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Kota Kinabalu: The sixth edition of the Kiulu Adventure Challenge (KAC) organised by Kiulu Tourism Association (KTA) scheduled on December 7 is set to attract more than 700 participants.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkui, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman, said this in a press conference at the Sabah Tourism Board on Tuesday.

“Our target for the event this year is 700 and more. For the record, last year, we were able to attract more than 500 participants with more than 30 were from overseas, so we expect a bigger number this year.

“We have received more than 100 entries since the registration opened a week ago and we are hoping to attract even more international participants to further boost Kiulu’s status as a top sports tourism destination,” he said.

He added that the uniqueness of KAC to combine mountain biking, trail running and rafting, which is a signature attraction of Kiulu plays an important role in opening the door for more opportunities for the locals in line with the government efforts to promote rural tourism.

“In terms of economics spinoffs, the event last year managed to generate more than RM100,000 that went straight back to the community,” he said.

Meanwhile, race director Arthur Kimon said the three categories to be staged are the 6km fun run for groups and families, solo trail run for men and women (30km mountain bike, 11km trail running) and team event-trio (30km MTB, 11km trail running, 3km water rafting).

To encourage the involvement of the local community in the event, KTA president Mejin Maginggow said a series of new, narrative-rich attractions will be introduced to appeal to everyone from competitors to spectators starting a day before the main event.

The competitions include slingshot, group mural painting designed to involve local schoolchildren and artists to create vibrant murals on plywood stands, telling visual stories of Kiulu’s landscapes and culture, creative “Dalai”-a fun and artistic challenge that honours the region’s deep connection to ‘Dalai’ or Job’s tears, a plant whose seeds are traditionally used as beads in local handicrafts in addition to traditional games challenge, tug of war and double dart open as well as local handicraft exhibition and sales.

The closing date for early registration is on September 17 and the official closing date is on November 3.

For registration, and those needing further information are advised to visit Eventfinder on Facebook or contact the admin at 016-3680640.