INAUGURAL EDITION 2026
This first Borneo International SUP Marathon launches during this Visit Malaysia Year 2026 & will serve to establish Kota Kinabalu on the International SUP racing map.
The longer term plan would be to alternate the course every year, from sea to river (possibly Moyog in Penampang).
THE COURSES
42km
The length of the marathon is 42km, the same distance as a normal marathon on land, and 21km for the half marathon.
Sutera harbour
The starting & finishing location of the race is at Sutera Harbour.
5 islands
Paddling to all 5 islands of the TARP Marine Park: Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Sulug, Mamutik
TENTATIVE PROGRAM
DAY 1 (FRIDAY)
ARRIVAL & WELCOME DAY
Registration, athlete briefing, media welcome, and social kickoff.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 2:00pm – 5:00pm | Athlete Registration Collection of race kits, IDs, safety gear check & boat access passes |
| 3:30pm | Media Session & Athlete Introductions |
| 5:00pm | Relay race briefing |
| 6:30pm | Welcome Dinner. Light program with local cuisine and live music. |
TENTATIVE PROGRAM
DAY 2 (SATURDAY)
RELAY RACE AND PRESS DAY
Team relay competition, and media exposure
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:30am | Relay Race Start (Total 21km. Half Marathon.) Route: Marina > Gaya > Sapi > Manukan > Sulug > Mamutik — Pacific beach |
| 8:45am | VIP & Press Boat Mawali Sailing Departure Boarding from Sutera Marina dock to follow and document the race from the water. |
| 1:30pm – 4:00pm | Arrivals and recovery for athletes. |
| 5:00pm | Press Conference. Briefing for next day’s solo races. Featuring athletes, sponsors, race organizers. Light snacks provided. |
| Evening | Free evening or optional dinner meet-ups at partner restaurants (list provided in the welcome pack). |
TENTATIVE PROGRAM
DAY 3 (sunday)
solo RACEs day AND closing
Full and half marathons solo races, media coverage, prize-giving, and celebration.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:00am | Start of Full SUP Marathon (42km) Route: Marina > Gaya wreck > SMK Gaya > Gayana — Bungaraya — Sapi > Manukan > Sulug > Mamutik — Pacific Sutera |
| 7:30am | Start of Half SUP Marathon (21km) |
| 9:00am | VIP & Press Boat Mawali Sailing Departure Boarding from Sutera Marina dock to follow and document the race from the water |
| 2:00pm – 5:00pm | Expected Arrival of All Participants for Full and Half Marathons Race finish line festivities, hydration, massage stations, medal photos session and media coverage |
| 6:00pm | Prize-Giving Ceremony & Dinner Venue: Sutera Pacific Hotel Awards presentation, speeches, entertainment, and closing remarks |
