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]
Upcoming Marathon on May 11, 2025 - 'Still Running Wild In Borneo - 15 Years On!'
History
The Borneo International Marathon was started by 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).
Marathon was first held on October 12, 2008, launched by Championship Sport Events Sdn. Bhd. The late Andrew Voon served as the Race Director.
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.
Transition to Kinabalu Running Club (KRC)
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.
Growth and Impact
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 biggest and longest marathon in Borneo, and the third-largest marathon in Malaysia,[10] following the Kuala Lumpur Marathon and the Penang Bridge International Marathon.
UNICEF Malaysia Collaboration (2017-2019)
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]
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.
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.
Race Categories
The Borneo International Marathon features several race categories:
Full Marathon (42km)
Half Marathon (21km)
10km Race
Men Open (18-40 years old)
Men Open (16-40 years old)
Men Junior (13-19 years old)
Women Open (18-40 years old)
Women Open (16-40 years old)
Women Junior (13-19 years old)
Men Veteran (41 -50 years old)
Men Veteran (41-50 years old)
Men Open (20 - 40 years old)
Women Veteran (41 -50 years old)
Women Veteran (41-50 years old)
Women Open (20 - 40 years old)
Men Senior Veteran (51 years & above)
Men Senior Veteran (51 years & above)
Men Veteran (41 years & above)
Women Senior Veteran (51 years & above)
Women Senior Veteran (51 years & above)
Women Veteran (41 years & above)
*remained since 2019
These categories allow runners of different levels to participate, from elite athletes to casual runners.
Special Olympics Sabah participating in Borneo International Marathon
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]
Route
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]
Winners
This list of winners below only applies to Full Marathon (42km) only. Key:Course record
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:
Half Marathon (21km)
10km Race
Men Open (16-30 years old)
Men Open (13-30 years old)
Women Open (16-30 years old)
Women Open (13-30 years old)
Men Junior Veteran (31-40 years old)
Men Junior Veteran (31-40 years old)
Women Junior Veteran (31-40 years old)
Women Junior Veteran (31-40 years old)
Men Veteran (41-50 years old)
Men Veteran (41-50 years old)
Women Veteran (41-50 years old)
Women Veteran (41-50 years old)
Men Senior Veteran (51 years & above)
Men Senior Veteran (51 years & above)
Women Senior Veteran (51 years & above)
Women Senior Veteran (51 years & above)
*remained since 2024
These categories allow runners of different levels to participate, from elite athletes to casual runners.
Charitable Contributions
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.
St. Francis Convent Secondary School - new building
T
Tabung Covid-19
Tambunan Children’s Home
V
Volunteers for Community Engagement and Empowerment Malaysia (Pertubuhan Sukarelawan Penglibatan Dan Pemerkasaan Komuniti Malaysia)
Recognition and Awards
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.
Future Prospects
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.
References
^"Marathon List for 2008". Association of Road Racing Statisticians (ARRS). Retrieved 12 April 2020.
