KUCHING: Kenya’s Amos Kipkemoi Chesang led the men’s field in the debut 42.195-km full marathon at the Sarawak Energy Isthmus Run 2025, finishing in 2 hours, 22 minutes and 10 seconds.
Meanwhile, Caroline Cherono clinched the women’s crown, crossing the line in 2 hours, 43 minutes and 16 seconds.
Kenya’s Samuel Komon Yeko and Joseph Mwangi Ngare secured second and third places in the men’s open category with times of 2:23:04 and 2:23:30 respectively, while Susan Jemutai Kosgei and Purity Jelimo Serem completed the women’s podium with finishing times of 2:57:49 and 2:57:50.
Nearly 6,000 runners from Malaysia and 14 other countries participated in this year’s event, which included athletes from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.
Their participation helped raise RM360,000 for 12 charitable organisations across Sarawak.
For the record, the 12 beneficiaries are Kuching Autistic Association, Sarawak Society for the Blind, Sarawak Society for the Deaf, Sarawak Women for Women Society, Sibu Autistic Association, Association for Children with Special Needs Sibu, Sibu Community Services Association, Miri Methodist Children’s Home, Miri Home for the Aged, PERYATIM Bintulu, Yayasan Dee Hati, and the Sibu Methodist Care Centre.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, congratulated Sarawak Energy for organising this meaningful event.
“As Sarawak’s primary electricity provider and Malaysia’s largest renewable energy developer, Sarawak Energy continues to demonstrate that their responsibility goes beyond powering Sarawak – it extends to uplifting communities, promoting wellbeing, and fostering unity.
“It is truly encouraging to see so many of you here today for the Sarawak Energy Isthmus Run 2025 – an event that brings together people from all walks of life in the spirit of health, connection and community.
“Today’s run is more than just a sporting event. Whether you have taken on the 5-km, 10-km, 21-km half-marathon, or the full 42-km marathon, your participation reflects a shared commitment to a healthier, more active, and more united Sarawak,” he said.
Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, was pleased to announce that starting next year, this event will be renamed the ‘Sarawak Energy Marathon’ and will be held annually on the second Sunday of August.
“The 2026 edition will be on August 9, and we look forward to welcoming even more runners as it grows into a premier sporting event for Sarawak and the region,” he said.
Also present to hand over the prizes to the winners were Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and Kuching City South Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
