Porter Wins 31st Mount Kinabalu Climbathon
Ranau – The highly anticipated 31st Mount Kinabalu Climbathon returned in 2024, and this year’s champion is none other than Daved Simpat, a 42-year-old porter who showcased incredible endurance. Competing in the Men’s Veteran category, Simpat completed the challenging 26km race in an impressive 3 hours and 36 minutes. His years of experience working as a porter on Mount Kinabalu gave him an edge over the competition as he reached Low’s Peak, the summit, in just 2 hours and 25 minutes — the first among 199 participants.
“I’m thrilled to win this championship. Having worked as a porter on Mount Kinabalu for 15 years, I believe that experience helped me. Even though I’m older now, I’ve trained consistently,” said Simpat, who placed third in the last Climbathon in 2017.
Race Highlights:
- Winner: Daved Simpat – 3:36:13
- Second Place: Safrey Sumping – 3:52:49
- Third Place: Milton Amat – 4:01:00
Safrey Sumping, the 2016 and 2017 Climbathon champion, finished second with a time of 3:52:49. Reflecting on the competition, he expressed excitement about seeing younger runners entering the event, despite his own strong performance. Third place went to Milton Amat, who crossed the finish line in 4:01:00.
Men’s Elite Category: Walter Herman’s Victory
In the Men’s Elite category, seasoned porter and nine-time Climbathon participant Walter Herman (35) claimed victory with a time of 3:36:42. Walter overtook Indonesian runner Yusri Nanda on the descent from Sayat-Sayat checkpoint, securing his place just behind Simpat. Yusri, who finished second, described the veteran runners as “flying senior men” and acknowledged the difficulty of competing at elevations above 4,000m.
Women’s Elite Category: Sandi Menchi’s Third Title
The Women’s Elite category saw Sandi Menchi from the Philippines take home her third Climbathon title, finishing the race in 4 hours and 50 minutes. Despite the high elevation and challenging conditions, Menchi expressed her satisfaction with reaching the summit again. Tahira Najmunisaa Muhammad Zaid finished second, while Danny@Kuilin Gongot claimed third place. Notably, only three women completed the race, with others listed as Did Not Finish due to the demanding terrain.
The Revived Mount Kinabalu Climbathon
The Mount Kinabalu Climbathon returned this year after a hiatus, with runners facing the steep ascent to Low’s Peak, Mount Kinabalu’s summit, and the equally challenging descent. The race remains one of Borneo’s most renowned endurance events, attracting athletes from across the region. With a cutoff time of 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach the summit, the race demands both speed and resilience.
The event also drew significant attention from the tourism sector, with key figures such as Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jeffrey Jimit and Sabah Parks Chairman Dr. Maklarin Lakim in attendance. Their presence underscores the Climbathon’s importance in promoting Sabah tourism and showcasing the unique challenges of Mount Kinabalu.
A Test of Endurance in the Heart of Sabah
This year’s Climbathon reminded participants and spectators alike of the incredible endurance required to compete in one of the world’s toughest mountain races. Climbers not only face physical obstacles but also the high altitudes of Low’s Peak, making this a bucket-list race for mountain runners.
For Simpat, Herman, Menchi, and other participants, the 2024 Climbathon was more than just a race — it was a celebration of perseverance, training, and passion for the mountain. The event’s successful revival signals a bright future for the Mount Kinabalu Climbathon and solidifies its place among the most prestigious Borneo endurance races.
Plan Your Own Mount Kinabalu Adventure
Feeling inspired by the Mount Kinabalu Climbathon? Whether you want to experience the thrill of climbing Low’s Peak or simply explore the natural beauty of Sabah, we offer a variety of Mount Kinabalu climb packages to suit all adventure levels. Start planning your journey today!
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