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Borneo Extremely Path Marathon (BUTM) 2024: 1,300 Runners Conquer Sabah’s Rugged Terrain
Sunday, February 23, 2025
The Borneo Extremely Path Marathon (BUTM) 2024 pushed endurance athletes to their limits as 1,300 runners, together with almost 300 worldwide individuals, braved the difficult landscapes of Kiulu Valley, simply 45km from Kota Kinabalu.
Amongst them was British actor and filmmaker Emrhys Cooper, recognized for his function in Coronation Road, who hailed the race as “one of the best ultra marathons” he has ever participated in.
Cooper, a part of the UK-based Maverick Racers, ran within the 50km class and was joined by seven fellow workforce members.
“The run was tough but incredibly rewarding. I slipped down countless times due to the wet trails, but the experience was unforgettable,” stated Cooper.
The intense path marathon, which passed off from February 22 to 23, is an annual occasion supported by the Sabah Tourism Board. The race consists of 4 classes: 106km, 55km, 32km, and 9km, every designed to check the bodily and psychological resilience of individuals.
Tackling Sabah’s Wild Terrain
Runners navigated steep jungle trails, dust tracks, and backroads, encountering breathtaking views of ridges, valleys, and the majestic Mount Kinabalu.
Regardless of difficult climate circumstances, worldwide runners praised the course.
Norway’s Veslemoy Ronnevik, winner of the ladies’s 50km class, highlighted the drastic shift in local weather.
“The surface was slippery because of the rain, but the scenery made it worth it. When I left Norway, it was -10°C, so running in Sabah’s humidity was a real test,” she stated.
Sabah Strengthens Journey Tourism Attraction
The occasion was flagged off by Assistant Tourism, Tradition, and Setting Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who additionally serves as Sabah Tourism Board chairman. He emphasised the rising impression of BUTM on Sabah’s journey tourism business, aligning with the federal government’s efforts to place the area as a premier vacation spot for excessive sports activities.
“With more international athletes joining each year, BUTM is gaining a strong global reputation. Events like this support our goal of making Kiulu a top adventure tourism hotspot,” stated Bangkuai.
As Sabah continues to draw endurance athletes and journey seekers worldwide, the Sabah Tourism Board stays dedicated to creating infrastructure and selling eco-friendly journey tourism.
