Kundasang: Ghiano Gianluca from Italy and Anastasiia Rubstova Yurievna from Russia claimed victory in the Men’s Elite and Women’s Elite category respectively while Daved Simpat from Sabah retained his title in the Men’s Veteran category during the 32nd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon on Sunday.
Ghiano clinched the top spot of the Men’s Elite category after finishing at 03:05.41, while Anastasiia topped the Women’s Elite category after finishing at 03:46.13. In the Men’s Veteran category, Daved dominated the field, finishing in 03:50.50.
“It was an incredible race and the weather was amazing,” said Ghiano while adding that the most challenging part for him was the last few kilometres on the road where he had to push hard.
“I thought about all my idols who have raced here, like Kilian and Bruno Brunod, so I’m very happy and proud to win on the same course. It’s my first time here, and this victory is special for me,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anastasiia said: “I’m very happy with today’s race. When I reached the top of the mountain, the rocks and views were so beautiful, it was incredible.
“It’s my first time racing in Sabah, and the experience was amazing. The course was tough but manageable because I studied the GPS track and knew what to expect. I really enjoyed it. I love high altitudes and the challenge of pushing uphill,” she said.
Men’s Veteran champion Daved said he was truly happy with this victory.
“I drew on my experience from previous years; this time, it was more challenging with many strong international runners.
“I learned a lot from how they manage their stamina and pacing. At 43, my message to other runners is never to give up, even when the competition is tough. Keep working hard, stay confident, and don’t lose your passion for the sport,” he said.
A year after introducing a new and more challenging course, the 32nd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon achieved a record-breaking performance.
Recognised as a Unesco Global Geopark, the race featured a 24.5 km course, including a 12.25 km ascent to Mount Kinabalu’s 4,095.2 m summit, followed by a 12.25 km technical descent.
Participants faced steep inclines, rugged terrain and demanding conditions, making the event a true test of endurance and resilience.
This year’s edition welcomed participants from 27 countries, including Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Italy, Russia, the United States, and many more.
The international field included Skyrunner® World Series competitors, adding a competitive edge to the elite categories.
Flagged off at 6.30am by Chief Senior Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah Hisham Ujang, the Climbathon showcased the beauty of Kinabalu Park while celebrating athletic excellence and sportsmanship.
The race featured three categories: Men’s Elite, Women’s Elite and Men’s Veteran. Top performers were also awarded cash prizes and other prizes.
Top 3 Results for Men’s Elite: 1st – (Ghiano Gianluca, Italy, 03:05.41), 2nd – (Boffeli William, Italy, 03:06.13), 3rd – (Luca Del Pero, Italy, 03:15.07).
Top 3 Results for Women’s Elite: 1st – (Anastasiia Rubstova Yurievna, Russia, 03:46.13), 2nd – (Ainara Alcuaz Rodriguez, Spain, 04:12.39), 3rd – (Lina Klara Emilia El Kott Helander, Sweden, 04:27.48).
Top 3 Results for Men’s Veteran: 1st – (Daved Simpat , Malaysia, 03:50.50), 2nd – (Raichin Sungkit, Malaysia, 03:58.15), 3rd – (Safrey Sumping, Malaysia, 03:59.42).
This year’s race is part of the Skyrunning World Series circuit, with the final round set to take place in Spain on November 8. It is also an ITRA-recognised event, which allows runners to earn official points for completing the course.
Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, the CEO of Sabah Tourism Board said: “We are thrilled to see the new course introduced last year, challenging athletes in fresh ways.
“Their record-breaking achievements reflect the world-class potential of Mount Kinabalu as a global sporting destination.
“Looking ahead, we are pleased to announce that the next edition of the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon will be held on October 18, 2026, in conjunction with the ‘Explore Sabah’ and ‘Visit Malaysia 2026’ campaigns by the Sabah Tourism Board and Tourism Malaysia, respectively,” he added.
This event was organised by the Sabah Tourism Board through its subsidiary Sri Pelancongan Sabah, in collaboration with Sabah Parks.
It is fully supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, and as part of the lead-up to the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
The event is made possible through strong partnerships with BigBigPlace, K2, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Truly Borneo Tours & Events, Altra, Zeak, Evenesis (Event Registration Technology), Arus Foods and Gretel (Race Strategy Technology).
