KUCHING, Sept 25 — Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has expressed disappointment over the last-minute cancellation of Kuching Marathon 2026, which had attracted more than 13,000 registered participants.

He said the decision was particularly difficult for participants from outside Sarawak who had made advance arrangements, including booking flights and accommodation.

“If it is indeed cancelled, I myself feel sad because of the hopes of those who came and registered. We also know that there are more than 13,000 participants.

“Many of them came from outside Sarawak and had already booked accommodation such as hotels and homestays. Some travelled by plane, which involved costs to attend the marathon,” he said when commenting on the cancellation.

Earlier today, the Kuching Marathon Association (KMA) announced that the event, scheduled for Sunday (Sept 27), had been cancelled due to the prevailing haze affecting Kuching and surrounding areas.

Abdul Karim said he had been at the race pack collection venue shortly before the announcement and had not been informed about the cancellation at the time.

However, he said he understood that the organisers would have had valid reasons for making the decision, possibly following advice from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).

“I believe the organisers must have had certain reasons for cancelling it, possibly on the advice of PDRM and SDMC,” he said.

Abdul Karim said his ministry had also provided financial assistance towards the organisation of the event, although its implementation remained subject to various considerations.

He said he understood if the cancellation prompted criticism from participants, particularly those who had already made travel and accommodation arrangements.

At the same time, some participants had praised the organisers for prioritising public health and safety despite the decision coming shortly before the event.

Meanwhile, KMA said registered participants could collect their finisher medals and finisher tees tomorrow (Sept 26) and Sunday at the Alfresco area of Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre.

Collection will be available from 9am to 9pm tomorrow and from 8am to 1pm on Sunday.

Participants must present their physical race bib at the designated category counter to collect their finisher medal and, where applicable, finisher tee.

One person may collect the items on behalf of up to five participants, provided the physical race bibs of each participant are presented.

Participants who have yet to collect their race packs must do so before collecting their finisher medal and finisher tee.

Race pack collection will remain open on Sunday from 10am to noon. — The Borneo Post