By WU VUIDE
KUNDASANG: Alex Oberbacher of Italy won the Men’s Elite title at the 33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon in 3:20.54, while June Villaroel of Spain won the Women’s Elite title in 4:09.14.
Markov Evegenii of Russia won the Men’s Veteran title in 3:29.11.
The 24.5km race began at 6.30am, with Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin flagging off the runners. They raced to the 4,095.2-metre summit before descending to the finish line at Kinabalu Hall.
The event attracted runners from 26 countries, including Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Italy, Russia, Spain, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
The international field included athletes competing in the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series.
Alex described the race as challenging but rewarding.
“The landscape is so nice, especially at the top where you can see the rocks. It was very hard and a very long climb, reaching 4,095.2 metres, but it was a really good experience,” he said.
He added that his six-day stay in Sabah gave him time to explore the surrounding area.
“I’ve travelled a long way to be here and I have six days, so I have time to see a little bit of the things around here. It’s really, really nice,” he said.
June said she had not expected to win.
“It feels very crazy. I didn’t expect it, so it feels amazing. I cannot believe it yet, and I’m so happy,” she said.
She said she hoped to return to Sabah after her week-long stay.
“Sabah is amazing. I didn’t really have the chance to know it as I was only here for a week, but I really want to come back already. It’s super beautiful,” she said.
Markov, who finished seventh overall in 2025, said his experience in skyrunning, mountain races in Russia and winter ski mountaineering had prepared him for the challenge.
“The course is very extreme in terms of the terrain. I don’t remember many courses this difficult in my experience, but I love extreme conditions, especially the descents,” he said.
He said representing Russia gave him extra motivation.
“It gives me additional motivation and greater competition. I also represent my country, which adds extra responsibility,” he said.
Markov said he hoped to return to Mount Kinabalu with his family.
“Last year I came here and finished seventh overall. I want to come back here again and again.
“Thank you for creating this celebration of skyrunning in the park,” he said.
“Of course, I want to come here again and again, but next time with my family. Come here, definitely. You will like the atmosphere, the course and the people,” he said.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the event reflected Sabah’s growing reputation as a destination for international sporting events.
“The success of this year’s Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon reflects Sabah’s growing reputation as a destination for international sporting events.
“We are honoured to welcome athletes from 26 countries, including some of the leading names in the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series, to compete on Mount Kinabalu.
“At the same time, we are proud to see our Malaysian and Sabahan runners taking on this challenge alongside international competitors.
“Events like the Climbathon give our athletes the opportunity to compete at a higher level while allowing us to share the beauty of Sabah with visitors from around the world,” he said.
“We hope to see more international sporting events of this calibre take place in Sabah, as they provide valuable opportunities to showcase our state to a global audience and further strengthen Sabah’s position as an adventure and sports tourism destination,” he added.
All the winners in all three categories each received RM8,000 respectively.
TOP THREE RESULTS:- Men’s Elite 1st – Alex Oberbacher, Italy, 3:20.54, 2nd – Daniel Antonioli, Italy, 3:23.46, 3rd – Shoma Otagiri, Japan, 3:29.54; Women’s Elite 1st – June Villaroel, Spain, 4:09.14, 2nd – Svetlana Nurmukhametova, Russia, 4:18.45, 3rd – Vanja Cnops, Belgium, 4:42.19; Men’s Veteran 1st – Markov Evegenii, Russia, 3:29.11, 2nd – Ivan Vlasenko, Russia, 3:51.02, 3rd – Daved Simpat, Malaysia, 3:52.21.
Alex (centre), won the men’s elite category, with the top five winners.
Winner of the women’s category June (centre), with the top five winners.
Markov (centre), winner of the men’s veteran category, with the top five winners.
