Biggest annual Marathon event in Kuching City is back. The Kuching Marathon is part of the Great Borneo Series and it is recognized by Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). There are more than 10,000 participant from local and overseas taking part in this 6th series (Since 2014) of grand sport event. The run takes place around Kuching City, passing various historic and notable landmarks in Kuching.
The Kuching Marathon 2019 official logo.
Event : Kuching Marathon 2019
Date : 18th August 2019
Motto : Let’s Run Cat City!
Venue (Starting and Ending) : Padang Merdeka, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak
Category :
- Full Marathon of 42KM (Starts at 1:00AM)
- Half Marathon of 21KM (Starts at 4:00AM)
- Run of 10KM (Starts at 5:30AM)
- Run of 5KM (Starts at 6:30AM)
Official Website : http://www.marathonkuching.com/
Official Event Guidebook : KM2019 Guidebook
We also visited this event last year. Do read our post at : https://360tour.asia/kuching-marathon-2018/
The Great Borneo Series
The Great Borneo Series 2019
The Kuching Marathon is part of the Great Borneo Series and is the last station of the series. The Great Borneo Series is a platform that give recognition to full marathon runners who participated and completed (within cut-off time) the three major cities marathon event in island of Borneo. The total distance is 126.585 KM being run.
- Miri Marathon 2019 at Miri City Sarawak on 17th March 2019
- Borneo Marathon 2019 at Kota Kinabalu Sabah on 28th April 2019
- Kuching Marathon 2019 at Kuching City Sarawak on 18th August 2019
Official Website for Great Borneo Series : https://www.greatborneoseries.com
The Kuching Marathon 2019 Route
Similar to the previous years, the Kuching Marathon 2019 Route will take participants on a journey through Kuching’s rich history and various famous landmarks of Kuching City.
Most of the route is similiar to the previous years, except second half of the Full Marathon. The route is no longer going to Jalan Diplomatik and Jalan Keruing or passing by Borneo Convention Center Kuching (BCCK). Instead the route is U-Turn at Roundabout at junction between Jalan Sultan Tengah and Jalan Akses FAC.
Also noted is the 30 minutes extension of cut-off time for 21 km run, 10 km run and 5 km run in compare to last year. The extension is in synch with the 42 km run, making all categories will end on 8:00 AM sharp.
Fun facts: The Kuching Marathon initially first started on 17 August 2014 with only 5,000 participants. Currently that numbers had doubled with more than 10,000 participants joining the event. Kuching Marathon is also the first marathon event in Sarawak and fourth in Malaysia.
The 42.195KM Full Marathon
The 42KM Full Marathon route meets the international standard of Full Marathon. The minimum age for the participant of Full Marathon is 18 years and above.
This route will take runners through both northern and southern administrative centers of Kuching City. This route will challenge the endurance of the runner to its maximum.
Along the route, runners will pass by several famous landmarks in Kuching City, including the Padang Merdeka, Astana and DUN (State Legislative Building) , The Cat Museum and DBKU (Kuching North City Hall), MBKS (Kuching South City Hall) , Jalan Padungan and the Cat statue.
The Route involves :
- Jalan Tun Haji Openg
- Jalan Muhibbah
- Jalan Kulas
- Jambatan Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’akub
- Jalan Merdeka
- Jalan Astana
- Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’akub
- Jalan Semariang
- Jalan Sultan Tengah (with U-turn at the roundabout connecting Jalan Akses FAC and Jalan Sultan Tengah)
- Jalan Semariang
- Jalan Bako
- Jalan Demak
- Tun Salahuddin Bridge
- Jalan Pending
- Jalan Padungan
- Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
The Full Marathon starts off at 1:00 AM with the cut-off time of 7 hours (by 8:00 AM).
The official route of the 42Km Full Marathon. [Source: marathonkuching.com]
The 21KM Half Marathon
If Full Marathon test the runners endurance to its maximum capability, those who have lesser endurance can try out the Half Marathon (21km). It is half of the distance, but the route will still take runners through both northern and southern administrative centers of Kuching City. The minimum age for the participant of Half Marathon is 16 years and above.
