KUCHING: Motorists in Kuching are advised to plan alternative routes this weekend as temporary road closures take effect for the Sarawak Energy Marathon 2026.
A full road closure will be implemented along the stretch between the Kuching Isthmus Bridge and the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from 8 am on Saturday until 10 am on Sunday, Sarawak Energy said in a statement today (Aug 8).
Partial closures will also affect sections of Jalan Keruing, Jalan Belian, Jalan Merbau, Jalan Pelabuhan, Jalan Datuk Marican Salleh, Jalan Kwong Lee Bank, Jalan Pending, Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim, Jalan Padungan, Jalan Abell, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Main Bazaar, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Jalan Satok, Jalan Kulas, Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Rahman Yakub, Jalan Merdeka, Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin and Jalan Astana.
These partial closures will be lifted progressively as runners complete the respective sections of the routes, with all affected roads expected to reopen by 10 am, according to the statement.
Traffic police and RELA members will be stationed at affected locations to manage traffic and guide motorists.
Complimentary shuttle services will run between the Riverside Majestic bus stop and the BCCK roundabout, operating from 11.30 pm on Saturday to 5 am on Sunday, with return services from 8 am to 10 am at 20-minute intervals.
The Full Marathon (42km) flags off at 1 am, followed by the Half Marathon (21km) at 4 am, the 10km Competitive Run at 5.45 am and the 5km Fun Run at 6.15 am.
More than 8,500 participants have registered for the four race categories on Sunday, with the event starting and finishing at Menara Sarawak Energy, said Sarawak Energy.
This year’s edition is the largest since the race began in 2013 as the Sarawak Energy Isthmus Run, with 8,544 registered runners marking a 45 per cent increase from 5,878 participants in 2025.
The event will welcome 83 international runners from 16 countries and territories, with the largest contingents from Brunei, Kenya, Singapore and Indonesia.
The Full and Half Marathon routes are certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
