KUCHING: The upcoming Hock Seng Lee (HSL) Samarahan Half Marathon 2026 is set to bring together more than 2,000 participants from Sarawak and abroad, marking another strong turnout for one of the state’s growing sporting events.
The event, scheduled to take place this weekend, continues to gain popularity among running enthusiasts and has become a key fixture in Samarahan’s annual sports calendar. Organisers confirmed that the participants include both local runners and international entrants, highlighting the event’s growing regional appeal and its role in promoting sports tourism in Sarawak.
Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the marathon has developed into an important platform that supports healthy living while also contributing to local tourism and community engagement.
He said the Sarawak Government remains committed to supporting such initiatives through collaboration with event organisers, especially those that encourage active lifestyles and bring economic benefits to local areas. According to him, sporting events like this not only promote fitness but also help to strengthen community spirit and attract visitors to the state.
The minister made the remarks during a press conference held at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Media Room on Wednesday.
This year marks the fifth edition of the Samarahan running event. However, organisers have confirmed that the race has been adjusted from a full marathon to a half marathon. The decision was made due to ongoing construction works related to the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project in the Samarahan area.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim explained that parts of the route are currently affected by construction activity, making it unsuitable for long-distance runners. He stressed that the change was made with safety as the top priority, ensuring participants are not exposed to unnecessary risks along construction zones.
Despite the adjustment in distance, organisers remain confident that the event will still deliver a competitive and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Also present at the press conference were Deputy Ministers of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, along with senior officials from relevant ministries.
As Samarahan prepares to host thousands of runners this weekend, the event is expected to further strengthen its reputation as one of Sarawak’s key sporting and community-driven activities.
