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Borneo Post
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Bintulu Marathon 2025 draws record 8,951 runners from 21 countries
Tariku Abdi received his winning prize from Asfia as Yakup (second right) and other guests look on. BINTULU (Aug 3): The Bintulu Marathon 2025 wrapped up successfully this morning, attracting a record-breaking 8,951 runners from 21 countries, despite early morning rain before the flag-off. Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) general manager Datu Muhamad Yakup Kari said the strong turnout of both local and international participants highlights Bintulu's growing recognition as a premier venue for global sporting events. 'We are extremely proud of the overwhelming participation. The presence of runners from across the world shows that Bintulu is becoming known as an international sports destination,' he said during a press conference after the prize giving ceremony. He noted that this year's edition was particularly special due to the new marathon route, which included the recently inaugurated Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge. 'This route is one of a kind. For the first time, runners got to experience crossing the Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge, which was just launched on July 23 by the Premier of Sarawak. It offered breathtaking views of Sungai Kuala Kemena and the town, creating a memorable experience, especially for international runners,' he said. He said that the organiser arranged for a kompang group to perform on the bridge to liven up the atmosphere for the runners. Yakup emphasised that the Bintulu Marathon is not just a sporting event, but also a platform to promote tourism, local culture, and healthy lifestyles. Kenya's Alice Koigi received her prize from Asfia To attract even more participants in future editions, he said the organiser plans to work closely with strategic partners to boost international promotion, improve race facilities, and introduce new categories tailored to various age groups. 'It benefits local tourism and the economy. Participants come with families, stay in hotels, dine at local eateries, and shop in Bintulu, all of which contribute to local growth,' he said, when elaborating on the economic impact of the event. Yakup said the next Bintulu Marathon is scheduled for Aug 2, 2026, and he invited all runners, both beginners and seasoned athletes, to start preparing for next year's event. He also extended his gratitude to all involved in making this year's marathon a success. 'My heartfelt thanks to the participants, volunteers, sponsors, government agencies, local authorities, and the people of Bintulu. Without your support, this achievement would not have been possible,' he said. Also present to officiate at the prize giving ceremony were State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang. In the headline-making 42KM Men Open race, Ethiopia's Tariku Abdi clinched first place with an impressive time of 2:24:23. Following closely, Kenya's Kennedy Lilan secured second place at 2:25:38, while fellow Kenyan, Joseph Mwangi Ngare completed the podium in third with a finish time of 2:28:01. The 42KM National Men's category winner Muhaizar Mohamad. The veteran category also saw fierce competition among seasoned runners. Kenya's Hosea Kogei clocked in at 2:30:20 to take the top spot, trailed by Samson Karege Kamau with a time of 2:33:46, and Martin Onesmus, who finished third at 2:35:39. Over in the women's divisions, the 42KM Women Open showcased an impressive lineup. Kenya's Alice Koigi led the race, finishing with a time of 2:54:33. Her compatriot, Purity Jelimo Serem, followed closely with a time of 2:59:39. Rounding out the top three was Yesheemebet Nguse, who secured her spot with a final time of 3:15:21. The Women's Veteran Category was equally competitive. Kenya's Susan Jemutai Kosgei crossed the line at 2:59:39, closely followed by Mercy Jelimo Too in 3:08:19. Malaysia's Tiffany Lee Siok Chin rounded out the top three with a time of 3:15:52. In the national events, local talent was prominently featured. In the 42KM National Men's category, Muhaizar Mohamad led the field with a time of 2:48:40., followed by Syahrullah Safri (2:49:14) and Fabian Osmond Daimon (3:15:07). In the 42KM National Women's category, Tiffany Lee Siok Chin claimed the first place with a time of 3:15:52, followed by Lim Set Hiang (3:42:50), and Natahsya Soon (3:48:29), who placed second and third respectively. The 42KM National Women's category winner Tiffany Lee Siok Chin Other winners include James Kahura, Hillary Kipchumba Kimutai, Ahmad Sayuti Abu Khuzafah (21KM Men Open), Amirullah Bambang, Ling Tai Ming, Yeo Khang Chuan (21Km Men Veteran); Yu Hui Khiing, Teck Bing Luk, Bong Siat Nyuk (21KM Women Open); Tho Siaw Khim, Lim Siet Fah, Yunizer Suhaili (21KM Women Veteran); Hazarullah Safri, Andy Yeo Jia Wei, Mohammad Ikmal (21KM Sarawakian Men); Teck Bing Luk, Bong Siat Nyuk, Tho Siaw Khim (21KM Sarawakian Women); Ruzaini Mahadi, Alif Zaini, Benny Hu Jian Chun (10KM Men Open); Hii Win Nie, Nur Hazwani Julaini, Norassikin Junaidi (10KM Women Open). Bintulu Marathon 2025 lead
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Samarahan Bike Challenge returns with more categories, bigger prizes and global participation
KUCHING (June 12): The highly anticipated Samarahan Bike Challenge (SBC) is set to return for its ninth edition on June 22, promising a bigger and more competitive event with expanded race categories, increased prize money, and the inclusion of international cyclists. Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the annual event is once again supported by his ministry and organised by the Samarahan District Office in collaboration with the Sarawak Cycling Association. 'The criterium-style race will flag off at 7am from The Summer Shopping Mall in Kota Samarahan. This is one of the most awaited cycling competitions in the region due to its exciting and challenging course layout, sharp corners and quality road conditions. 'For the 2025 edition, two new categories have been introduced: the Veteran category for participants aged 40 and above, and the Youth Women category for those aged 15 and under. 'With the addition of these new divisions, the total number of race categories now stands at seven,' he told a press conference at the Baitul Makmur II Building here today. He also said that the Men Open category is open to participants aged 16 and above, attracting seasoned and competitive riders while the Sarawak Closed category, also for those aged 16 and above, is limited to local riders from the state. The newly introduced Veteran category will also cater to cyclists aged 40 and above, combining the previously separate Men's Master A and Master B classes. Meanwhile, the Ladies Open category welcomes female participants aged 16 and above. 'The Junior category is open to younger riders aged between 16 and 20, providing a platform for up-and-coming talent. The Youth Men category accommodates boys aged 15 and under, while the Youth Women category, new for this year, gives young female cyclists in the same age group a chance to compete. 'These additions aim to further support the development of grassroots cycling talent in line with Sarawak's aspiration to become a regional sport powerhouse,' he said. The total prize pool of RM23,900 will be awarded across all categories, with the top three finishers in the Men Open category receiving RM1,500, RM1,200, and RM800 respectively while other categories offer attractive rewards, with all categories awarding up to the 10th place. Abdul Karim also revealed that as of June 10, a total of 175 participants have registered with the Men Open, Sarawak Closed, and Veteran categories saw the highest entries with 99,120, and 102 participants respectively. 'Notably, the event has drawn international competitors from Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the British Virgin Islands, Brunei, and Indonesia,' he said. He also said that among the local highlights this year is the participation of national cycling veteran Anuar Manan and prominent teams such as Kembar Melaka, Jupha Perlis, Elmi KL and Team PDRM-G. With that, he underscored the broader impact of the event, noting its role in boosting sport tourism in Sarawak. 'This event not only fosters sporting excellence but also supports the local economy such as homestays, budget hotels, eateries and transport services all benefit from the influx of riders, supporters, and their families,' he said. Thus, organisers anticipate even more registrations before the event kicks off, signaling a strong comeback for SBC 2025 as a premier fixture in the state's cycling calendar.
