Kota Kinabalu: The 2026 Alliance Bank Borneo International Marathon showcased an impressive performance from Filipino runners, who clinched both the men’s and women’s marathon titles during the event held on Sunday.
Edsel Moral led the way for the men, completing the 42km race in two hours, 38 minutes and two seconds. He finished ahead of countryman Dickyias Mendioro, who came in second with a time of 02:39.41, while Japanese runner Shinji Watanabe secured third place, clocking in at 02:41.03.
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On the women’s side, it was a clean sweep for the Philippines. Lizane Abella claimed the top spot with a time of 03:16.25, followed closely by her compatriots Jennylyn Bobleza and Maricar Camacho, who finished in 03:16.32 and 03:17.23, respectively.
The annual event this year featured over 10,000 international and local participants across the 42km, 21km and 10km categories.
The 21km men’s title was won by Eduar Flores (01:11.03). Second place went to Rogen Aguirre (01:12.50) and James Kevin Cruz (01:13.03) came in third.
Asia Paraase (01:28.35) took the women’s title followed by Jamine Cruz (01:29.33) and Jia Qi Chew (01:32.29).
In the 10km category, the top three places in the men’s event went to Daniel Huat Hui Fong (01:45.41), Aslihanziawawy Norbinsah (02:59.36) and Vun Shin Ho (03:32.18), while the women winners were Fredda Evanna Jemie (02:45.57), Mee Lu Ting (2:45.57) and Norlizah Sinail (03:18.20).
The other top three winners in other categories were Milton Amat, Fabian Osmond Daimon, Sapirin Sumping (42km men veteran); Siaw Khim Tho, Hon Li Min Hon, Joo Khim Chuah (42km women veteran); Selfli Anak Ahar, Jimmy Chai Ping Guan, Mohd Rashid Rahim (42km men senior veteran); Bee Hong Ewe, Mimi Yong, Lai Kuen Poo (42km women senior veteran); Guianus Salagan, Mohd Akilinnizam Sulaiman, Masanao Yoshino (21km men senior open); Masayuki Abe, Azizan Ayub, Mohd Sukri Alek Jefferi (21km men veteran); Jessy Fung, Erin Liam, Bee Yen Tan (21km women senior veteran); Nhea Ann Barcena,Moi Chee Lau, Irene Goh (21m women veteran); Nikos Tai Lee Onn Tai, Najib Mooiz, Azlan Kuste (10km men open); Simon Gelasius Kudjil, Shamsuleffandy Sulaiman, Yusop Tungob (10km men veteran); Sean Min Jun Hoe, Voon Song Heng ,Jeezy Flyz Zow Joeil (10km men junior); Cloey Wong, Bernice Tan, Janelle Lum (10km women open ); Yin Yin Foo, Chiew Geok Ng, Hody Liew (10km women veteran); Alya Marissa Maizul Anuar, Salt Balasan, Efyna Ares Lizod (10km women junior).
The 10km flag-off ceremony was officiated by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, and also present were Assistant Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Assistant Minister Dato Sri Anil Sandhu, Kinabalu Running Club and Race Director Datuk Dr. Heng Aik Cheng, Group Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad Kellee Kam Chee, Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia Sabah Khairul Amir Anuar and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board Tay Shu Lan.