Along the route, runners will pass by several famous landmarks in Kuching City, including the Padang Merdeka, Astana and DUN (State Legislative Building) , MBKS (Kuching South City Hall) , Jalan Padungan and the Cat statue.
The Route involves :
- Jalan Tun Haji Openg
- Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol
- Jalan Muhibbah
- Jalan Kulas
- Jambatan Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’akub
- Jalan Merdeka
- Jalan Hashim Jaafar
- Jalan Astana
- Jalan Tun Muhammad Salahuddin
- Jambatan Tun Salahuddin
- Jalan Pelabuhan
- Jalan Pending
- Jalan Padungan
- Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
The Half Marathon starts off at 4:00 AM with the cut-off time of 4 hours (by 8:00 AM).
The official route of the 21Km Half Marathon. [Source: marathonkuching.com]
The 10KM Run
This is the moderate endurance run that suits most of the average folks. The minimum age for the participant of 10KM run is 15 years and above.
With less than a quarter of a Full Marathon, this course will take runners around several famous landmarks along the waterfront of Kuching City.
The Route involves :
- Jalan Tun Haji Openg
- Jalan Khoo Hun Yeang
- Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol
- Jalan Muhibah
- Jambatan Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’akub
- Jalan Merdeka
- Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Hj. Abdul Rahman Ya’akub
- Jambatan Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’akub
- Jalan Kulas
- Jalan Haji Taha
- Jalan Market
- Jalan Gambir
The 10KM run starts off at 5:30 AM with the cut-off time of 2 hours 30 minutes (by 8:00 AM).
The official route of the 10Km Run. [Source: marathonkuching.com]
The 5KM Run
The 5KM run is generally regard as fun run. This low to moderate endurance route is good for routine exercise for the family. They allow participants of 7 years old and above. Participants aged 7 years old or below must accompanied by parents or guardian who is participant of 21 years old or older.
The Route involves :
- Jalan Tun Haji Openg
- Jalan Khoo Hun Yeang
- Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol
- Jalan Muhibah
- Jalan Kulas
- Jalan Haji Taha
- Jalan Market
- Jalan Gambir
The 5KM run starts off at 6:30 AM with the cut-off time of 1 hour 30 minutes (by 8:00 AM).
The official route of the 5Km Run. [Source: marathonkuching.com]
There are many sponsors stalls in front of Plaza Merdeka.
This heritage tree at Padang Merdeka is the first landmark the participants will pass during the flag off.
Isuzu is the main sponsor for Kuching Marathon 2019.
The Kuching Marathon 2019
The Race Day Event Program
Information extracted from the “KM2019 Guidebook”.
The Race Day Event Program
18 August 2019
Flag-Off Ceremony (Padang Merdeka, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg)
- 12:00 AM Arrival and gathering of Full Marathon runners at start point
- 1:00 AM Flag off for Full Marathon Categories (Men, Women for Open and Veteran)
- 3:00 AM Arrival and gathering of Half Marathon runners at start point
- 3:20 AM Estimated finishing time for Full Marathon runners (2:20 hrs)
- 4:00 AM Flag off for Half Marathon Categories (Men, Women for Open and Veteran)
- 4:10 AM Arrival and gathering of 10KM run runners at start point
- 5:15 AM Estimated finishing time for Half Marathon runners (1:15 hrs)
- 5:30 AM Flag off for 10KM Categories
- 6:05 AM Estimated finishing time for 10KM run runners (35 mins)
- 6:10 AM Arrival and gathering of 5KM run runners at start point
- 6:30 AM Flag off for 5KM Categories
- 6:48 AM Estimated finishing time for 5KM run runners (18 mins)
- 8:00 AM Cut-off time for Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10KM run & 5KM run
Prize Presentation Ceremony(Padang Merdeka, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg)
- 8:00 AM Arrival of Guest of Honour, VVIP, VIP and Guests
- 8:15 AM Speech by Guest of Honour
- 8:45 AM Prize Presentation Ceremony for winners of 10KM Run Category
- 9:00 AM Prize Presentation Ceremony for winners of Half Marathon Category
- 9:15 AM Prize Presentation Ceremony for winners of Full Marathon Category
- 9:30 AM Refreshment
- 10:00 AM End
Road Closure during Kuching Marathon 2019
For the safety of the participant, the Road closure for Kuching Marathon 2019 will be as follows :
- 2:00AM till 8:00AM Jalan Padungan, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Lebuh Temple, Lebuh Wayang
- 12:00 AM – 8:00 AM Jalan McDougall
- 12:00 AM – 9:00 AM Jalan Market, Jalan Gambir, Jalan Main Bazaar, Jalan Gartak, Jalan Khoo Hun Yeang, Jalan Masjid, Jalan Taha
- 12:30 AM – 8:00 AM Jalan Haji Taha
The areas around Padang Merdeka and Plaza Merdeka (Starting and Ending point) will be closed as early as 11.30 pm on 17th August 2019.
