RANAU: Tambunan runner Donal Ronaldi Lasius successfully defended his Men’s Open title at the Timpohon Run 2026 on Saturday, while Kiulu’s Nancy Bongkuron set a new record to claim the Women’s Open crown.
Donal crossed the finish line in 50 minutes and eight seconds to secure his second consecutive title, as Nancy clocked one hour, eight minutes and 30 seconds to establish the new women's benchmark.
The 9.8-kilometre mountain race drew 331 runners from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines to Kinabalu Park, taking competitors along the Mempening Trails before concluding at Kinabalu Hall.
Organised by the Sabah Tourism Board in collaboration with Sabah Parks, the race served as a prelude to Sunday's 33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon, which will see elite international runners take on a 24.5-kilometre route reaching elevations of up to 4,095.2 metres.
The event was flagged off by Sabah Finance Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary and Sabah Tourism Board director Anthea James Jipanus alongside Political Secretary to the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Raime Unggie.
