KUCHING: Kuching’s endurance athletes will proudly fly the Sarawak flag on the international stage as they prepare for Ironman Langkawi 2025, which will be held on November 1, 2025, in Langkawi Island, Kedah.
The flag handover ceremony was officiated by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, at MBKS this morning.
Ironman Langkawi is one of Asia’s most iconic endurance races, attracting participants from over 50 countries.
Competitors must complete a 3.8-km swim, 180-km bike ride, and 42.2-km run within a 17-hour cut-off time.
The Kuching contingent includes eight athletes competing in the ‘Full Ironman’ category, along with several others in the ‘Half Ironman’ (70.3) event.
The team members come from diverse professional backgrounds, including doctors, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, educators and public servants, reflecting Kuching’s inclusive sporting culture and growing health-conscious community.
Among the participants is MBKS Councillor, Bong Siak Peng, who is himself an avid triathlete and endurance sports enthusiast, actively promoting healthy and active living among Kuching residents.
The team is led by team manager, Wendy Ng, an experienced Ironwoman who has completed numerous Half and Full Ironman events both locally and internationally.
“We’ve noticed many talented young Kuchingites who are already strong in swimming, running, or cycling. All they need is to combine these three disciplines and train with structure.
“We believe Sarawakians have great potential to excel and even challenge our West Malaysian counterparts,” said.
Returning Ironman athlete, Tom Jong, will be competing in the Full Distance for the third time.
“My triathlon journey started back in 2016. I still remember the excitement and nervous energy of my first race,” he said.
“That was the year I fell in love with this sport – the challenge, the community, and the feeling of crossing the finish line.”
Wee praised the team’s commitment and encouraged young people to pursue sports as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
“Sports instill discipline, resilience, and teamwork. I’m proud to see Kuching athletes carrying our city’s name to the international stage.
“MBKS will continue to support initiatives that promote health, unity, and community spirit,” said Wee in a statement today.
The team expressed appreciation to MBKS, local sports clubs, and community supporters for their encouragement.
Following the Langkawi race, Team Kuching Triathlon plans to organise youth triathlon clinics and community outreach programmes to inspire the next generation of athletes.