Follow the orders of the local authorities and police officers at all times.
Car Parks for participant and visitors
Runners who are driving to the race venue are advised to park their vehicles on first come first served basis at :
- Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall
- Plaza Aurora (Formerly Kuching Plaza)
- Saujana Car Park
- Pelita Car Park
- Taman Budaya Car Park
- Reservior Park Car Park
- Green Hill Car Park
- Car Park at Top Spot
- Dewan Suarah Car Park
- Jalan Masjid Polyclinic car park
- Padang Jublee MBKS car park
The Kuching Marathon 2019 witness a record number of 10,681 runners with Foreign participants 1,023 runners from more than 20 countries including Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam and Yemen.
The participants of the Full Marathon.
The participants of the Full Marathon.
The participants of the Full Marathon.
Out of the 9,658 local participants, majority of 7,345 runners are from Sarawak, 829 runners from Sabah, 219 runners from Johor, 527 runners from Selangor, 366 runners from Kuala Lumpur and 372 runners are from other states of Malaysia.
The participants of the Full Marathon.
The prize categories of the marathon includes :
- Men’s Open (42km)
- Women’s Open (42km)
- National Men’s Open (42km)
- National Women’s Open (42km)
- Men’s Open (21km)
- Women’s Open (21km)
- Men’s Veteran Open (21km)
- Women’s Veteran Open (21km)
- Men’s Open (10km)
- Women’s Open (10km)
The Full Marathon Flag Off
The time is 12midnight and the road around Padang Merdeka is packed with participants. Everyone is anxious, everyone looks fresh. Some participants start their warm ups along the road. Happiness is in the air.
Guest of honor arrived at the starting point and flag off stand at around 12:45 , welcome by all participants with cheers and hooray. After delivery of the prayers, the flag off starts with a countdown to ten.
The guest of honor are invited to take photos with the participants at the starting point.
The guest of honor at the flag off stage.
The full marathon participants are ready for the flag off.
With the sound of the signal gun and horn, the Full Marathon of Kuching Marathon 2019 is officially started at 1AM sharp. Participants starts their move arond the Padang Merdeka and proceed on with their 42km journey.
The flag off of the Full Marathon of Kuching Marathon 2019.
The Full Marathon Runners started their journey.
After two hours of waiting, the finishing line starts to get busy to welcome the return of the Full Marathon. One by one Full Marathon finisher cross the finishing line.
Emcee at the finish line.
Holding up the finishing line.
The full marathon runner runs towards the finishing line.
When the first runner run cross the finishing line, the Champion of Full Marathon of Kuching Marathon 2019 is born.
More and more Full Marathon Runners cross the finishing line.
More and more Marathon runners reaching the finishing line, until the cut off time been reached, which is at 8AM.
The Half Marathon Flag Off
At 3.30 AM, the Padang Merdeka is slowly packed with people. Nearly two thousand people joining the 21km Half Marathon this year.
The Participant of the Half Marathon.
The Participant of the Half Marathon.
The Participant of the Half Marathon.
However there comes the heavy downpour few minutes before the flag off. The 21km half marathon flag off proceed as planned at 4AM sharp. The start off is slow paced due to the rain, however when the rain slowly drizzled, the pace of the Marathon speeds up. The rain provided a way to cool the body down while running.
