By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 14: Amateurs keen to tackle longer distances should not miss the HSL Samarahan Marathon 2025, returning on June 14-15 with one of Malaysia’s flattest race routes.
Featuring the newly completed Tanjong Bako Road and a scenic stretch through Samarahan’s heart and soul — Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), this marathon offers the perfect course for both seasoned runners chasing records and newcomers stepping up their distance goals.
Building on last year’s resounding success with over 2,800 participants, this edition promises an even bigger and better race, boasting RM39,500 in total prize money and a fast, well-supported route designed for personal bests.
HSL Realty Sdn Bhd director and HSL Samarahan Marathon organising committee co-chairman Yu Ji revealed that more than 800 runners have already signed up during the early bird phase, with half marathon slots filling up quickly.
“The fun runs (6km and 3km) will take place on the evening of Saturday, June 14, while the competitive runs (42km, 21km, and 10km) with cash prizes will kick off on Sunday, June 15, from 1am to 5.30am. Registration fees range from RM60 to RM139,” he told a press conference today.
Returning this year is the crowd-favourite Best Costume Award, where fun run participants can showcase their creativity and compete for cash prizes, judged by special guest influencers.
“This light-hearted addition ensures that everyone—regardless of pace—has a chance to stand out and win cash prizes,” he said.
For out-of-town runners, official hotel partners Citadines Uplands Kuching and Rume Hotel offer special discounts and transport services to the starting line to ensure a seamless race experience.
More than 200 volunteers, including race marshals, traffic police, medical teams, and hydration crews, will ensure smooth operations. A further 100 student volunteers from Unimas and Universiti Teknologi MARA will assist with logistics, making this a true community-driven event.
The marathon continues to draw elite talent, including international runners from Kenya, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Brunei, as well as Sarawak’s own Team Haolian, whose members set personal bests on this course last year.
“Samarahan is flat, making this one of the fastest marathons around. Professionals love it for record-breaking potential, while amateurs find it an ideal course for their first marathon,” Yu emphasised.
On top of that, both 21km and 42km runners will receive finisher T-shirts — a rarity for half marathon participants. “HSL wants to give our running community what they value most,” he added.
Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Dato Peter Minos emphasised that the HSL Samarahan Marathon 2025 is set to be a must-attend event for runners of all levels.
“This marathon’s tagline is ‘Leading the Way to Healthy Living’, and I agree wholeheartedly. I thank HSL for creating a vibrant and healthy event for Kuching–Samarahan, and for being the sole sponsor. My council and the great City Joggers’ Club are proud to co-organise this race,” he said.
Sign up now via this link. For more details, visit lapromenademall.com.my or follow @lapromenademall and #samarathon on social media.— DayakDaily
