BY JAMES WONG & Neville Timothy Sanders
KUCHING: The Spartan Race 2023 is expected to boost Miri’s tourism industry, attracting visitors from around the world and showcasing the city’s beauty and hospitality.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said those who come over for the race are likely to extend their stay to discover more of the city’s unique offerings.
“Having an event like this is a huge feat for the tourism industry especially when it attracts international participants, as it is good for the hospitality industry, whilst also promoting the city of Miri.
“All of these would help put Sarawak in the limelight,” he said during a press conference on the Spartan Race Sarawak 2023 at Baitul Makmur II here today.
As of today, 2,375 participants have signed up for the race, with 1,664 coming from more than 15 different countries, including Malaysia, Cambodia, Japan, China, Philippines, South Korea, France and Singapore.
Abdul Karim was optimistic of achieving the target of 3,000 participants for the race.
“I also believe there will be families participating in the race, including married couples and their kids, and it will be good for the family institution to cultivate this line of interest for their children.”
For the record, the Spartan Race Sarawak 2023 will be held at Curtin University Malaysia in Miri on May 6.
The race will also feature a children’s category for the first time, with distances of 800m, 1.6km and 3.2km for those aged four to 14.
Also present at the press conference were Deputy Ministers of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew and Datuk Snowdan Lawan, managing director of Spartan Race Malaysia Michael Goodwin and president of Kuching Fitness Association Allan Bungan.
