Kuching Marathon cancellation a blow to 13,000 participants who made travel plans, says Sarawak sports minister

Kuching Marathon 2026 has been canceled at the last minute due to the ongoing haze affecting the region, the Kuching Marathon Association (KMA) announced. The decision came after the KMA continuously monitored the Air Pollutant Index (API) and other environmental indicators, prioritizing the health and safety of all involved. Registered participants can collect their medals and finisher tees from Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre starting tomorrow.

The cancellation occurred after State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah visited the marathon's registration and race pack collection site at Plaza Merdeka. He stated that the State Disaster Management Committee had set API-based guidelines for organizing outdoor events, but the final decision rested with the committee, as they determine the safety of such events.

Over 13,000 participants had registered for this year's marathon, which began in 2014 and has since become one of Borneo's largest international running events.