Heavy rain during the flag off of the 21km half marathon.
The visibility is poor during the downpour.
We didn’t manage to take much of the photos in the rain.
The Race Against Time and Endurance
Marathon, either full 42km or half 21km marathon, both test a person endurance and ability to finish the task within the cut off time. The 42km full marathon cut off time is 7 hours while the 21km half marathon cut off time is 4 hours. Everyone must reach the finish line by 8AM sharp.
Marathon runners runs from night till dawn.
The shower is available at second half of the journey to cool the body down.
Marathon runners at Kuching City center.
Marathon runners at Kuching City center.
Marathon runners towards the last 5km.
Marathon runners passing the Kuching Waterfront.
rushing towards the finishing line.
rushing towards the finishing line.
The finishing line closed at the cut off time at 8AM.
At 8am sharp, the gate is closed and the Kuching Marathon is officially completed. Those who did not reach the finishing line by 8am are disqualified. See you next year ! they say.
Back at Padang Merdeka
Back at Padang Merdeka, Everyone is happy with their medals on their neck. The air is filled with joy and laughter. People take out their hard earned medal and have a memorable photo shoot with friends and family.
Having Medals – its time for more photos.
It is a joyful moment when friends completing the run together.
Taking photo with the Kuching Marathon 2019 backdrop.
Completing the Great Borneo Series is not easy task, but since it is accomplished, lets have a memorable photos.
A happy half marathon veteran runner with his medal and prize.
All the winners of the 42km Full Marathon, 21km half Marathon and 10km run are seated and ready for the prize presentation.
The Prize Presentation Ceremony
The Kuching Marathon 2019 prize presentation ceremony started at 8.15 am. There are given prize based on their categories. There are Open Category, Veteran (>45 years old) Category, and National Category.
The welcome speech by the Emcee.
Souvenir presentation to the Guest of Honor.
Souvenir presentation to the main sponsor – Isuzu.
10km Run Women Open
- K32731 SRI JULYANI (Indonesia) 00:47:56
- K32744 NUREZA (Indonesia) 00:48:46
- K32810 VAN ROODEN (Netherlands) 00:51:01
The 10KM Run Women Open 2nd Runner Up.
The 10KM Run Women Open 1st Runner Up.
The 10KM Run Women Open Champion.
The group photos for the 10KM Run Women Open.
10km Run Men Open
- J30561 RIAN TZE KYE MCCAWLEY (Malaysia) 00:36:51
- J30718 NYON SIU FAT (Indonesia) 00:37:15
- J30716 RAHMAN SETIAWAN (Indonesia) 00:38:36
The 10KM Run Men Open 2nd Runner Up.
The 10KM Run Men Open 1st Runner Up.
The 10KM Run Men Open Champion.
The group photos for the 10KM Run Men Open.
Half Marathon 21KM Women Veteran
- H25048 LING MEE ENG 01:42:51
- H25012 LEE LEH HA 01:46:27
- H25084 SEE SIOW MEI 01:49:19
The Half Marathon 21KM Women Veteran 2nd Runner Up.
The Half Marathon 21KM Women Veteran 1st Runner Up.
The Half Marathon 21KM Women Veteran Champion.
The group photos for the Half Marathon 21KM Women Veteran.
Half Marathon 21KM Men Veteran
- G24225 ALEX TIONG KING HEE (Malaysia) 01:27:53
- G24277 MOHD SHARIF BIN MOHD EKBAR (Malaysia) 01:29:21
- G24289 JOHN HALE (United States) 01:32:12
The Half Marathon 21KM Men Veteran 2nd Runner Up.
The Half Marathon 21KM Men Veteran 1st Runner Up.
The Half Marathon 21KM Men Veteran Champion.
The group photos for the Half Marathon 21KM Men Veteran.
