BINTULU (Aug 12): The Bintulu Marathon 2024 concluded with a remarkable display of athleticism and community spirit, solidifying its place as a significant event in the town’s sporting calendar. The marathon witnessed an extraordinary turnout, with 5,800 participants from 19 countries, a substantial increase from the previous year’s 3,535 runners. This surge in participation underscores the growing popularity of the Bintulu Marathon as a premier event in the region.
The Bintulu Marathon 2024 featured four main categories, catering to runners of various skill levels:
- Full Marathon (42km): 353 participants
- Half Marathon (21km): 1,391 participants
- 10km Run: 957 participants
- 6km Fun Run: 3,099 participants
The 6km Fun Run attracted the largest number of runners, reflecting the inclusive nature of the event, which welcomed both seasoned athletes and casual participants.
The marathon’s most competitive races, the 42km Open categories, were dominated by Kenyan athletes, showcasing their exceptional long-distance running prowess.
In the men’s 42km Open, Kenya’s Denis Mugendi Kiura emerged victorious with a time of 2:23.08, narrowly edging out Ethiopia’s Wendwesen Tilahun, who clocked in at 2:23.11. Another Kenyan, Kennedy Lilan, secured third place with a time of 2:23.26.
In the women’s 42km Open, Kenya’s Eunice Nyawira Muchiri claimed the top spot, finishing with a time of 2:46.24. Her compatriot Peninah Kamau came in second with a time of 2:49.36, followed by Ethiopia’s Yeshiemebet Taso Nguse in third place, clocking 2:53.27.
The 43km National categories showcased Malaysia’s local talent, with Muhaizar Mohamad winning the men’s division, followed by Muhammad Haziq Hamzah and Ahmad Luth Hamizan in second and third place, respectively.
In the women’s division, Tiffany Lee Siok Chin emerged victorious, with Tho Siaw Khim and Sally Ann Yap Yu Ing completing the podium.
The 42km Veterans categories were equally competitive, with seasoned runners delivering impressive performances.
Kenya’s Samson Karega Kamau took the top spot in the men’s division, followed by compatriot Onesmus Maithya Mathangu and Malaysia’s Mohamad Shawal Roslie.
In the women’s division, Kenya’s Caroline Cherono clinched first place, with Mercy Too (Kenya) and Tiffany Lee Siok Chin (Malaysia) finishing second and third, respectively.
The 21km Men’s Open saw Kenya’s Job Minacho Kamonde crossing the finish line first, followed by fellow Kenyan Kipkemoi Chesang in second place and Malaysia’s Harresh Ramesh Kumar in third.
Kenya’s Chepngetich Langat dominated the 21km Women’s Open, with Malaysians Puteri Sofia Hanna Abdul Rashid and Nordalela Saidu taking the second and third spots.
In the 21km Men’s Veterans category, Mohd Harmini Ahmad led the pack, followed by Ling Tai Ming and Mohamad Sharif Mohammad Ekbar.
The women’s division in the 21km Veterans category saw Jane Jerono Rotich taking first place, with Lim Siet Fah and Kartini Ahmad Kamal finishing second and third.
The 10km Men’s Open was won by Kenya’s Emmanuel Kipronoh, followed by Malaysia’s Ryan Victor Bigger and Kenya’s David Kibet.
In the 10km Women’s Open, Malaysians dominated the podium, with Linda Chin Hui Ching securing first place, followed by Hii Win Nie and Yunizer Suhaili.
The success of the Bintulu Marathon 2024 was acknowledged by Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming during the opening ceremony. He praised the event for setting a new standard for future editions and expressed confidence in attracting even greater participation in the years to come.
The marathon’s organizers also extended their gratitude to the community, sponsors, and participants for making the event a triumph. Among the dignitaries present to award the winners were Bintulu Development Authority deputy chairman Dato Haidar Khan Asghar Khan, Bintulu Development Authority general manager Datu Muhamad Yakup Kari, and Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad group chief executive officer Ruslan Abdul Ghani.
