By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 28: The 10th edition of the Sarawak Energy Isthmus Run, scheduled for Aug 10, 2025, will mark a milestone with the introduction of a full international marathon, drawing 5,815 participants from 15 countries.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said this year’s run, organised by Sarawak Energy Berhad, will feature a 42km full marathon for the first time, alongside 21km, 10km and 5km categories catering to both competitive and casual runners.
“A total of 5,815 runners have registered, including participants from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia,” he told a press conference at his office in LCDA Tower, The Isthmus here today.
Julaihi said the full marathon will flag off at 1am, followed by the 21km at 4am, 10km at 5.45am, and the 5km Fun Run at 6.30am. The entire event is expected to conclude before 8am.
This year’s edition offers a total prize pool of RM185,500 across all categories.
“Winners of the men’s and women’s open full marathon categories will each receive RM10,000 in cash, along with a medal and a special finisher t-shirt for the first 100 runners who complete the race within seven hours,” he said.
In addition to competitive rewards, runners will also stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes worth up to RM25,000, including return air tickets to Japan or South Korea, an iPhone 16 Pro, and a 75-inch smart TV.
He added that 100 per cent of proceeds from the event will be donated to charitable organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including the Sarawak Orphans Welfare Board (PERYATIM).
On traffic arrangements, Julaihi said several roads will be partially closed along designated running routes, in coordination with the relevant authorities.
A full road closure will be enforced from the Isthmus River Bridge to the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from 8pm on Saturday, Aug 9 until 10am on Sunday, Aug 10.
Partial closures will also be in effect along key routes in Kuching, including Jalan Pending, Jalan Padungan, Jalan Abell, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Main Bazaar, Jalan Satok, Jalan Kulas, Jalan Haji Taha, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Jalan Merdeka, Jalan Semariang, Jalan Astana and others. These closures will be lifted in stages as the run progresses and are expected to fully reopen by 10am on Aug 10.
Among the notable participants are 30 elite runners from Kenya, a country renowned for producing world-class long-distance athletes.
Malaysia will be represented by prominent marathoner Edan Syah, who will not only compete in the 42km race but also conduct a running clinic on the morning of Aug 9 at UCSI Hotel. The clinic is open to the public with registration required.
Race pack collection will also take place at UCSI Hotel from Aug 7 to 9 (Thursday to Saturday), with further details to be announced on Sarawak Energy Isthmus Run’s official Facebook page and website.
Addressing concerns over the haze season, Julaihi said Sarawak Energy will monitor the air quality closely and work with the relevant authorities.
“Sarawak Energy will liaise with the relevant authorities and seek their advice on whether the event can proceed. But insya-Allah, based on the current situation, the API reading may not be too bad.
“Let us pray that the air quality improves or remains favourable, especially on Aug 10,” he said.
For full details on road closures, transport arrangements, and accommodation offers, visit the official event page at www.sarawakenergyisthmusrun.com.
Also present at the press conference were Sarawak Energy’s Senior Vice President for Contract and Procurement Yusri Safri and Director of Electricity Supply Muhammad Randie Abdullah.
– DayakDaily
