Borneo International Marathon
| Borneo International Marathon | |
|---|---|
 Official logo of the Borneo International Marathon | |
| Date | May; annually |
| Location | Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| Event type | Road |
| Distance | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K run |
| Established | 2008 |
| Course records | Men's: 2:25:00 (2008) Sammy KiptooWomen's: 3:00:05 (2015)  Azusa Nojiri |
| Official site | Borneo International Marathon |
| Participants | 10,000 (all races) (2016) |
The Borneo International Marathon (BIM) (Chinese: 婆羅洲馬拉鬆賽) is an annual marathon event held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo Island. Since its inception, the marathon has become a symbol of endurance, community spirit, and charitable giving, attracting participants from across the globe.
The inaugural race was held on 12 October 2008.[1] This is the first marathon in the state for over 20 years.[2]
History
[edit]The Borneo International Marathon was started by four friends and runners: Andrew Voon (from 2008 to 2011), Christopher Nielsen (from 2008 to 2010), Urs Weisskop (from 2008 to 2010) and Simon Amos (from 2008 to 2010).
The Borneo International Marathon was first held on October 12, 2008, launched by Championship Sport Events Sdn. Bhd. The late Mr. Andrew Voon served as the Race Director and was instrumental in reviving marathon running in Sabah. His vision was to create an event that would not only promote long-distance running but also foster community engagement and charitable giving.
The inaugural event featured three race categories—10km, 21km, and 42km—and drew 529 participants. This marked the beginning of what would grow into one of Borneo’s most significant annual sporting events.
Transition to Kinabalu Running Club
[edit]In 2011, following the sudden passing of Mr. Andrew Voon, the Kinabalu Running Club (KRC)(Chinese: 京那巴魯跑步俱樂部) took over the organisation of the marathon.
Committed to continuing Andrew’s legacy, KRC, led by Dr Heng Aik Cheng and a passionate group of volunteers, maintained and expanded the event, staying true to its charitable mission. Since the transition, the event has raised over RM1.1 million[3] for more than 25 charitable organisations, supported by the contributions of the running community, sponsors, suppliers, and contractors.
Growth and Impact
[edit]The Borneo International Marathon has grown significantly since its inception. By 2016, the marathon celebrated a milestone of over 10,000 participants from more than 50 countries[4]. The marathon's increasing popularity positioned it as the third-largest marathon in Malaysia[5], following the Kuala Lumpur Marathon and the Penang Bridge International Marathon.
In 2018, the Borneo International Marathon received international recognition when it was ranked 28th among the World’s 50 Best Running Races by Runner’s World magazine. The marathon's courses are certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), further solidifying its reputation as a world-class event.
UNICEF Malaysia Collaboration (2017-2019)
[edit]From 2017 to 2019, the Kinabalu Running Club partnered with UNICEF Malaysia to introduce the UNICEF Borneo Marathon. This collaboration focused on using the Borneo International Marathon as a platform for social awareness through activities and educational content, with each year dedicated to a specific theme addressing issues affecting children and the broader community.
In 2017, the theme was #ThisAbility[6], which aimed to highlight the abilities of children with disabilities and promote their inclusion in sports. The initiative allowed children with disabilities to participate in the marathon, changing the way runners and the public perceived and interacted with them[7].
In 2018, the theme shifted to #StandTogether - Say No To Bullying, Yes to Kindness. This campaign encouraged children and young adults to stand up against bullying and foster kindness within schools and communities. Students from SMK Sanzac, the school that won the coveted title of “Malaysia’s Kindest School” following competition activities organised during Kindness Week 2018, attended and participated in the run.[8]
The 2019 campaign was centred around the theme #KurangManis[9] (translated as "Less Sweet" in English), because I’m Sweet Enough[10]. It emphasised promoting healthy eating habits among children and adolescents, addressing the growing concerns about sugar consumption and its effects on health. The campaign was integrated into the marathon through special events and messaging, encouraging participants to make healthier dietary choices[11]. Lisa Surihani, UNICEF National Ambassador in Malaysia also participated in the race[12].
This partnership with UNICEF Malaysia as the title sponsor was instrumental in creating awareness and fostering positive social change through the Borneo International Marathon.
Community Involvement
[edit]The Borneo International Marathon is more than just a race; it is a community-driven event supported by over 1,000 volunteers each year. The marathon has garnered support from various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sabah, Kota Kinabalu City Hall, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, and the Sabah Health Department.
Participants in the marathon are recognised not only for their athletic achievements but also for their contributions to charitable causes we aim for annually, helping to drive positive change and support those in need. The event has become a platform for uniting people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Sabah while making a meaningful impact on society through sports and charity.
Race Categories
[edit]The Borneo International Marathon features several race categories:
| Full Marathon (42km) | Half Marathon (21km) | 10km Race |
|---|---|---|
| Men Open | Men Open | Men Junior |
| Women Open | Women Open | Women Junior |
| Men Veteran | Men Veteran | Men Open |
| Women Veteran | Women Veteran | Women Open |
| Men Senior Veteran | Men Senior Veteran | Men Veteran |
| Women Senior Veteran | Women Senior Veteran | Women Veteran |
These categories allow runners of different levels to participate, from elite athletes to casual runners.
In addition to the standard race categories, the Borneo International Marathon also includes a 3-kilometre walk specifically tailored for participants from the Special Olympics Sabah, Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association, and Palliative Care Association Kota Kinabalu. This initiative reflects the Kinabalu Running Club's commitment to inclusivity and community involvement, providing opportunities for individuals of all abilities to engage in and experience the marathon[13].
