By John T
KOTA KINABALU: The Borneo International Marathon is not merely a running event; it is a remarkable success story, said Minister of Sabah Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Datuk Haji Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
He said the events which began in 2008 with just 529 participants marked the humble beginning of a journey that has since grown into Borneo’s biggest and most significant annual sporting event.
“Today, the marathon proudly attracts more than 10,000 participants from more than 50 countries, bringing together local and international runners, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging youth participation, and generating meaningful economic impact through sports tourism for Sabah. ”.
“I would like to congratulate Kinabalu Running Club for its consistency, professionalism, and dedication in organising this event for 16 years and counting.
Your efforts have contributed significantly to nurturing a strong running culture and positioning Kota Kinabalu as a destination for major endurance events.
Beyond sporting excellence, Kinabalu Running Club has also remained true to its charitable mission,” he said.
He said this in witnessing at the Partnership Signing Ceremony between Kinabalu Running Club and Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad for the Alliance Bank Borneo International Marathon, covering the years 2026, 2027, and 2028, at Hyatt Centric, here today.
Kinabalu Running Club was represented by its president, Datuk Dr Heng Aik Cheng, who is also the race director, while Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad was represented by its Group Strategy and Transformation officer, Dr Aaron Sum Wei Wern.
Nizam said this partnership represents more than a formal agreement. It reflects a shared commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community development, and I commend both parties for coming together with a long-term vision that will further strengthen Sabah’s position on the international sporting map.
He said, since its inception, the Borneo International Marathon has served as a powerful platform for giving back to the community. To date, the event has raised over RM 1.2 million for notable NGOs such as Special Olympics Sabah, Sabah Cheshire Home, Palliative Care Association Of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Parkinson Association and other charitable organisations and causes in Sabah.
“This commitment reflects the true spirit of sport as a force for positive social impact. At the same time, I commend Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad for its continued confidence in Sabah and its long-term commitment to the Borneo International Marathon, he added.
Nizam said a three-year partnership is a clear demonstration of trust, stability, and shared values, and it reflects the important role that the private sector plays in supporting sports development and community-based initiatives.
He said, From the perspective of the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy, this collaboration aligns closely with our aspirations to empower youth through sports, encourage active and healthy lifestyles, develop sporting events that are professionally managed and internationally recognised and leverage sports as a driver for creative industries and sports tourism growth in Sabah.
Nizam said partnerships such as this are essential in ensuring that our sporting events remain sustainable, innovative, and inclusive. When sports organisations, corporate partners, and the government work together, we create platforms that benefit not only athletes but also volunteers, small businesses, creative talents, and the wider community.
“I am confident that through this renewed collaboration from 2026 to 2028, the Alliance Bank Borneo International Marathon will continue to raise its standards, attract greater international participation, and serve as a source of pride for the people of Sabah.
I wish both parties every success in the years ahead and look forward to witnessing the continued growth and impact of the Borneo International Marathon,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Heng said, building on the success of the 2025 Alliance Bank Borneo International Marathon in Kota Kinabalu, the Kinabalu Running Club and Alliance Bank have renewed their partnership for another three years, from 2026 to 2028.
He said, ‘This underscores their shared commitment to promoting healthy living, fostering community engagement, and creating a positive social impact through running.’
The 2026 Alliance Bank Borneo International Marathon will take place on 10 May 2026, featuring the 42 km full marathon, 21 km half marathon, 10 km run, and an inclusive 3 km charity category.
With routes certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), the marathon will showcase Sabah’s scenic beauty and vibrant community spirit, attracting runners from Malaysia and around the world.
Dr Heng expressed his enthusiasm for the continued partnership: “Alliance Bank partnered with us in the previous edition and played a pivotal role in enhancing the overall Borneo International Marathon experience.
We are excited to continue working together for the next three years, as this partnership allows us to further elevate the race while giving back meaningfully to the community. Together, we will continue to make the Alliance Bank Borneo International Marathon a symbol of endurance, unity, and purpose for Sabah, domestically and internationally.
For more than 15 years, the Borneo International Marathon has been more than just a race. Organised by Kinabalu Running Club, a professional and passionate team supported by more than 500 dedicated volunteers annually, the marathon has served as a platform for community engagement and social contribution.
Guided by Kinabalu Running Club’s belief that every runner is a hero, a portion of the funds collected from the marathon is channelled towards supporting local charities and non-governmental organisations. Over the years, Kinabalu Running Club has championed causes related to community development, health, education, and environmental sustainability.
Building on this long-standing legacy, the 2026 edition will expand its charity collaborations, support more local NGOs, and create meaningful opportunities for runners and volunteers to make a lasting social impact while celebrating fitness and unity.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Alliance Bank Borneo International Marathon also plays a growing role in positioning Sabah as a sports tourism destination.
Each year, the event attracts runners, supporters, and visitors from across Malaysia and overseas, contributing to tourism arrivals, hospitality activity, and local businesses.
By combining a world-class running experience with Sabah’s natural landscapes and cultural warmth, the marathon strengthens Kota Kinabalu’s profile as a destination for international sporting and lifestyle events.
Kellee Kam, Group Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Bank, said, “We are delighted to renew our partnership with Kinabalu Running Club for another three years.
As the largest marathon in Borneo, the Borneo International Marathon is more than a sporting event; it is a movement that celebrates unity, resilience, and healthy living.
At Alliance Bank, we are committed to building stronger and healthier communities in line with our purpose, ‘The Bank for Life’.
This partnership reflects our dedication to supporting local initiatives that bring people together and create positive, lasting impact.
We look forward to welcoming runners once again at the Alliance Bank Borneo International Marathon.
Each partnership cycle gives us the opportunity to evolve and innovate,” added Dr Heng. “With Alliance Bank’s continued support, we are confident that the 2026 to 2028 editions will set new benchmarks for community-driven sports events in Borneo and Malaysia.” For more information on race registration, sponsorship opportunities, and event updates, visit www.borneomarathon.com.
