Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is a 21km (summit return) ultra marathon in Kundasang, Malaysia. Distance: 21km. Elevation: 2,229m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 74/100). DNF rate: 10%. Time limit: 7h. Surface: trail. Established 1987.
Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon
Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
"Race to the summit of Southeast Asia. 4,095m of Mount Kinabalu up and back in a single push."
A race to the roof of Southeast Asia — up and back to the summit of Mount Kinabalu through rainforest, cloud forest, and granite.
The Course
An out-and-back race to the summit of Mount Kinabalu (4,095m), the highest peak in Southeast Asia. The course climbs through tropical rainforest, cloud forest, and exposed granite to the summit. One of the world's toughest vertical kilometer races.
vertical
out-and-back
3
4,095m
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
10°C
-2° – 28°
80%
50%
Tropical mountain — hot and humid at the base, near-freezing at the summit. Massive temperature swing. Afternoon clouds and rain are common.
Stats & Records
1987
200
04:30:00
02:36:00
Kílian Jornet (2009)
03:04:00
Christel Dewalle (2012)
Entry
MYR 500
March
months
Lore & Trivia
The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is one of Asia's oldest and most prestigious mountain races — a summit-and-return on Borneo's highest peak (4,095m). The course climbs from park headquarters (1,866m) to the granite summit through cloud forest, alpine meadow, and bare rock. Elite runners complete the ascent and descent in under 3 hours — an astonishing feat at altitude on steep, technical terrain. The mountain is sacred to the Kadazan-Dusun people of Sabah, and the race is held with their blessing.
- ▸ Mount Kinabalu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea.
- ▸ Kílian Jornet's 2009 course record of 2:36 for the round trip is considered one of the great mountain running performances.
- ▸ The mountain is sacred to the local Kadazan-Dusun people, who believe it is the resting place of their ancestors.
- ▸ The final section above 3,600m is bare granite slabs requiring fixed ropes — an unusual feature for a running race.
- ▸ Established in 1987.
Kinabalu Climbathon is Asia's toughest mountain race — 4,095m summit and back in under 3 hours if you're elite.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon? +
Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is a 21km (summit return) (21km) ultra marathon with 2,229m of elevation gain. The course is out-and-back on trail terrain.
How hard is Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon? +
Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 74/100 (Demanding). The DNF rate is 10%. Runners have 7 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon? +
Average temperature is 10°C (range -2°C to 28°C) with 80% humidity and a 50% chance of rain. Tropical mountain — hot and humid at the base, near-freezing at the summit. Massive temperature swing. Afternoon clouds and rain are common.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon? +
The men's course record is 02:36:00 set by Kílian Jornet in 2009. The women's course record is 03:04:00 set by Christel Dewalle in 2012.
What is the average finish time for Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon? +
The average finish time is 04:30:00. About 200 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 10%.
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