KOTA KINABALU, May 11 — Organisers of the Borneo International Marathon 2026 have confirmed a hit-and-run incident during the race, which left a 40-year-old participant and a Rela personnel injured.
In a statement today, Kinabalu Running Club said both victims received immediate treatment from the event’s medical team before being taken to hospital for further observation and care.
“We have also contacted the victims’ families and are closely monitoring their condition while extending support to those affected and their loved ones,” the organisers said.
The runner, a full marathon participant in the 42km category, was believed to have sustained a neck fracture during the incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning while it was still dark.
The Rela personnel involved is 37 years old.
The club said the matter has been reported to the police and investigations are ongoing.
The organisers also reminded motorists to respect road closures and safety measures during organised sporting events.
“The safety of runners, volunteers, officials and all event personnel remains our highest priority. We urge all road users to respect road closures, marathon safety measures, and the presence of runners and crews during organised sporting events,” they said.
They said they had engaged traffic management consultant Danasafe for the race.
However, following the incident, several runners took to social media to complain about inadequate road safety along certain stretches, including areas that were reportedly in darkness or not fully closed to traffic.
In a separate incident, a half-marathon runner who completed the race later died at hospital after experiencing shortness of breath.
Muhd Irfan Tarmizi Muhlis @ Ramli, a lifeguard at the Tawau Sports Complex, reportedly completed the 21km category before developing symptoms.
The Borneo International Marathon is in its 16th edition and attracts more than 10,000 runners from 50 countries.
