KUCHING: Sarawak’s first multi-stage running event, the HSL Ekiden Relay Race, drew about 300 runners from nearly 60 teams at La Promenade Mall here on Sunday.
The race, modelled after Japan’s popular ekiden format, saw teams of five runners complete a 15km relay course within the gated La Promenade community, which was transformed into a vibrant race venue.
The open category was won by Team Haolian, who finished in 52 minutes and 16 seconds, narrowly ahead of Millennium Runners and RevRun.
In the veterans’ category, Team Kaliu emerged as champions with a time of 54:47, followed by Team Haolian and U42T Team Reservoir.
The fastest runner of the day was Ryan Victor, who completed his 3km leg in 9 minutes and 3 seconds.
The event also attracted several of Sarawak’s elite runners, including ultra-trail national record holder Sally Yap, Sunny Jong, Apple Cheng Jia Xin and Md Mustafa Rahman, also known as @RoboCopKch.
Team Haolian leader Tan Jit Ping described the race as a new and exciting experience for the local running community.
“For the first time ever, East Malaysia has an ekiden. It is so exciting for us. A totally new and unique experience,” he said, adding that runners had long been hoping for such a format.
City Jogger’s Club (CJC) president Elisabeth Wong said the event achieved full participation, reflecting strong support from the running community.
“It’s the first time we’ve seen a racing event with 100 per cent participation,” she said.
Winning teams received RM3,000 in cash prizes sponsored by HSL, a Sarawak-based construction firm.
HSL marketing and communications head Abraham Tiong said the relay format created an energetic atmosphere, particularly at the transition zones where runners passed the sash to their teammates.
“There was so much cheering. At every finish, you could see they were running their hearts out,” he said.
HSL has been organising running events since 2021 and previously held the HSL Samarahan Marathon, which attracted around 3,000 participants.
The company plans to host the 2026 edition of the marathon, with a similar turnout expected across categories ranging from 3km to 21km.
Early-bird fees start from RM30 for the 3km category and RM90 for the half-marathon.
