KOTA KINABALU: State Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Christina Liew has expressed her full support for the upcoming Mount Trusmadi International Climbathon 2024.
During a meeting with the organisers here, she assured them that her ministry would provide the necessary assistance to ensure the success of the event.
The climbathon, jointly organized by the Velocity Running Club, Sabah Forestry Department, and Tambunan District Office, aims to attract around 500 participants from Malaysia and foreign countries.
To kickstart the event, Liew has been invited to launch it on February 6 at Pusat Sejadi Hutan Lipur Kawang in Papar.
She believes that it is crucial to promote Mount Trusmadi, the second-highest mountain in Malaysia, and showcase the natural beauty of the area both locally and internationally.
Liew commended the organisers for their initiative in organising this international event, which has the potential to become a new eco-tourism product.
She also emphasised the importance of encouraging climbing enthusiasts to scale the mountain for fitness and health purposes, in addition to the climbathon.
Liew highlighted that the climbathon will help raise awareness about Mount Trusmadi, which is not as well known as Mount Kinabalu.
Standing at a height of 2,642 metres, Mount Trusmadi boasts unique flora and fauna.
During the meeting, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Operation) Musa Salleh and the President of Velocity Running Club, Andrew Lian Awa, briefed the Minister on the details of the climbathon.
The Mount Trusmadi International Climbathon offers two categories: a 30km route for international climbers and a 21km route for locals, open to both men and women.
Winners will have the opportunity to win a total cash prize of RM29,600.
The climbathon not only tests physical endurance and determination but also provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural wonders of Mount Trusmadi.
