KUCHING: Sarawak has been selected for the first time as part of XTERRA’s Asia Pacific Tour, a premier off-road triathlon series, from May 3 to 4, next year.
Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, the two-day event aims to highlight Sarawak as “Where Adventure Lives” by promoting eco-friendly values through community collaboration and sustainable tourism.
The festival will feature eight events catering to various ages and skill levels. These include the full distance triathlon, duathlon, XC mountain bike race, kids duathlon, and several trail runs set against the South China Sea, Mount Pueh’s foothills, ancient rainforests, and tribal villages.
XTERRA APAC technical director Landry Benoit called the XTERRA Borneo Sarawak a milestone for XTERRA in the Asia-Pacific region.
“With the invaluable support of the local tourism board and government, this event will display Borneo Sarawak’s breathtaking landscapes and amazing culture.
“Malaysia’s passionate XTERRA community has been eagerly awaiting an event closer to home, and we are proud to deliver the experience they’ve been seeking.
“As we continue to expand in Asia Pacific, this event represents our commitment to bringing world-class off-road racing to new and inspiring destinations,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 18).
The XTERRA Borneo Sarawak full distance triathlon will be the main event on May 3. It includes a 1.5K swim in the South China Sea, a 35K mountain bike ride on Mount Pueh trails, and a 10K run through jungles and tribal communities.
The course starts with a two-lap swim at Roxy Beach Resort, followed by climbs, descents, and singletrack bike trails, and ends with a run over grassy and rocky terrain.
For multi-sport enthusiasts, the XTERRA Borneo Sarawak duathlon (35K bike, 10K run) begins with plantation and rugged trails, transitioning into rainforest paths.
The XC mountain bike race provides another chance to explore Mount Pueh’s terrain, featuring stream crossings, fast descents, and technical climbs that showcase Sarawak’s landscape.
Trail running events on May 4 include 21K, 13K, and 7K courses. The 21K trail half marathon, part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, features steep climbs, technical descents, and scenic views.
For young participants, the kids duathlon and kids trail run offer a safe and supportive introduction to off-road sports, creating a family-friendly atmosphere.
The Borneo Outdoor Festival on May 4 will complement the XTERRA Borneo Sarawak event with a carnival-style experience featuring entertainment and cultural immersion at Sematan Roxy Beach Resort.
For registration and additional information, visit www.xterraplanet.com/event/xterra-borneo-sarawak.
