Climbathon to promote Mount Trusmadi
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew has pledged full support for the inaugural Mount Trusmadi International Climbathon 2024 scheduled to be held in the highland district of Tambunan on May 25 this year.
She said her Ministry will render the necessary assistance to ensure success of this event during a courtesy call by a delegation from the organisers on Wednesday.
Jointly organised by the Velocity Running Club, Sabah Forestry Department and Tambunan District Office, the climbathon aims to attract some 500 participants from Malaysia and foreign countries.
For starters, Liew has been invited to launch the event on February 6 at Pusat Sejadi Hutan Lipur Kawang in Papar.
“It is high time to promote Mount Trusmadi being the second highest mountain in Malaysia, and the natural beauty of the area, both locally and in the international arena.
“I commend the organisers for taking the initiative to hold this international event which has the potential to develop into a new eco-tourism product.
“Other than the international climbathon, climbing enthusiasts should be encouraged to scale the mountain as a health activity for fitness,” she said.
Liew added that the climbathon will raise awareness of the mountain which is lesser known compared to Mount Kinabalu.
Mount Trusmadi, which stands at a height of 2,642 metres, is endowed with unique flora and fauna.
Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Operation) Musa Salleh from the department’s headquarters in Sandakan, and the President of Velocity Running Club Andrew Lian Awa, who is the Race Director, briefed the Minister on the climbathon.
The climbathon that will start at Gate Kupu-Kupu in the Nuluhon Forest Reserve of Mount Trusmadi offers two categories - a 30km route for international climbers and 21km route for locals open to men and women. A total cash prize of RM29,600 for winners is up for grabs.
According to Musa and Andrew, the Mount Trusmadi International Climbathon is not only a test of physical endurance and determination for participants but also an opportunity to experience the pristine wilderness and breathtaking landscape that the mountain and its surroundings have to offer.
“It is going to be an exciting and tough competition, given its challenging trail route,” they said.
Also present were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Josie Lai and Tambunan District Officer Sobitun Makajil.