KUCHING: Over 3,200 runners, including athletes from Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Korea and the United Kingdom, brought energy and colour to the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025, held early this morning at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) grounds.
The annual event, organised by the Kuching City Joggers Club in collaboration with MBKS, forms part of the ongoing Kuching City Day Festival, and has become a key attraction for both professional and amateur runners from around the region and beyond.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, described the marathon as more than just a sporting event – it is a celebration of community, health and Sarawak’s growing appeal as a sports tourism destination.
“Events like this contribute significantly to our local economy. When participants travel from other states or countries to join, they stay in hotels, dine at local restaurants, and shop in our city.
“This is the kind of economic impact that tourism through sport can generate,” he told reporters after presenting prizes to the winners.
Abdul Karim also praised the increasing number of international participants and returning runners, noting it as a sign of the event’s rising reputation and strong organisational standards.
Additionally, 22 countries participated in the second edition of the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025.
This year’s edition saw participation across multiple categories, including five-kilometre (km), 10-km and 21-km distances, catering to both competitive athletes and recreational runners.
The early morning route took participants through the city’s iconic streets, offering scenic views of Kuching’s landmarks and heritage zones.
For the record, the 21-km and 10-km races were competitive, offering a total of RM54,600 in cash prizes, including a newly introduced national category to encourage local athletes.
The 5-km fun run was non-competitive and aimed at families and casual runners.
