| They call it ?the world's toughest mountain race?. | | | | Kusang Gurung from 1991 to 1993. In 1994 the |
| It takes a grueling soul to run, race and climb | | | | crown was taken over by Guianus Salagan, |
| Mount Kinabalu with a total distance of 21 | | | | before he was overtaken in turn by Ian Holmes |
| kilometers for both men and women. Takes place | | | | of Great Britain in 1997. Holmes hold the title with |
| in Malaysia's first World Heritage Site, Mount | | | | the record of 2 hours 42 minutes and 7 seconds |
| Kinabalu (4095.2 meters) International Climbathon | | | | for the fastest race, but in 2003, the record was |
| is a true challenge to the spirit of human | | | | broken by Italy's Marco de Gasperi who finished |
| endurance. | | | | with time of 2 hours 36 minutes and 59 seconds. |
| The race first started as a competition among | | | | The Climbathon resulted in Malaysia organizing the |
| the Kinabalu Park staff aimed at improving rescue | | | | 15th World Mountain Championships in Sabah in |
| efforts on the mountain (especially useful during | | | | 1999. It was the first time that the World |
| bad weather when helicopters can't be used) in | | | | Mountain Race Championships was held in |
| the development of a Rapid Reaction Rescue | | | | Southeast Asia. In 1998 the race was held in the |
| Squad and, as such, was first held in 1984. It was | | | | Island of Re-Union under the French Athletic |
| not until 1987 that outsiders were allowed to take | | | | Federation and in 2003 it was held for the first |
| part. Following the success of the first national | | | | time in Alaska, USA. This will be the fourth year |
| race in 1987, the Climbathon went international in | | | | that the Climbathon is the final determining race |
| 1988, earning itself the title of ?the toughest | | | | for the SkyRunner? World Series circuit. The |
| mountain race in the world?. Indeed, Climbathon is | | | | Spanish based company Buff? has taken over this |
| not for the faint hearted. Its grueling 21 | | | | circuit as its main sponsor. Last year Climbathon |
| kilometers (13 miles) route over a more than | | | | has been endorsed as one of the 7 official races |
| 2,250 meters (7,357 feet) ascent, and the | | | | of the Federation of Sport at Altitude for the |
| punishing pace, test even the most experienced, | | | | Skyrunning World Championship Circuit (racing on |
| but every year more mountain runners take part, | | | | high altitude). A total of 247 participants (men |
| including the world's best. Participants who do not | | | | category:126 women category: 51 and veteran |
| finish the race within the time limit ? 2 hours and | | | | men: 70) came for the ultimate endurance test. |
| 30 minutes to the peak and 2 hours from the | | | | The race will be held in Kinabalu Park HQ and |
| peak to the finish line ? are automatically | | | | Mount Kinabalu on the 30th September and 1st |
| disqualified. | | | | October 2006. Are you tough enough? Thinking of |
| In the early days, Nepalese Gurkha runners | | | | participating? US$33,400.00 in total Cash Prizes |
| dominated the men's race, with Sundar Kumar | | | | awaits those who dare to accept the challenge!! |
| Linthap winning from 1988 to 1990, followed by | | | | |