NEWS & UPDATES

KUCHING
10 AUGUST 2025

Close to 6,000 runners from Malaysia and 14 countries converged at the Kuching Isthmus on Sunday (10 August) for the 10th and largest edition of the Sarawak Energy Isthmus Run, raising RM360,000 for 12 charitable organisations across Sarawak.

The Sarawak Energy Isthmus Run 2025 marked the debut of the 42.195km Full Marathon, with over 400 runners taking part in the inaugural category. For the first time, the run featured routes certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), with both the 42.195km Full Marathon and 21km Half Marathon courses officially measured to international standards by the global distance running body.

This year’s edition welcomed runners from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand.

Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili said the race event has grown steadily since it began in 2013.

“Both the Half and Full Marathon categories are certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), ensuring international standards and a world-class running experience for our runners,” he said.

Sharbini, who is also Chairman of the Sarawak Energy Employee’s Recreation Club, also highlighted the social impact of the event, with registration fees channelled to charitable causes.

“Thanks to your support, we have raised a total of RM360,000 from the Sarawak Energy Isthmus Run registration fees for 12 charitable organisations in Sarawak, reflecting our commitment as a responsible corporate citizen,” he said.

The 12 beneficiaries are Kuching Autistic Association (KAA), Sarawak Society for the Blind, Sarawak Society for the Deaf (SSD), Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS), Sibu Autistic Association (SAA), Association for Children with Special Needs Sibu (ACSNS), Sibu Community Services Association (SCSA), Miri Methodist Children's Home, Miri Home for the Aged, PERYATIM Bintulu, Yayasan Dee Hati and Sibu Methodist Care Centre.

Sharbini said the continued growth of the event signals a new phase for its future.

“This event will be renamed to the ‘Sarawak Energy Marathon’ and will be held annually on the second Sunday of August. The 2026 edition will be on 9 August, and we look forward to welcoming even more runners as it grows into a premier sporting event for Sarawak and the region,” he said.

Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi, officiated the event and acknowledged Sarawak Energy’s broader role in community development.

“As Sarawak’s primary electricity provider and Malaysia’s largest renewable energy developer, Sarawak Energy continues to demonstrate that their responsibility goes beyond powering Sarawak. It extends to uplifting communities, promoting wellbeing and fostering unity,” he said.

He also noted the importance of such initiatives in fostering a healthier and more connected society.

“Today’s run is more than just a sporting event. Whether you have taken on the 5km, 10km, 21km half-marathon, or the full 42km marathon, your participation reflects a shared commitment to a healthier, more active and more united Sarawak,” he said.

In the Full Marathon, the top three finishers in the Male Open category were Amos Kipkemoi Chesang, Samuel Komon Yeko and Joseph Mwangi Ngare. In the Female Open category, the top three finishers were Caroline Cherono, Susan Jemutai Kosgei and Purity Jelimo Serem. The top three winners in this category received cash prizes of RM10,000, RM5,000 and RM3,000 respectively.

For the Half Marathon, James Kahura took first place in the Male Open category, followed by Jonastoh Ekeno Lowoto and Gilbert Kipchirchir Kiptum. In the Female Open category, Alice Muthoni Koigi emerged as the winner, with Millicent Kipyego and Lim Siet Fah finishing second and third. Cash prizes for the top three winners in this category were RM2,500, RM1,500 and RM750 respectively.

Adding to the excitement, the event featured a pool of lucky draw prizes worth up to RM25,000. The grand prize in the lucky draw was a pair of return air tickets for two to either Japan or South Korea.

Various booths and activities were also held throughout the morning at the race village. Sarawak Energy congratulates all participants for their efforts and looks forward to welcoming even more runners to the Sarawak Energy Marathon in 2026.