The introduction of this category was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Special Olympics Sabah Secretariat and the Kinabalu Running Club. Their partnership has been pivotal in enhancing accessibility within the marathon, ensuring a supportive and welcoming environment for athletes from diverse backgrounds. This initiative aligns with the marathon's broader mission to create an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate and thrive.
Route
[edit]The original route[14] took runners past the University of Malaysia Sabah and 1Borneo Hypermall on the first leg of the full marathon then back past Jalan Istiadat and through the city out to Tanjung Aru before turning round to return to the sports stadium. The new route enters the university campus and introduces some tricky hills to the hill-averse distance runners making the marathon one of the toughest in Asia.[15]
Winners
[edit]This list of winners below only applies to Full Marathon (42km) only.
Key: Course record
Other Races
[edit]The Kinabalu Running Club also co-organises the Borneo Half Marathon in collaboration with the Kota Kinabalu City Hall. This event is held in conjunction with the annual Kota Kinabalu City Day celebrations. The Borneo Half Marathon features two race categories:
- 21KM Half Marathon
- 11KM Race
Charitable Contributions
[edit]Since its inception, the Borneo International Marathon has been committed to charitable giving. The event has raised over RM1.1 million for more than 25 charitable organisations, supporting a wide range of causes in Sabah. The marathon’s charitable mission is a core part of its identity, and every runner who participates contributes to these efforts.
A
[edit]- AirAsia Team (for 2 families)
- Asrama Harapan Baru
B
[edit]- Befrienders Sabah
E
[edit]F
[edit]- Food for the Hungry International Malaysia
H
[edit]- Health In Harmony
- Hemophilia Society of Malaysia
- Humana Child Aid Society
- HUTAN
I
[edit]- Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia Kampus Kent[1]
- Interior English Learning Center
J
[edit]K
[edit]- Kelab Rekreasi Dan Kebajikan DBKK (REKA)
- Kelab Sains Sukan UMS
- Kinabalu Pink Ribbon
M
[edit]- MERCY Malaysia - Sabah Chapter
P
[edit]- Palliative Care Association of Kota Kinabalu
- PEMADAM Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu
- Sabah Blood Donors Association
- Persatuan Sukan & Rekreasi Orang Kurang Upaya Negeri Sabah
- Pusat Khidmat Adun N.15 Kiulu[2][3]
R
[edit]- Rumah Bakti Harapan
S
[edit]- Sabah Athletics Association
- Sabah Cheshire Home and Services
- Persatuan Rumah dan Perkhidmatan Cheshire Sabah
- Sabah Thalassaemia Society
- Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society
- Semporna Island Projects
- Seri Mengasih Centre
- SMILE Sabah (cleft lips and palates)
- Special Olympics Sabah
- St. Francis Convent Secondary School New Building
T
[edit]- Tabung Covid-19
- Tambunan Children’s Home
V
[edit]- Volunteers for Community Engagement and Empowerment Malaysia
- Pertubuhan Sukarelawan Penglibatan Dan Pemerkasaan Komuniti Malaysia
Recognition and Awards
[edit]The Borneo International Marathon has received various accolades over the years. The event's recognition by Runner’s World magazine in 2018 as one of the World’s 50 Best Running Races is a testament to its quality and impact. Additionally, the marathon's certification by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) ensures that it meets international standards for race organisation and course measurement.
Future Prospects
[edit]The Borneo International Marathon continues to grow in both scale and impact. With strong community support and international recognition, the event is poised to further cement its place as a premier marathon in Southeast Asia. The marathon's organisers remain committed to promoting endurance sports, fostering community spirit, and supporting charitable causes in Sabah.
References
[edit]- ^ "Marathon List for 2008". Association of Road Racing Statisticians (ARRS). Retrieved 12 April 2020.
- ^ "Borneo Marathon holds huge tourism potential for Sabah". Daily Express. 18 August 2008. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2010 – via Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah.
- ^ "PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions". www.pressreader.com. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ "Japan woman to run her 1114th marathon at 70". Borneo Post Online. 28 April 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ "Running wild | Distance Running magazine 2016 Edition 3 | Features". aims-worldrunning.org. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ Chai, Diana (20 April 2019). "Running for a good cause". UNICEF Malaysia.
- ^ "Disabled kids show can-do attitude at Sabah marathon". Malaysiakini. 7 May 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ Zainudin, Aniza (15 May 2018). "Sokong mangsa buli". Harian Metro. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ Chai, Diana (28 April 2019). "#Kurangmanis: the UNICEF Borneo Marathon 2019 - Running for a sweet cause". UNICEF Malaysia.
- ^ "Runners pledge to #KurangManis because #ImSweetEnough - UNICEF Borneo Marathon make a sweet promise for better health". UNICEF Malaysia; Press release. 28 April 2019.
- ^ "UNICEF Borneo Marathon makes a sweet promise for better health". Borneo Post Online. 29 April 2019. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ Miwil, Olivia (27 April 2019). "Lisa Surihani masuk Borneo Marathon". Harian Metro. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ Munir, Fatma Wati (28 April 2015). "Disability not an obstacle to compete in marathon | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ Pahamin, Armin Baniaz (7 May 2012). "Borneo International Marathon 2012: concurred and conquered". Stay Tune... Archived from the original on 12 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ "Race Route". Borneo Marathon. Archived from the original on 27 November 2015. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
- ^ "Vietnamese dominate Borneo Marathon again". Borneo Post Online. 5 May 2024. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ "Borneo Marathon may return in 2022". Borneo Post Online. 2 November 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
External links
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