KHMHR 2026 Strengthens Sarawak's Position As Sports Tourism Destination
KUCHING: Sarawak continues to strengthen its position as a sports tourism destination as the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run (KHMHR) 2026 is expected to attract more than 4,200 participants from 20 countries on 26 July.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that the event, which entered its third edition, was not just a platform to promote a healthy lifestyle, but also served as a medium to introduce Sarawak's heritage, culture and natural beauty to the international community.
"The organisation of the event aims to realise the vision of making Kuching and Sarawak the destination of choice for running enthusiasts locally and abroad.
"At the same time, it encourages healthy and active lifestyle practices, strengthens Kuching's position as a major sports tourism destination, as well as promotes the city's natural beauty, cultural richness and cleanliness to participants and visitors," he said.
He said this at the press conference (KHMHR) 2026 at Baitulmakmur II, here on Friday.
The Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts added that the running event also contributed to the growth of the state's economy by attracting visitors who stayed at hotels, enjoyed food at local restaurants, supported small businesses and visited various tourism products in Sarawak.
In the same development, he described the organisation of KHMHR 2026 as a reflection of the close cooperation between the City Joggers Club (CJC), government agencies, sponsors and strategic partners in developing an international sports event in Kuching.
To date, a total of 4,200 participants have confirmed participation, consisting of 2,940 participants from Sarawak, 672 from Peninsular Malaysia, 168 from Sabah and 420 international participants.
International participation involved runners from 20 countries including Australia, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Romania, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.
Adopting the theme 'Embrace the Legacy, Run the Journey', KHMHR 2026 will start at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Boulevard Building by offering three categories which are 21 kilometre (km) Half Marathon, 10 km and 5 km Fun Run.
The routes for the 21 km and 10 km categories have been certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), thus meeting international standards in addition to taking participants through heritage landmarks, riverbank areas, cultural murals and green landscapes around the city of Kuching.
The event will also be held in conjunction with the Kuching Food Festival, allowing participants and visitors to enjoy the two main attractions of Kuching city in one visit.
For this edition, the finishing medals and official shirts are inspired by the theme of 'Postage Stamp Legacy' which features iconic Kuching elements such as Irrawaddy dolphins, heritage buildings, Kapok trees, orchids and St. Peter's Cathedral.
The organisers also offered a total of RM61,000 in cash prizes for various competition categories, in addition to each participant receiving an event shirt, bib number with timing chip, digital certificate, finishing medal and a special woven bag.
Also present were CJC Advisor Chan Boon Teck and CJC President Elizabeth Wong. -UKASnews
