HISTORY
HISTORY OF CLIMBATHON
The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is an annual event held in Sabah, Malaysia since 1987. The event was initially created to establish a quick rescue team that could assist climbers in need during their expeditions. This team of rangers would be especially helpful during severe weather conditions when traditional rescue methods are ineffective. Over the years, the event has grown into an international competition that attracts climbers from all over the world while also serving as a valuable tourism asset for Sabah.
The climb covers a distance of 26 kilometres and an elevation of 2,760 metres, which makes it a real endurance and strength test. The event’s origin story emphasises the importance of efficient rescue operations during mountain climbing expeditions, while its evolution into an international competition underscores its popularity among climbers worldwide.
HISTORY OF CLIMBATHON
In 1995, Sabah Tourism Board took over the organisation of Climbathon, recognising its value as a tourism tool. The event has since become a significant marketing asset for Sabah, attracting adventure enthusiasts and tourists from around the globe. The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is an annual skyrunning competition held since 1987, it was previously part of the Skyrunner World Series until 2010.
After three decades of promoting Southeast Asia’s highest peak, the event was discontinued. However, Datuk Christina Liew, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, has recently announced plans to revive the event in 2024. This decision is a testament to the event’s enduring popularity and the vital role it plays in highlighting Sabah’s natural beauty and unique features to the world.
ABOUT CLIMBATHON
Climbathon is an endurance mountain race that challenges participants to push their limits, test their strength, and conquer the climb from start line to summit.
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