Tropical Rainforest Run
Tropical Rainforest Run returns in 2026 at Tawau Hills Park, a protected forest under Sabah Parks. Known for housing some of the world’s tallest tropical trees and three inactive volcanoes—Mount Maria, Mount Magdalena, and Mount Lucia—this event invites runners to explore one of Sabah’s richest natural landscapes.
The race aims to introduce Tawau as both a general and eco-tourism destination, offering participants a unique sporting experience in the heart of a tropical rainforest. Estimate Route Distance: 28KM
.
Closing Date of Registration
28 August 2026
Race Schedule date
20 September 2026
Race Pack Collection date
- 19 September 2026
Information
01.
Category
A. 28KM – Open Category
All male and female participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age as of 20 September 2026, i.e. born on or before 20 September 2008.
B. 28KM – Veteran Category
Men Veteran participants must be a minimum of 45 years of age as of 20 September 2026, i.e. born on or before 20 September 1981.
C. 10KM – Men & Women Open Category
All male and female participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age as of 20 September 2026, i.e. born on or before 20 September 2008.
02.
Cut off Time
A. Men’s Open & Veteran Category:
- Starting line to the summit (Mt. Lucia) within 4 hours.
- Summit (Mt. Lucia) to finish line within 3 hours 30 minutes.
B. Women’s Open Category:
- Starting line to the summit (Mt. Lucia) within 4 hours 30 minutes.
- Summit (Mt. Lucia) to finish line within 4 hours.
Note: Runners who exceeded the cut of time(s) will be “swept” back to the starting point.
C. 10KM Run (3 Hours)
The time limit from the starting point until the end shall be within 3 hours.
*Note: Runners who exceeded the cut-off time(s) will be “swept” back to the ending point.
03.
Race Pack
Open & Veteran Category (28KM)
– Running T-shirt (Sizes available on a first-come, first-served basis)
– Finisher T-Shirt (For participants who finish within the cut-off time)
– Medal
10KM Run Category
– Running T-shirt (Sizes available on a first-come, first-served basis)
– Goodies
– Medal
04.
Develop
05.
Deploy
06.
Deliver
TRR Certificate 2025
Find Your Certificate
Prizes 28 KM
| Category | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | 4th - 5th Placing | 6th - 10th Placing | 11th - 20th Placing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEN OPEN | RM4,000.00 | RM3,000.00 | RM2,000.00 | RM800.00 | RM500.00 | RM300.00 |
| WOMEN OPEN | RM4,000.00 | RM3,000.00 | RM2,000.00 | RM800.00 | RM500.00 | RM300.00 |
| MEN VETERAN | RM3,000.00 | RM2,000.00 | RM1,000.00 | RM600.00 | RM300.00 |
Prizes 10KM
| No | Placing | Men Open | Women Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st | RM 500.00 | RM 500.00 |
| 2 | 2nd | RM 400.00 | RM 400.00 |
| 3 | 3rd | RM 300.00 | RM 300.00 |
| 4 | 4th | RM 200.00 | RM 200.00 |
| 5 | 5th | RM 150.00 | RM 150.00 |
Race Schedule
| 19 September 2026 (Saturday) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Remarks | |
| 10:00am-6:00pm | Race pack collection Venue: LA Hotel, Tawau | |
| 20 September 2026 (Sunday) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Remarks | |
| 4:00am | Bus transfer for participants from Tawaurian Cafe, Tawau | |
| 5:30am | Arrival at the event venue. Participants must check-in with the Secretariat before the race flag-off | |
| 6:30am | Race Flag-off to all categories (28KM) | |
| 7:00am | Race Flag-off for (10KM) Run | |
| 8:30am | Expected first runner to arrive at finishing (10KM) | |
| 9:30 am | Expected first runner to arrive at finishing line (28KM) | |
| 10:00 am | Cut-off time for Men's Open & Men's Veteran categories at Mount Lusia | |
| 10:00 am | Cut off time for the (10KM) run at Finishing Line | |
| 10:30 am | Cut-off time for Women's Open categories at Mount Lusia | |
| 10:30 am | Prize Presentation for (10KM) | |
| 11:00am | Prize Presentation | |
| 01:00pm | Cut-off time for Men’s Open & Veteran categories at the finish line | |
| 02:00pm | Cut-off time for Women’s Open categories at the finish line | |
| 02:30pm | Race ends | |
| Bus transfer from Tawau Hills Park to various hotels in Tawau Town 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00pm & 3:00 pm | ||
Route Map
Common Questions
1. RULES AND REGULATIONS
These rules may be cited as the Tropical Rainforest Run 2026 Rules:
“TROPICAL RAINFOREST RUN” means the Tropical Rainforest Run event.