Half Marathon 21KM Women Open
- F22797 ALICE MUTHONI KOIGI (Kenya) 01:20:23
- F22782 JACKLINE NZIVO (Kenya) 01:20:48
- F22790 EDITH JEPCHUMBA CHEMJOR (Kenya) 01:20:54
The Half Marathon 21KM Women Open 2nd Runner Up.
The Half Marathon 21KM Women Open 1st Runner Up.
The Half Marathon 21KM Women Open Champion.
Half Marathon 21KM Men Open
- E21061 MATHEW SAMPERU (Kenya) 01:07:05
- E20892 EDWIN YEBEI (Kenya) 01:07:57
- E21079 KIPCHIRCHIR LEL (Kenya) 01:08:50
The Half Marathon 21KM Men Open 2nd Runner Up.
The Half Marathon 21KM Men Open 1st Runner Up.
The Half Marathon 21KM Men Open Champion.
The group photos for the Half Marathon 21KM Men and Women Open.
Full Marathon 42KM Women Veteran
- D14035 EWE BEE HONG (Malaysia) 03:48:40
- D14025 KONA@LYDIA BINTI LIAU A KEN (Malaysia) 04:01:56
- D14064 CHANG CHIN LIAN (Malaysia) 04:07:25
The Full Marathon 42KM Women Veteran 2nd Runner Up.
The Full Marathon 42KM Women Veteran 1st Runner Up.
The Full Marathon 42KM Women Veteran Champion.
Full Marathon 42KM Men Veteran
- C13308 HILLARY KIPKERING (Kenya) 02:45:14
- C13300 SEFLI AHAR (Brunei Darussalam) 02:50:55
- C13068 MOHD RASHID BIN RAHIM (Malaysia) 03:06:38
The Full Marathon 42KM Men Veteran 2nd Runner Up.
The Full Marathon 42KM Men Veteran 1st Runner Up.
The Full Marathon 42KM Men Veteran Champion.
The group photos for the Full Marathon 42KM Men and Women Veteran.
Full Marathon 42KM Women National (Malaysia)
- B12023 THO SIAW KHIM (Malaysia) 03:32:21
- D14035 EWE BEE HONG (Malaysia) 03:48:40
- B12177 SEE LIE CHIE MADELIENE (Malaysia) 03:55:22
The Full Marathon 42KM Women National 2nd Runner Up.
The Full Marathon 42KM Women National 1st Runner Up.
The Full Marathon 42KM Women National Champion.
Full Marathon 42KM Men National (Malaysia)
- A10838 FABIAN @ OSMOND BIN DAIMON (Malaysia) 02:45:14
- A11089 SAFREE SABDIN (Malaysia) 02:46:26
- A10763 MOHD SYAHIDAN BIN ALIAS (Malaysia) 02:50:10
The Full Marathon 42KM Men National 2nd Runner Up.
The Full Marathon 42KM Men National 1st Runner Up.
The Full Marathon 42KM Men National Champion.
The group photos for the Full Marathon 42KM Men and Women National.
Full Marathon 42KM Women Open
- B12377 MILDRED KINYANJA (Kenya) 03:08:55
- B12330 PURITY SEREM (Kenya) 03:11:59
- B12387 BOGAHA KOTUWE GEDARA NILUKA GEETHANI RAJASEKARA (Sri Lanka) 03:14:56
The Full Marathon 42KM Women Open 2nd Runner Up.
The Full Marathon 42KM Women Open 1st Runner Up.
The Full Marathon 42KM Women Open Champion.
Full Marathon 42KM Men Open
- A11094 JOSPHAT KIPTANUI TOO (Kenya) 02:21:03
- A10903 STEPHEN MUNGATHIA (Kenya) 02:22:11
- A11067 KENNETH KIBIWOTT KANDIE (Kenya) 02:22:48
The Full Marathon 42KM Men Open 2nd Runner Up.
The Full Marathon 42KM Men Open 1st Runner Up.
The Full Marathon 42KM Men Open Champion.
The group photos for the Full Marathon 42KM Men and Women Open.
The Kuching Marathon 2019 is officially concluded at 9AM after the prize presentation ceremony. The next year Kuching Marathon 2020 will be held on 16th August 2020. See you there!
