Borneo International Marathon

Borneo International Marathon
Official logo of the Borneo International Marathon
Date	May; annually
Location	Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Event type	Road
Distance	Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K run
Established	2008
Organizer	Kinabalu Running Club
Course records	Men's: 2:25:00 (2008) Sammy Kiptoo Women's: 3:00:05 (2015) Azusa Nojiri
Official site	Borneo International Marathon
Participants	10,000 (all races) (2016)

The Borneo International Marathon (Abbreviation: 'BIM'; Bahasa Malaysia: Maraton Antarabangsa Borneo; Chinese: 婆羅洲國際馬拉鬆賽; Japanese: ボルネオ国際マラソン, Boruneo Kokusai Marason) is an annual marathon event held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo Island. Since its inception, the marathon has become a symbol of endurance, community spirit, and charitable giving, attracting participants from across the globe.

The inaugural race was held on 12 October 2008.^[1] This is the first marathon in the state for over 20 years.^[2]

The Borneo International Marathon was started by four friends and runners: Andrew Voon (from 2008 to 2011^[3][4]), Christopher Nielsen (from 2008 to 2010), Urs Weisskop (from 2008 to 2010) and Simon Amos (from 2008 to 2010).

The Borneo International Marathon was first held on October 12, 2008, launched by Championship Sport Events Sdn. Bhd. The late Mr. Andrew Voon served as the Race Director and was instrumental in reviving marathon running in Sabah. His vision was to create an event that would not only promote long-distance running but also foster community engagement and charitable giving.

The inaugural event featured three race categories—10km, 21km, and 42km—and drew 529 participants. This marked the beginning of what would grow into one of Borneo’s most significant annual sporting events.

On June 18, 2011,^[5][6] the running community was deeply shocked and saddened by Andrew’s sudden passing. In his memory, a group of his running friends successfully registered the Kinabalu Running Club (KRC) (Malaysian Malay: Kelab Larian Kinabalu; Chinese: 京那巴魯跑步俱樂部), which has undertaken the task of organising the future Borneo International Marathons.

Committed to continuing Andrew’s legacy, KRC,^[7] led by Dr Heng Aik Cheng and a passionate group of volunteers, has maintained and expanded the event, staying true to its charitable mission. Since the transition, the event has raised over RM1.1 million^[8] for more than 36 charitable organisations, supported by the contributions of the running community, partners, sponsors, suppliers, and contractors.

The Borneo International Marathon has grown significantly since its inception. By 2016, the marathon celebrated a milestone of over 10,000 participants from more than 50 countries.^[9] The marathon's increasing popularity positioned it as the third-largest marathon in Malaysia,^[10] following the Kuala Lumpur Marathon and the Penang Bridge International Marathon.

In 2018, the Borneo International Marathon received international recognition when it was ranked 28th among the World’s 50 Best Running Races by Runner’s World magazine. The marathon's courses are certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), further solidifying its reputation as a world-class event.

As the marathons grown, so has its impact. The Kinabalu Running Club remains dedicated to advancing its charitable mission, ensuring that the marathon continues to serve as a beacon of hope and support. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is integral to the event's values, ensuring that each marathon not only promotes health and fitness but also drives meaningful change within the community.

From 2017 to 2019, the Kinabalu Running Club partnered with UNICEF Malaysia to introduce the UNICEF Borneo International Marathon. This collaboration focused on using the Borneo International Marathon as a platform for social awareness through activities and educational content, with each year dedicated to a specific theme addressing issues affecting children and the broader community.

In 2017, the theme was #ThisAbility,^[11] which aimed to highlight the abilities of children with disabilities and promote their inclusion in sports. The initiative allowed children with disabilities to participate in the marathon, changing the way runners and the public perceived and interacted with them.^[12]

In 2018, the theme shifted to #StandTogether - Say No To Bullying, Yes to Kindness. This campaign encouraged children and young adults to stand up against bullying and foster kindness within schools and communities. Students from SMK Sanzac, the school that won the coveted title of “Malaysia’s Kindest School” following competition activities organised during Kindness Week 2018, attended and participated in the run.^[13]

The 2019 campaign was centred around the theme #KurangManis^[14] (translated as "Less Sweet" in English), because I’m Sweet Enough.^[15] It emphasised promoting healthy eating habits among children and adolescents, addressing the growing concerns about sugar consumption and its effects on health. The campaign was integrated into the marathon through special events and messaging, encouraging participants to make healthier dietary choices.^[16] Lisa Surihani, UNICEF National Ambassador in Malaysia also participated in the race.^[17]

This partnership with UNICEF Malaysia as the title sponsor was instrumental in creating awareness and fostering positive social change through the Borneo International Marathon.

The Borneo International Marathon is more than just a race; it is a community-driven event supported by over 1,000 volunteers each year. The marathon has garnered support from various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sabah, Kota Kinabalu City Hall, the Royal Malaysia Police, Sabah State Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, and the Sabah Health Department.

