Labuan Hosts First International Pearl of Borneo Marathon
Labuan Hosts First International Pearl of Borneo Marathon
Updated at: June 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Labuan is set to make history by hosting the inaugural Pearl of Borneo Marathon 2026, marking the island's first-ever full 42-kilometre international race.
Taking place from June 6 to 7, 2026, the event will use Dataran Labuan as its iconic starting and finishing point.
This landmark marathon aims to transform the duty-free island into a leading destination for sports tourism.
The event has attracted significant interest, with 3,372 runners from 16 different countries, including participants from as far as Malawi, Ireland, and Canada.
To accommodate various skill levels, the organizers—Labuan Corporation and Faxtive Athletics Club—have introduced four categories: the 42km Full Marathon, 21km Half Marathon, 10km Run, and a 3km Fun Run.
With a total prize pool of RM105,166, the marathon has drawn both elite athletes and local running enthusiasts.
The full marathon kicked off at midnight on June 6, signaled by Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain.
Beyond the competition, the event serves as a vibrant platform to showcase Labuan as a growing hub for lifestyle and recreational activities, fostering a stronger community among local ultra-marathon and trail runners.
