RANAU, Oct 18 (Bernama) – Sabah is considering increasing prize money for the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon to attract more elite international runners and strengthen the event’s global appeal.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the proposal was being considered following the competition’s inclusion in the Merrell Skyrunner World Series, which features some of the world’s top mountain runners.
“I think the time has come for us to offer more attractive prize money to draw more participants, especially from the international circuit,” he told reporters after flagging off participants in the 33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon at Kinabalu Park here today.
Jafry said this year’s competition attracted about 253 runners from Malaysia and 26 foreign countries, including elite athletes ranked 11th, 13th and 18th in the world.
Some international participants are also competing to earn qualifying points for the Merrell Skyrunner World Series grand finale in Spain this November.
Under this year’s prize structure, winners in the men’s elite, women’s elite and men’s veteran categories received RM8,000 each, while runners-up took home RM6,000 and third-place finishers RM4,000.
Jafry said discussions were also under way with relevant ministries on a proposal to provide sponsorship or financial assistance for Malaysian runners to compete in Skyrunner World Series races overseas.
He said the initiative would give local athletes valuable international experience and help them improve their competitiveness against elite runners.
Beyond the sporting competition, Jafry said the Climbathon served as a platform to showcase Mount Kinabalu’s natural beauty to international participants and tourists.
He expressed hope the event would continue to draw visitors and enhance Sabah’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination.
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