TAMBUNAN: There were plenty of thrills and spills as 368 people took part in the inaugural Mount Trusmadi International Climbathon yesterday.
The race up the second-highest mountain in Malaysia involved challenging terrain that tested their endurance and skill.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that the 2,642-metre high mountain is a source of pride.
He added that Mount Kinabalu, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and Mount Trusmadi are important biological sites, home to diverse flora and fauna.
His speech before the start of the race was read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is also the Tambunan state assemblyman.
"Many who have climbed Mount Kinabalu and Mount Trusmadi can vouch that both are difficult.
"Climbing at high altitudes is not for everyone, but for those who have set their sights on such a challenge, it certainly becomes an adventure," said Hajiji.
He also congratulated the organisers — Sabah Forestry Department, the Tambunan district office, Velocity Running Club, and the various agencies — on the successful race.
The climbathon had two categories — 21km and 30km. There were 27 participants from 13 countries: Brunei, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, the United States, Philippines, France, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Japan and Poland.
Daved Simpat was the men's open champion. Wilsen Singgin came in second, Milton Amat came in third, Jude Maikol was fourth and Simon Rotich was fifth. All are Malaysians except Rotich, who is from Kenya.
The top five runners in the women's open are all Malaysians. They are Celeste Teo Lian Geok (winner), Shamiera Auther, Rose Gimbaloh Gimbaloh, Adelinah Lintanga and Kona Liau.