KUCHING: The Spartan Race will be held twice next year, in April and October, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“The race from April 4 to 5 is the Southeast Asia (SEA) Super Regional Series which is open to SEA participants,” said Karim.
“The race is a qualifying round to vie for a spot to the Asia Pacific Championships (APAC) 2020 and will be held at Leadership Institute of Sarawak Civil Service,” he added.
Karim, who is also the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister announced this at a press conference yesterday at Baitulmakmur Building, Petra Jaya.
Karim said 4,000 racers are expected to participate in the run which will be divided into four categories — Spartan Trial (10 km and 21 km), Spartan Sprint (5 km), Spartan Super (10 km qualifying) and Spartan Kids (1 to 2 km).
“The Kids race is for children who are between 4 and 13 years old where they will take part in a miniature obstacle course. I’m sure that parents may want to test their child’s strength,” he said.
The other race — Spartan Stadion race — will be held on a smaller scale. It is the only race in Malaysia which will be held in conjunction with the National Sports Month on Oct 3 at Sarawak Stadium, Petra Jaya, here.
“It will take place within the vicinity of the stadium and will not be difficult like the other races where the participants have to trek the jungle.
“Some 3,000 racers are expected for the three categories — Spartan Stadion (5 km), Spartan Kids (1 to 2 km) and Hurricane Heat (4-hour Endurance Boot Camp).
Karim said Kuching will also host the first Biennial Spartan APAC Owners Summit and Convention 2020 which is the first of its kind here and held in conjunction with the South East Asia Race in April 2020.
“The event is a gathering of Asia Pacific Spartan Race Owners and Partners as well as a conference with top elite athletes from around the world.
