this in other parts of the world?” he said.
Registration for the marathon closes on July 31, while race pack collection will be held from September 23 to 26 at Padang Merdeka.
