KUCHING: A total of 3,200 runners from 22 countries will race through the city’s heritage streets on July 27 for the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025, reinforcing Kuching’s global appeal as a runner-friendly destination.
The participating countries include Australia, Austria, Brunei, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, India, Japan, Kenya, Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Malaysia.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, expressed pride in the event’s international recognition and its contribution to promoting a healthy lifestyle and tourism in Sarawak.
“This is not just a race; it is a unique experience that highlights our cultural heritage, green cityscape, riverside beauty, cultural elements, and iconic murals.
“It is organised by runners, for runners, and proudly led by the City Joggers Club,” he said at a press conference for the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025 held at Baitulmakmur Building II today.
The Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run will guide participants through scenic and historic city routes, including Jalan Astana and both sides of the Sarawak River, starting and finishing at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) building.
With its theme ‘Embrace the Legacy, Run the Journey’, the event offers three categories: the 21-km Half Marathon, 10-km competitive run, and 5-km leisure and family fun run.
Both the 21-km and 10-km routes are certified by the Association of International Marathons (AIMS), ensuring international standards.
A total of RM54,600 in cash prizes will be awarded across various categories, with equal payouts for both open and veteran runners – highlighting the organisers’ commitment to recognising older athletes.
All finishers, including those in the 5-km category, will receive medals and race packs, while the top 100 finishers in the 21-km race will earn exclusive finisher T-shirts.
“As of today, we have 1,400 participants registered for the Half Marathon, 700 for the 10-km race, and 1,100 for the 5-km category.
“Seventy-seven per cent of the runners are from Sarawak, 15 per cent from West Malaysia, two per cent from Sabah, and six per cent from international participants,” Abdul Karim added.
Among the notable runners this year is an 86-year-old participant from Ipoh, who was stationed in Kuching during his service in the 1960s and is returning to compete – alongside several African elite runners expected to challenge for the podium.
In response to rising competition and to better support local talent, organisers have introduced a separate National Category prize pool for Malaysian runners in the 21-km category.
Race pack collection will take place on July 25-26 at The Hills, Kuching, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The 21-km race will flag off at 4:00 am on Sunday, July 27, followed by the 10 km at 6:00 am and the 5 km at 6:30 am.
