RANAU: Organisers of the 30th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon, which begins today, have cut the route from 26 kilometres to 21 kilometres over safety concerns.
The race’s original route would have had runners set off from Kinabalu Park, and pass Timpohon Gate, Layang Layang, Panalaban, Sayat Sayat, reach the summit and return to Kinabalu Park.
But this year, due to bad weather, runners will bypass the peak and turn back when they reach Panalaban.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the organiser made the decision as the safety of participants is paramount.
"The wind and rain are strong. (It is still raining in) Panalaban this morning.
"However, the participants are still high spirited, and want to complete the race dubbed ‘the world's toughest mountain race’," he said, adding that the temperature at Panalaban is 7 degrees Celsius.
Masidi was speaking to reporters after flagging off the 116 participants at Kinabalu Park here.
It is learnt that 12 people who had registered to participate pulled out at the last minute for personal reasons.
The runners, including last year’s champions – local Safrey Sumpring and the Philippine's Sandi Menchi Catlona Abahan – arrived earlier for registration and did warm-up exercises around Kinabalu Park.
Also present were Sabah Parks chairman of the Board of Trustees Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin Tengku Mohamood and director Dr Jamili Nais.
Masidi added that the climbathon is a prestigious and elite race, as it is a by-invitation-only event.
He said the annual event also helps promote tourism, as international participants would relate their experiences in Sabah to their families and friends.