Quirky Guide

Do you think marathons are disappointingly easy? If so, then a race up and down the tallest mountain in south-east Asia might be more to your liking.

Late each year, hundreds of international athletes stretch their hamstrings and iron their singlets for the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon. It’s known by many as “the world’s toughest mountain race”.

Competitors run 21km on tropical Borneo’s 4,095m mountain, spurred on by thoughts of the US$4,500 prize. By way of comparison, a hike up and down the mountain takes around 14 hours for most people, plus an overnight break. The men’s winner in 2008’s Climbathon finished in less than 2 hours 45 minutes.

Anyone more inspired than flabbergasted by the last paragraph can register to run.