KOTA BELUD: Sabah’s leading trail runners dominated the 10th Kadamaian Adventure Race (KAR) Ultra 2026, with Wilsen Singgin, Milton Amat, Nurul Emyra Fazira Isnariah Absi and Hasnita Asis winning the event’s top categories.
Held from July 24 to 26 at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, the anniversary edition featured five race categories – the inaugural 100-mile (160km), 80km, 35km, 12km and 6km events – attracting elite and recreational runners from Malaysia and abroad.
Wilsen claimed the inaugural men’s 100-mile title in 27 hours and 38 minutes after taking the lead early in the race. Mellveen Darius finished second, followed by Azman Salama in third.
In the women’s 100-mile race, Nurul Emyra Fazira Isnariah Absi secured her first Asia Trail Master race victory, completing the course in 34 hours and five minutes.
Thailand’s Siriporn Leumathong was second, while Shamiera Auther finished third. The men’s 80km title went to Sabahan trail running star Milton Amat, who worked his way through the field to claim victory ahead of Jude Maikol and Gustin Tiam.
Hasnita Asis dominated the women’s 80km category, finishing first in 14 hours and 42 minutes.
Harlin Richard placed second, while Amilisah Laisang came in third. Milton said the victory reflected years of hard work and perseverance rather than natural talent.
“This shows it wasn’t luck, but a decade of training and refusing to quit,” he said, encouraging young runners to stay committed to training and pursue the sport with passion.
The event also attracted international competitors, with Singapore’s Razali Rahim describing the redesigned 35km course as one of the toughest he had experienced due to its steep climbs, muddy terrain and technical sections.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, KAR Ultra once again highlighted Sabah’s reputation as a premier trail running destination, drawing athletes from across Malaysia and overseas.