Organisers of the Borneo International Marathon 2026 have confirmed that a hit-and-run incident took place during the race, leaving a marathon participant and a Rela personnel injured.
According to Malay Mail, the Kinabalu Running Club said both victims received immediate treatment from the event’s medical team before being transported to the hospital for further observation and care.
We have also contacted the victims’ families and are closely monitoring their condition while extending support to those affected and their loved ones,” the organisers said.
Runner believed to have suffered neck fracture
The injured runner, a 40-year-old participant competing in the full marathon 42km category, was believed to have suffered a neck fracture during the incident.
The accident reportedly occurred in the early hours of the morning while it was still dark.
Meanwhile, the Rela personnel involved in the incident is 37 years old.
The organisers added that the matter has since been reported to the police and investigations are currently ongoing.
Organisers urge driver to respect road closures
Following the incident, the organisers reminded road user to respect road closures and safety measures during organised sporting events.
The safety of runners, volunteers, officials and all event personnel remains our highest priority. We urge all road users to respect road closures, marathon safety measures, and the presence of runners and crews during organised sporting events,” they said.
The club also said it had engaged traffic management consultant Danasafe for the race.
However, after news of the incident surfaced, several runners took to social media to complain about inadequate road safety along certain stretches of the route, including areas that were allegedly poorly lit or not fully closed to traffic.
Half-Marathon runner dies after race
In a separate incident, a half-marathon participant later died after reportedly experiencing shortness of breath following the race.
The runner was identified as Muhd Irfan Tarmizi Muhlis @ Ramli, a lifeguard at the Tawau Sports Complex.
He had reportedly completed the 21km category before developing symptoms and was later taken to the hospital.
The Borneo International Marathon, now in its 16th edition, attracts more than 10,000 runners from over 50 countries annually.
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