By Olivia Miwil
KOTA BELUD: The annual Kadamaian Adventure Race (KAR) Ultra has emerged as a key platform to promote Kadamaian as one of Sabah's premier tourism destinations while creating economic opportunities for the local community, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Ewon said the event's growing reputation was reflected in this year's participation of more than 2,300 runners from Malaysia and abroad, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, the United States, Great Britain and Romania.
"I have seen a significant improvement in the quality of KAR's organisation over the years, which has undoubtedly helped promote Kadamaian as one of Sabah's tourism destinations.
"I congratulate the organising committee, volunteers and all strategic partners for successfully delivering another excellent edition of KAR," he said after presenting prizes to winners of the 100 Miles, 80km and 35km categories at Kampung Tambatuon yesterday.
The Kadamaian assemblyman said the race not only strengthened Sabah's sports tourism sector but also contributed to the local economy through increased business for homestay operators, campsite owners, transport providers and small traders.
Held from July 24 to 26, the 10th edition of KAR Ultra introduced the gruelling 100 Miles category, alongside the existing 80km, 35km, 12km and 6km races.
The race took participants through forests, rivers and hilly terrain around Kadamaian, located at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, with Sabah runners dominating the major categories.
In the inaugural Men's Open 100 Miles race, Wilsen Singgin emerged champion after completing the course in 27 hours 38 minutes 2.7 seconds. Mellveen Darius finished second in 28:52:45.5, while Azman Salama took third in 29:24:54.6.
Nurul Emyra Fazira Isnariah Absi won the Women's Open 100 Miles title in 34:05:03.6, ahead of Thailand's Siriporn Leumathong (36:28:39.0) and Shamiera Auther (38:00:50.1).Milton Amat won the Men's Open 80km category in 11:38:10.7, while Hasnita Asis claimed the Women's Open title in 14:42:04.0.
Gustin Tiam and Kona Liau A Ken won the men's and women's veteran 80km categories respectively.
In the 35km race, Daved Simpat and Felecia Sounam emerged as the men's and women's open champions, while Ireneus Subil and Rose Gimbaloh won the respective veterans' titles.
The 12km Open titles went to Adrian Petralanda and Vierawatie Haris, while Larron Sambuling topped the men's veteran category.
Ethan Ezeqiel Medin and Effymieaevi Kosai claimed the men's and women's 6km titles respectively.
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