KUCHING: More than 2,000 participants from within and outside Sarawak have registered for the Hock Seng Lee (HSL) Samarahan Half Marathon 2026, set to take place this weekend.

Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the event has evolved into one of the major annual sporting events in Samarahan, contributing to tourism by attracting not only local runners but also international participants.

“The Sarawak Government, through my two ministries, will continue to collaborate with organisers who wish to host events like this that promote a healthy lifestyle, tourism, and community enhancement,” he said.

He said this during a press conference for the HSL Samarahan Half Marathon 2026 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Media Room on Wednesday.

It is understood that the event, now entering its fifth edition, has had its race distance shortened due to ongoing construction works involving the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) route.

“However, this time it will not be a full marathon, but rather a half marathon because, as we can see, the entire Samarahan area is currently undergoing extensive construction works linked to the ART route development.

“The situation may not be entirely suitable or conducive for runners to pass through active construction zones as we must also ensure the safety of all participants,” he explained.

Also present were Deputy Ministers for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) Morshidi Fredrick and Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED) Dzulkornain Masron. -UKASnews

Translator: Ryan Lim