PADAWAN – The Sapit Trail Run 2025 is emerging not merely as a sporting event, but as a catalyst for community cohesion and rural economic growth in Kampung Sapit, also marketed as Kampung Atas Awan for its elevated terrain.
During the postponement, certificate and prize-giving ceremony on Sunday, Julius Scott Sapong, Chief Administrative Officer of the Padawan Subdistrict Office, emphasised that health-oriented and communal activities such as trail runs serve vital roles in nurturing a healthy, competitive and united populace.
He remarked: “Activities like this not only promote a healthy lifestyle, but can also strengthen the spirit of unity and cooperation in the community.”
Julius commended the strong partnership between the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Kampung Sapit and the Kampung Sapit Tourism Entrepreneurs Association, noting that their collaboration was key to bringing the event to fruition.
He urged adjacent villages within Padawan to emulate this proactivity by organising socio-tourism programmes to bolster the rural economy and foster closer community relations.
He further invoked the Sarawak Government’s target of 5 million tourists annually, stating that recurrent initiatives like this should be promoted more broadly to support that goal.
In its inaugural edition, the trail run attracted around 70 participants from across Kuching, signalling a favourable response toward developing community tourism and outdoor sports within the Padawan area.
According to event listings, the runs include 5 km and 10 km categories slated for 12 October 2025, commencing at 7:00 a.m. in Kampung Sapit. (Event info from local listings)
As rural communities continue to explore avenues to stimulate local economies through events and tourism, the Sapit Trail Run may serve as a model of how sporting events, community engagement and landscape branding can intersect.