KOTAKINABALU: Sabah will see its first international climbathon in Tambunan on May 25.
Jointly organised by the Sabah Forestry Department, the Tambunan District Office and Velocity Running Club, the Mount Trusmadi International Climbathon aims to attract some 500 participants from Malaysia and around the world.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew pledged full support and would render the necessary assistance to ensure the success of the event.
"It is high time to promote Mount Trusmadi being the second highest mountain in Malaysia, and the natural beauty of the area, both locally and in the international arena.
"I commend the organisers for taking the initiative to hold this international event which has the potential to develop into a new eco-tourism product.
"Other than the international climbathon, climbing enthusiasts should be encouraged to scale the mountain as a health activity for fitness," she said during a courtesy visit by the organisers.
Liew added that the climbathon will raise awareness of the mountain which is lesser known compared to Mount Kinabalu.
Mount Trusmadi, which stands at a height of 2,642 metres, is endowed with unique flora and fauna.
The climbathon that will start at Gate Kupu-Kupu in the Nuluhon Forest Reserve of Mount Trusmadi offers two categories - a 30km route for international climbers and 21km route for locals open to men and women.
A total cash prize of RM29,600 for winners is up for grabs.
The climbathon is not only a test of physical endurance and determination for participants but also an opportunity to experience the pristine wilderness and breathtaking landscape that the mountain and its surroundings have to offer.
Also present were the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Josie Lai, Tambunan District Officer Sobitun Makajil, Forests deputy chief conservator (of operations) Musa Salleh and Velocity Running Club president and race director Andrew Lian Awa.