Kota Kinabalu: More than 350 runners have registered for the Tropical Rainforest Run 2026, which returns to Tawau Hills Park on Sept 20 with several of last year’s top finishers and a new 10km category.
Among the returning runners are 2025 Men Open champion Sheron Sariman and third-place finisher Arikchely Ariyl Arikah, along with Milton Amat, Daved Simpat, Jude Maikol and Oswald Maikol.
The Women Open field will feature the return of Kona @ Lydia Liau A Ken and Mailin Salungin, who finished third and fourth respectively in last year’s Women Veteran category and will compete in the Women Open this year.
Other returning Women Open runners include Lalitah Lintanga, Satriana Sahilin, Shamiera Auther and Sinapilin Sarawi, while Raichin Sungkit and Dennis Isika return to compete in the Men Veteran category.
The event has attracted participants from across Malaysia, including Sabah, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, as well as international runners from Italy, Kenya, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia.
The 28km race will take runners along the Mount Lucia trail, involving a total elevation gain of about 1,567 metres.
Mount Lucia is one of three ancient volcanic peaks in Tawau Hills Park, together with Mount Magdalena and Mount Maria.
The newly introduced 10km category is intended to provide a more accessible option for families and recreational runners.
The route takes participants through the park and reaches a high point of about 543 metres at Bombalai Peak, allowing runners of different backgrounds and abilities to experience the rainforest at a more leisurely pace.
Beyond the sporting competition, the run also aims to promote awareness of rainforest conservation and highlight the biodiversity and natural heritage of Tawau Hills Park.
The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including Bornean gibbons, grey and red leaf monkeys, hornbills, civets, various bird species and frogs, as well as diverse plant life.
Participants may also encounter distinctive flora along the routes, including the Elephant’s Ear Orchid and Begonia lamriana.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the event also provided an opportunity for participants to appreciate Sabah’s natural environment.
“The Tropical Rainforest Run serves as a platform to encourage a healthier way of life within the community, giving participants the chance to truly value the rich natural resources that Sabah offers,” he said.
Members of the public are invited to Tawau Hills Park on Sept 20 to support the runners and experience the event while enjoying the park’s rainforest environment and biodiversity.
The Tropical Rainforest Run 2026 is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah (KePKAS), Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (Motac), Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and Tourism Malaysia.
It is organised by Sri Pelancongan Sabah, with Sabah Parks, Tawau Municipal Council and Tawau Runners Club as co-organisers.
