Porter Claims Victory at the 31st Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon

7 October 2024

KOTA KINABALU: In a thrilling showcase of endurance and skill, local favorites Walter Herman and Daved Simpat emerged as champions in the Elite and Veteran Men categories respectively, while the Philippines' Sandi Menchi Abahan dominated the Elite Women’s event at the 31st Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon on Sunday.

Walter, a porter by profession, made history by clinching his first-ever Climbathon title. He completed the grueling 26km ascent and descent of the iconic Mount Kinabalu in a remarkable time of 3 hours, 36 minutes, and 42 seconds (3:36.42), cementing his place in the competition's legacy.

The 35-year-old from Kiulu had to mount a comeback after trailing behind Indonesian runner Yusri Nanda at the summit. Yusri reached the peak in 2:27.31s, placing him 90 seconds ahead of Walter.

However, Walter’s exceptional descending skills allowed him to overtake Yusri and secure victory.

Yusri finished in second place with a time of 3:39.51s, while fellow local runner Jude Maikol claimed third place with a finish time of 3:44.11s.

In the Veteran Men category, the much-anticipated duel between former Elite Men champion Safrey Sumping (winner in 2016 and 2017) and Daved Simpat did not disappoint.

Both athletes were competing in the veteran category for the first time, and it was Daved who emerged victorious, clocking 3:36.13s to Safrey’s 3:52.49s.

Local runner Milton Amat completed the podium in third place with a time of 4:01.13s.

Meanwhile, in the Elite Women’s race, Sandi Menchi Abahan of the Philippines was in a league of her own.

She claimed her third consecutive Climbathon title with a time of 4:50.35s, having previously won the event in 2016 and 2017 before the competition was put on hold.

Malaysia’s Tahira Najmunisaa Muhammad Zain finished second with a time of 5:18.11s, while local runner Danny @ Kuilin Gongot secured third place in 5:59.35s.

This year’s Climbathon marked its highly anticipated return after a seven-year hiatus, with 206 athletes from Malaysia and abroad participating.

The top three winners in each race category were awarded RM8,000, RM6,000, and RM4,000 respectively. Prize money was also given to finishers from fourth to tenth place.

The event, supported by Tourism Malaysia, was organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Sabah Parks, and Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd.

The race was flagged off by Mary Malangking, the Deputy Permanent Secretary I of the Ministry, alongside STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.

With its triumphant return, the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon has once again showcased the resilience and strength of athletes who take on one of the world’s most challenging mountain races.