LAST YEAR’S WINNERS ARE NO. 1 AGAIN
This year’s race more difficult due to rain, cold temperature, say runners
CHAMPIONS of last year’s Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon successfully defended their titles yesterday in the Elite men’s and women’s categories.
Sabahan Safrey Sumping, 34, clocked in at 2:18:28, three minutes faster than his winning feat last year, for a shortened route from Kinabalu Park to Panalaban.
He was initially third behind Kenyans Lel Kipchirchir and John Kipkorir while ascending to Panalaban.
“It was raining and windy up there, but I overtook them while descending at Timpohon Gate," said Safrey.
Kipchirchir finished second at 2:20:22, 20 seconds ahead of 35year-old porter Daved Sumpat from Kota Belud.
Daved, who was recovering from a left calf injury over the past seven months, overtook two international participants during the descent.
Elite women’s category winner, the Philippines’ Sandi Menchi Catlona Abahan, 27, clocked in at 3:04:30, six minutes behind her time last year.
“It was tougher this year as the route was more slippery due to the rain,” she said.
Second place winner Anineh Dainin, 37, from Sabah, clocked 3:09:33.
Twenty-seven-year-old Kenyan Valentine Serem arrived at the finish line 19 minutes later.
Valentine, who concurred that the race this year was more difficult due to the precipitation and cold temperature, said she relied on her determination to finish the race.
First-prize winners in both categories took home RM8,000; second-place runners bagged RM6,000; and, third-place runners pocketed RM4,000.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun presented the mock cheques and medals.
Present were Sabah Parks chairman of Board of Trustees Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin Tengku Mohamood and director Dr Jamili Nais.