Italian, Russian, and Sabahan Champions Shine at 32nd Mount Kinabalu Climbathon
Ranau – The 32nd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon returned in 2025 with record-breaking performances and renewed global attention. The event brought together elite mountain runners, seasoned porters, and trail athletes from around the world to conquer the steep ascents and rugged terrain of Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Held within Kinabalu Park, the race remains one of the toughest mountain challenges on Earth, combining a 12.25 km ascent to Low’s Peak (4,095.2 m) and a 12.25 km technical descent, totalling 24.5 km of pure endurance.
Men’s Elite Category: Italy Sweeps the Summit
Men’s Elite winner Ghianno Gianluca (Photo credit: Sri Pelancongan Sabah)
The Men’s Elite category saw complete Italian dominance, with Ghianno Gianluca clinching the championship title in 3:05:41, followed closely by William Boffeli (3:06:13) and Luca Del Pero (3:15:07).
“It was an incredible race and the weather was amazing. However, the most challenging part was the last few kilometres on the road, I had to push hard,” said Gianluca after the race.
“I thought about all my idols who have raced here, like Kilian (Jornet Burgada) and Bruno Brunod, so I’m very happy and proud to win on the same course. It’s my first time here and this victory is special for me.”
Race Highlights (Men’s Elite):
- Gold - Ghianno Gianluca (Italy) – 3:05:41
- Silver - William Boffeli (Italy) – 3:06:13
- Bronze - Luca Del Pero (Italy) – 3:15:07
Women’s Elite Category: Russia’s Anastasiia Rubstova Triumphs on Her Mount Kinabalu Debut
Women’s Elite winner Anastasiia Rubstova Yurievna (Photo credit: Sri Pelancongan Sabah)
Russia’s Anastasiia Rubstova Yurievna made an impressive debut on Mount Kinabalu, capturing the Women’s Elite title in 3:46:13.
“I’m very happy with today’s race. When I reached the top of the mountain, the rocks and views were so beautiful, it was incredible,” she said.
“It’s my first time racing in Sabah and the experience was amazing. The course was tough but manageable because I studied the GPS track and knew what to expect. I really enjoyed it. I love high altitudes and the challenge of pushing uphill.”
Spain’s Ainara Alcuaz Rodriguez came in second with 4:12:39, followed by Sweden’s Lina Klara Emilia El Kott Helander in 4:27:48, rounding out a strong international podium
Race Highlights (Women’s Elite):
- Gold - Anastasiia Rubstova Yurievna (Russia) – 3:46:13
- Silver - Ainara Alcuaz Rodriguez (Spain) – 4:12:39
- Bronze - Lina Klara Emilia El Kott Helander (Sweden) – 4:27:48
Men’s Veteran Category: Porter Daved Simpat Retains His Crown
Men’s Veteran winner Daved Simpat (Photo credit: Sri Pelancongan Sabah)
Local pride soared once again as Sabahan porter Daved Simpat, aged 43, from Kg Kiau Nuluh, Kota Belud, retained his Men’s Veteran title with a time of 3:50:50.
“I’m truly happy with this victory. I drew on my experience from previous years. This time, it was more challenging with many strong international runners. I learned a lot from how they manage their stamina and pacing,” Daved said.
“At 43, my message to other runners is never to give up, even when the competition is tough. Keep working hard, stay confident, and don’t lose your passion for the sport.”
Second and third places were claimed by fellow Sabahans Raichin Sungkit (3:58:15) from Kg Melangkap Kapah and Safrey Sumping (3:59:42) from Kg Himbaan Kiulu.
MountKinabalu.com guide Safrey Sumping finishing third in the Men’s Veteran category
Safrey, who serves as an in-house Mount Kinabalu guide with MountKinabalu.com, is a two-time Men’s Elite champion (2016 & 2017), continuing to inspire climbers and runners across Sabah.
Race Highlights (Men’s Veteran):
- Gold - Daved Simpat (Malaysia) – 3:50:50
- Silver - Raichin Sungkit (Malaysia) – 3:58:15
- Bronze - Safrey Sumping (Malaysia) – 3:59:42
Next Year’s Mount Kinabalu Climbathon Set for 18 October 2026
Flag-off ceremony of the 32nd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon (Photo credit: Sri Pelancongan Sabah)
The Sabah Tourism Board has confirmed that the next edition of the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon will be held on 18 October 2026.
Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit said the 2026 event will be held in conjunction with the ‘Explore Sabah’ and ‘Visit Malaysia 2026’ campaigns, continuing the state’s efforts to promote adventure and eco-tourism.
“We are thrilled to see the new course introduced last year, challenging athletes in fresh ways. Their record-breaking achievements reflect the world-class potential of Mount Kinabalu as a global sporting destination,” Julinus said.
History of the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon
The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon began in 1987 as a way to train a quick-response rescue team capable of assisting climbers during emergencies. Over time, it evolved into a world-renowned mountain race, attracting elite skyrunners and adventure athletes from around the world.
In 1995, the Sabah Tourism Board took over its organisation, recognising its tourism potential. The Climbathon joined the Skyrunner® World Series and remained part of it until 2010, establishing itself as one of the toughest races in the global circuit.
Winners of the Men’s Veteran category during the 31st Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon
After staging its 30th edition in 2017, the event went on hiatus before making a strong comeback in 2024 with a new and more sustainable course. In 2025, the Climbathon rejoined the Merrell Skyrunner World Series after 15 years, becoming the second Skyrunner event in Malaysia alongside the Kailas Penang Skyrace.
The 2025 edition welcomed runners from 27 countries, including Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Italy, Russia, and the United States, and was flagged off at 6:30 a.m. by Hisham Ujang, Chief Senior Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah.
Today, organised by the Sabah Tourism Board through Sri Pelancongan Sabah, in collaboration with Sabah Parks and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, the Climbathon continues to attract international athletes, adventure travellers, and media attention, proudly showcasing Mount Kinabalu as one of Asia’s most iconic mountain races.
Plan Your Own Mount Kinabalu Adventure
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Cover photo credit: Sri Pelancongan Sabah
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