Kinabalu conquered! Italy’s Oberbacher wins brutal 24.5km mountain showdown

Runners from 26 countries tackled the 24.5km route up Mount Kinabalu to an elevation of 4,095.2m. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 18 Oct 2026 2:38 PM MYT

RANAU, Oct 18 — Italian runner Alex Oberbacher, 32, conquered Mount Kinabalu to emerge as the men’s elite champion at the 33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon today, completing the gruelling 24.5-kilometre race in three hours, 20 minutes and 54 seconds.

Oberbacher edged fellow Italian Daniel Antonioli, who finished second in 3:23:46, while Japan’s Shoma Otagiri was third in 3:29:54.

In the women’s elite category, Spain’s June Villaroel, 25, claimed the title in 4:09:14, ahead of Russia’s Svetlana Nurmukhametova (4:18:45) and Belgium’s Vanja Cnops (4:42:19).

Russia’s Evegenii Markov emerged victorious in the men’s veteran category, clocking 3:29:11, followed by compatriot Ivan Vlasenko (3:51:02), while Malaysia’s Daved Simpat finished third in 3:52:21.

The race, which attracted runners from 26 countries, saw participants tackle a challenging route through Kinabalu Park, ascending Mount Kinabalu to an elevation of 4,095.2 metres before making their way down to the finish line.

Reflecting on his victory, Oberbacher described the race as a challenging but rewarding experience, particularly because of the spectacular scenery at higher elevations.

“The landscape is so nice, especially at the top where you can see the rocks. It was very hard and a very long climb, reaching 4,095.2 metres, but it was a really good experience,” he said.

Meanwhile, Villaroel expressed disbelief and excitement over her unexpected victory.

“It feels very crazy. I didn’t expect it, so it feels amazing. I cannot believe it yet, and I’m so happy,” she said.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the international participation further strengthened Sabah’s reputation as a destination for adventure tourism and world-class sporting events.

“The success of this year’s Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon reflects Sabah’s growing reputation as a destination for international sporting events. We are honoured to welcome athletes from 26 countries, including some of the leading names in the Merrell Skyrunner World Series, to compete on Mount Kinabalu,” he said.

The Climbathon, which was flagged off by Jafry at Kinabalu Hall at 6.30 am, also marked the 17th stop of the 2026 Merrell Skyrunner World Series, with runners competing for valuable ranking points ahead of the SkyMasters Grand Finale in Spain on Nov 7.

First held in 1987, the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is organised by the Sabah Tourism Board through its subsidiary, Sri Pelancongan Sabah, in collaboration with Sabah Parks. — Bernama