KUCHING: Kuching Marathon 2026, regarded as one of the region’s largest running events, is expected to attract 16,000 participants for its 11th edition this year, potentially marking the highest turnout in the event’s history.
Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the event, scheduled for 27 September, shows a significant increase compared to last year's edition which recorded approximately 14,000 participants, with nearly half of them coming from outside Kuching.
“To date, around 8,000 participants have already registered and I believe from now, in May, until September, they will easily surpass or even exceed the target of 16,000 participants, possibly attracting even more,” he said.
He said this during a press conference for Kuching Marathon 2026 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Media Room on Wednesday.
The Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts further explained that the rapid growth of the Kuching Marathon is a testament to the success of organising mass participation sporting events that not only cultivate interest in running, but also generate direct benefits for the tourism and local economic sectors.
For the record, a total prize pool of RM125,000 will be up for grabs, while all finishers will receive commemorative medals, with additional finisher t-shirts awarded to participants in the full marathon and half marathon categories.
The organiser is also planning a Premier Elite Marathoners initiative to recognise participants who successfully complete Sarawak's three major marathons, namely Kuching, Miri and Bintulu, within a single year. -UKASnews
