(Miri, 16th) Deputy Minister of Tourism of Sarawak, Datuk Sebastian Ting, pointed out that the annual Miri Marathon will be grandly held on April 13 this year. The event aims to attract 8,000 participants from 40 different countries, with race courses including a full marathon (42.195 kilometers), half marathon (21 kilometers), 10-kilometer speed run, and 5-kilometer fun run.
He said that the marathon is not only a grand event for long-distance running enthusiasts but also an important platform to showcase Miri's urban landscape and promote local economic development. The course passes through Miri's landmark buildings, parks, and waterfront, providing an excellent running experience for participants.
He pointed out that the event location will be set in front of Bintang Megamall, while the race kit collection will be arranged from April 10 to 12, 2025, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Miri Indoor Stadium. The total prize money for this marathon is RM100,000.
He said that as of the 12th of this month, the total number of registered participants is 5,118, from 32 countries. The nationalities of the participants are as follows: Sarawak 2,281, Brunei 1,248, Peninsular Malaysia 805, Sabah and Labuan 467, China 58, Indonesia 43, Singapore 30, India 25, Hong Kong 25, the United Kingdom 21, Japan 14, Australia 10, France 10, Kenya 8, Thailand 8, Germany 7, Ireland 6, the Philippines 6, Sweden 6, Cambodia 5, Canada 4, New Zealand 4, Vietnam 4, Estonia 4, Egypt 3, Netherlands 3, Myanmar 2, Bahrain 2, USA 2, Nepal 2, Russia 2, Czech Republic 1, South Korea 1, Lithuania 1. Foreign participants account for 46%.
He stated that the purpose of organizing the marathon is to promote health by providing a platform to promote physical and mental well-being, encouraging participation from both local and foreign residents.
“In addition, it also showcases Miri, attracting out-of-town and foreign participants allowing them to experience Miri's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. It also drives the economy by increasing demand for hotels, retail, dining, and transportation services, promoting local economic development, and benefiting local businesses.”
Moreover, he noted that the marathon could enhance the city's image by attracting repeat participants and new entrants through professionally organized high-quality marathons, establishing Miri as a central hub for high-level sports events and community unity by bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds, enhancing community cohesion and celebrating health and unity.
He stated that since its establishment in 2017, the Miri Marathon has shown steady growth in participant numbers, becoming one of the most notable sporting events in Sarawak. In the inaugural event, about 3,700 participants from various countries attended. In 2018, the number of participants increased to 5,000. In 2019, there was a slight decline with about 4,800 participants. The 2020 event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 race was postponed to March 19, 2023, due to a clash with the 15th General Election date. In 2023, a total of 5,628 participants competed, including 1,158 foreign participants from 11 countries. In 2024, participant numbers reached a new high, with 6,400 participants from 37 countries.
He also emphasized that the Miri Marathon is recognized as a qualifying event for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championships, with its course certified by World Athletics and being a member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).