“COMMITTEE”, means the Organising Committee for the Tropical Rainforest Run.
“PARTICIPANT” means the participant of the Tropical Rainforest Run duly registered with the Committee.
2. ATTIRE
Participants are free to choose their own attire for the Tropical Rainforest Run. However, the use of transparent clothing is strictly prohibited.
3. BIB NUMBERS
Each participant will be assigned an official bib number, which must be securely attached with safety pins to both the front and back of their attire. Bib swapping is prohibited. This is particularly important as emergency contacts are registered with the bib number, ensuring no cheating. Any participant found swapping bibs will be immediately disqualified, and their identity will be shared with all running events.
4. CUT OFF TIME
The time limit allocated to each participant shall be as follows:
Men’s Open & Veteran Category (28KM)
1. Starting line to the summit (Mt. Lucia) within 3 hours 30 Minutes
2. Summit (Mt. Lucia) to finish line within 3 hours.
Women’s Open Category (28KM)
1. Starting line to the summit (Mt. Lucia) within 4 hours.
2. Summit (Mt. Lucia) to finish line within 3 hours 30 minutes.
Note: Runners who exceeded the cut of time(s) will be “swept” back to the starting point.
10KM Run (3 Hours)
The time limit from the starting point until the end shall be within 3 hours.
Note: Runners who exceeded the cut-off time(s) will be “swept” back to the ending point.
5. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION RULES
Participants must stay on the trail at all times. Shortcutting is strictly prohibited. Picking up plants, animals, fungi, or rocks along the race course, as well as within the overall race area, is not allowed.
Littering along the course is strictly prohibited.
6. AMENDMENT TO RULES AND REGULATION
The Committee reserves the right to amend the Rules of the Tropical Rainforest Run at any time as it may deem fit.
6. OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE
Each participant must complete the race without any outside assistance. If any outside assistance is received, the runner will be immediately disqualified.
7. DRINKING WATER SUPPLY
Runners are required to be self-sufficient on the course, with water/aid stations (W) set up at intervals of approximately 3 to 5 kilometres along the marked race route for refilling hydration packs or water bottles. Please remember to bring your hydration pack. While water bottles will be provided at the event, we strongly recommend that runners also bring their own hydration packs.
9. CHECK STATION JUDGES
Check station judges with official name tags will be based at various check station(s) along the route. Each participant is required to pass through all check stations; failure to do so will result in automatic disqualification.
Any participant who decides to drop out during the race must notify the race staff and proceed to walk back to the starting/finishing line.
10. TRANSPORTATION
Shuttle services will be available on 20 September 2026 as follows:
Venue: Tawaurian Cafe, Departure time at 4:00am.
Venue: Tawau Hills Park, Departure time starts from 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm & 3:00pm.
11. APPEAL JURY
Participants may appeal to the Jury, which will consist of three members, headed by a Technical Race Official. The decision made by the Appeal Jury will be final.
12. CATEGORY CLAUSE (28KM)
The Organiser reserves the right to cancel any category that does not meet the minimum participation requirement. Affected participants will be duly notified at least one (1) month prior to the event. Participants may be offered the option to transfer to another category, subject to gender eligibility, or to receive a full refund.
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