RANAU: The champions of last year’s Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon Elite categories are hoping to defend their titles during the race tomorrow.
Philippine's Sandi Menchi Catlona Abahan, 27, said she is targetting to improve her personal time as well as win the Elite Women's category again this year.
Last year, she finished the race at 2:58.48s.
"My training was mainly on climbing and descending stairs following the nature of the race.
"Besides that, I had also climbed Mount Kinabalu here up to Sayat Sayat Hut on Monday, it was 'ok'," she said when met during the briefing for the participants of the 30th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon at Kinabalu Park here.
Meanwhile, last year’s Elite men's champion Safrey Sumping, 35, from here, said he had climbed the mountain five times as part of preparation for this year's race.
"I hope the weather will be better this year and we can proceed up to the summit.
"The route from Laban Rata to the peak is the most challenging, but it as an advantage for the locals."
Earlier, a man experienced hyperthermia while in the midst of preparing for the race tomorrow.
State Civil Defence Force spokesman said the man, a member of Sabah Amateur Radio Society, was feeling unwell at 3pm.
"His body temperature was high and we believe he has hyperthermia at 250 meters before reaching Laban Rata.
"Our officers had to carry him to Laban Rata and calm him down to reduce the temperature."
Last year, participants had to go down from Laban Rata to the finishing line due to bad weather.
At press time, Sabah Parks said it was stil windy and raining on the mountain.
The Meteorology department also issued a statement today that the tropical storm "Khanun" is causing strong winds in the west coast, Kudat and interiors of Sabah.
As early as 7am, 129 participants will make their way to the summit before turning back to the park to cross the finish line, covering a total distance of 26 kilometres.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai are expected to flag off the race.