The 33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon returns to Kinabalu Park, Sabah, on Sunday, 18 October 2026, bringing local and international mountain runners together for a challenging 24.5 km race.
Starting at 6:30 AM, competitors will tackle a 12.25 km ascent to Low's Peak, standing 4,095.2 metres above sea level, before making the demanding descent to the finish line. The race features three categories: Men's Elite, Women's Elite and Men's Veteran.
The event is also part of the 2026 Merrell Skyrunner World Series, an international competition featuring mountain races around the world.
Among this year's returning competitors is Safrey Sumping, a two-time Climbathon champion and in-house mountain guide at MountKinabalu.com.
Two-Time Champion Safrey Sumping Returns for Climbathon 2026
An experienced Mount Kinabalu mountain guide and accomplished local runner, Safrey claimed back-to-back Men's Elite titles in 2016 and 2017, both on weather-shortened courses that turned back at Panalaban rather than Low's Peak.
Since the Climbathon's revival, he has continued to perform strongly, finishing second in the Men's Veteran category in 2024 and third in 2025.
Returning for another challenge in 2026, Safrey brings years of experience both guiding climbers and competing on Mount Kinabalu. His participation also highlights the close connection between the Climbathon and Sabah's local mountain guide community.
Read more about the previous edition in our 2025 Mount Kinabalu Climbathon race recap.
From Mountain Rescue Training to International Competition
The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon traces its origins to 1987, when it was established to help develop a rapid-response mountain rescue team capable of assisting climbers during emergencies.
Over the years, it evolved into an international mountain-running competition, with the Sabah Tourism Board taking over its organisation in 1995.
After a hiatus following its 2017 edition, the race returned in 2024 and rejoined the Merrell Skyrunner World Series in 2025, bringing renewed international attention to Mount Kinabalu.
Looking Ahead to Climbathon Weekend
Organised by the Sabah Tourism Board through Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd, race-weekend activities begin with race kit collection on 16 and 17 October, followed by a participant briefing on Saturday evening.
The Timpohon Run, a separate 9.8 km race through Kinabalu Park, will also take place on Saturday, 17 October, ahead of Sunday's main competition.
Registration for the Climbathon has closed. For the full race schedule and latest announcements, visit the official Climbathon website.
Inspired to Climb Mount Kinabalu?
For travellers inspired by the Climbathon, a guided summit climb offers the opportunity to experience Mount Kinabalu at a different pace, with an overnight stay at Panalaban before the final ascent to Low's Peak.
Explore our Mount Kinabalu climbing packages and plan your own mountain adventure.