Participants in the marathon are recognised not only for their athletic achievements but also for their contributions to the charitable causes that the Kinabalu Running Club aim annually. This event has become a platform for uniting people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Sabah while making a meaningful impact on society through sports and charity.

The Borneo International Marathon features several race categories:

*remained since 2019

These categories allow runners of different levels to participate, from elite athletes to casual runners.

In addition to the standard race categories, the Borneo International Marathon also includes a 3-kilometre walk specifically tailored for participants from the Special Olympics Sabah, Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association, and Palliative Care Association Kota Kinabalu. This initiative reflects the Kinabalu Running Club's commitment to inclusivity and community involvement, providing opportunities for individuals of all abilities to engage in and experience the marathon.^[18]

The introduction of this category was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Special Olympics Sabah Secretariat and the Kinabalu Running Club. Their partnership has been pivotal in enhancing accessibility within the marathon, ensuring a supportive and welcoming environment for athletes from diverse backgrounds. This initiative aligns with the marathon's broader mission to create an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate and thrive.

The original route^[19] took runners past the University of Malaysia Sabah and 1Borneo Hypermall on the first leg of the full marathon then back past Jalan Istiadat and through the city out to Tanjung Aru before turning round to return to the sports stadium. The new route enters the university campus and introduces some tricky hills to the hill-averse distance runners making the marathon one of the toughest in Asia.^[20]

This list of winners below only applies to Full Marathon (42km) only.
Key:   Course record

Edition	Year	Men's winner	Nationality	Time (h:m:s)	Women's winner	Nationality	Time (h:m:s)
14th	2024	Trịnh Đình An[21]	Vietnam	2:50:11	Nông Thị Chang	Vietnam	3:14:08
13th	2023	Lê Văn Tuấn	Vietnam	2:42:49	Nguyễn Thị Đường	Vietnam	3:16:41
–	2020	cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic[22]
–	2021
–	2022
12th	2019	Safree Sabdin	Malaysia	2:49:44	Linda Then Yee	Malaysia	3:46:17
11th	2018	Jeorge Andrade	Philippines	2:54:14	Nicci Chapman	Great Britain	3:34:05
10th	2017	Kentaro Masuda	Japan	2:58:23	Azusa Nojiri	Japan	3:02:50
9th	2016	Noel Tillor	Philippines	2:48:10	Ting Yu	China	3:52:43
8th	2015	Safrey Sumping	Malaysia	3:12:28	Azusa Nojiri	Japan	3:00:05
7th	2014	John Njihia	Kenya	2:46:41	Kona Liau	Malaysia	3:44:59
6th	2013	Collins Kimosop	Kenya	2:35:21	Kona Liau	Malaysia	3:38:27
5th	2012	Fabian-Osmond Daimon	Malaysia	2:48:09	Claire Walton	Great Britain	3:35:38
4th	2011	Moses Kiptoo	Kenya	2:31:19	Susan Chepkwony	Kenya	3:34:09
3rd	2010	Peter Keter	Kenya	2:38:00	Tagami Mai	Japan	3:23:28
2nd	2009	Johnson Tarus	Kenya	2:31:00	Cecilia Wangui	Kenya	3:05:59
1st	2008	Sammy Kiptoo	Kenya	2:25:00	Fridah Lodepa	Kenya	3:18:04

The Kinabalu Running Club also co-organises the Borneo Half Marathon in collaboration with the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu). This event is held in conjunction with the annual Kota Kinabalu City Day celebrations.

The Borneo Half Marathon features two race categories:

*remained since 2024

These categories allow runners of different levels to participate, from elite athletes to casual runners.

Since its inception, the Kinabalu Running Club, through the Borneo International Marathon, has been deeply committed to giving back to the community. The marathon is more than just a race; it serves as a powerful platform for supporting local NGOs and charitable causes. Over the years, this flagship event has raised over RM 1.1 million, benefiting more than 36 charitable organisations and causes both within Sabah and beyond.^{[23][24][25][26]}

The funds raised have been instrumental in helping these organisations continue their vital work. The marathon’s charitable mission is central to its identity, and each runner who participates plays a crucial role in these efforts. Every participant is not just an athlete but a champion, directly contributing to the causes supported by the event.

In addition to the contributions of the runners, the success of these charitable initiatives is also owed to the tireless efforts of the authorities, volunteers, partners, sponsors, and the broader community. Their commitment and collaboration have been key in bringing the marathon to life each year, ensuring its impact reaches far beyond the finish line.

Past Beneficiaries

The Borneo International Marathon has received various accolades over the years. The event's recognition by Runner’s World magazine in 2018 as one of the World’s 50 Best Running Races is a testament to its quality and impact. Additionally, the marathon's certification by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) ensures that it meets international standards for race organisation and course measurement.

The Borneo International Marathon continues to grow in both scale and impact. With strong community support and international recognition, the event is poised to further cement its place as a premier marathon in Southeast Asia. The marathon's organisers remain committed to promoting endurance sports, fostering community spirit, and supporting charitable causes in Sabah.

• Borneo International Marathon Official Website