KUCHING – Kenyan athletes once again proved their dominance on the international stage after sweeping top honours at the Kuching Marathon 2025 (KM2025), which drew more than 14,150 runners from 37 countries at Padang Merdeka today.
David Rono of Kenya outpaced thousands of competitors to win the Men’s Full Marathon with an impressive time of 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 21 seconds. His compatriot, Abigael Jerop, continued the Kenyan winning tradition by securing the Women’s Full Marathon title in 3 hours, 15 minutes, and 19 seconds.
Their victories reinforced Kenya’s long-standing supremacy in long-distance running, a reputation that has defined marathons across the world for decades. For Kuching, this dominance has now become a hallmark of the city’s own international race.
Datuk Bandar Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU), Dato Hilmy Othman, praised the world-class performance of the Kenyan athletes while also celebrating the growth of the Kuching Marathon as one of Malaysia’s most prestigious running events.
“This marathon is not just about competition. It is about showcasing Kuching’s heritage, culture, and hospitality to the world. Yet, we must also acknowledge the remarkable consistency of Kenyan runners, who continue to set the standard in every edition,” he said during the prize-giving ceremony at Padang Merdeka.
The 2025 edition saw participants from across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Europe, and the United States. Despite the strong international field, Kenya once again stood above the rest, leaving no doubt about its elite status.
The Kuching Marathon, now in its 10th edition, offered RM125,000 in cash prizes across four categories – Full Marathon (42km), Half Marathon (21km), 10km, and 5km.
Recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), the Kuching Marathon continues to grow as a respected long-distance event in Southeast Asia, with Kenya’s continuing domination adding to its prestige.
Dato Hilmy assured that DBKU and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts would continue to support the marathon, with hopes of making it even bigger in years ahead.
“Our pride lies not only in hosting runners from across the globe, but also in witnessing the highest level of athletic excellence. Kenya’s performance shows why this marathon is now truly world-class,” he added.
