KOTA BELUD, July 26 — The annual Kadamaian Adventure Race (KAR) Ultra has become an important platform to promote Kadamaian as one of Sabah’s leading tourism destinations, Deputy Chief Minister III and Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said.

He said the ultra trail race has successfully attracted more than 2,300 local and international runners, including participants from Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, the United States, Great Britain and Romania.

“I have seen a significant improvement in the organisation of KAR, which undoubtedly helps promote Kadamaian as one of Sabah’s key tourism destinations.

“Congratulations to the organising chairman, Javadius Bollah, the organising committee, volunteers and all strategic partners for delivering another successful edition of KAR,” he said.

Ewon, who is also the Kadamaian state assemblyman, said this after officiating the prize presentation ceremony for the 160km, 80km and 35km categories of the Kadamaian Adventure Race (KAR) Ultra 2026 at Kampung Tambatuon here on Sunday.

He said the event not only strengthens sports tourism but also generates economic opportunities for the local community, including homestay operators, campsite providers, transport services and small businesses.

During the event, Ewon also presented a RM25,000 contribution from Cement Industries Sabah (CIS) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO), to support the organisation of KAR 2026.

“I appreciate CIS for its contribution and hope the corporate sector will continue supporting initiatives like KAR so that it can grow into one of Sabah’s premier sports tourism events,” he said.

In the men’s 100 Miles Open category, Wilsen Singgin claimed the title after completing the race in 27 hours, 38 minutes and 2.7 seconds. Mellveen Darius finished second with a time of 28:52:45.5, while Azman Salama placed third in 29:24:54.6.

Nurul Emyra Fazira Isnariah Absi won the women’s 100 Miles Open category in 34:05:03.6, ahead of Thailand’s Siriporn Leumathong (36:28:39.0) and Shamiera Auther (38:00:50.1).

Milton Bin Amat emerged champion in the men’s 80km Open category with a time of 11:38:10.7, while Jude Maikol and Willy Wilson Jafry finished second and third respectively.

Hasnita Binti Asis won the women’s 80km Open category in 14:42:04.0, followed by Harlin Richard and Amilisah Laisang.

In the veteran categories, Gustin Tiam won the men’s 80km Veteran race with a time of 12:23:22.5, while Kona Liau A Ken claimed the women’s veteran title in 17:07:00.2.

For the 35km Open category, Daved Simpat took the men’s title in 3:58:54.8, ahead of Donal Ronaldi and Aznil Faez Ismail.

Felecia Sounam won the women’s 35km Open race in 6:10:24.1, with Stencie Kimus and Stephanie Gelawit completing the podium.

In the 35km Veteran category, Ireneus Subil won the men’s division with a time of 4:45:10.6, while Rose Binti Gimbaloh secured the women’s title after finishing in 7:22:47.6.