KUCHING: Some 360 participants recently took part in the fourth edition of the Santubong International Nature Trail Run (SINTR) 2025 organised by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) in collaboration with Alpha Sports Event.

The event attracted both local and international runners from Brunei, Indonesia and the Netherlands, reinforcing SINTR’s growing reputation as a premier nature running event in the region.

Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi officiated the event along with General Manager of SFC, Abang Arabi Abang Aimran.

In a statement on Tuesday, Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman said this event is not just a sport but also an important platform in introducing the beauty of Sarawak's nature while promoting eco-tourism.

"I commend SFC and Alpha Sports Event on the success of organising this event. The Santubong International Nature Trail Run not only challenges the physical endurance of participants but also provides runners with the opportunity to enjoy the uniqueness of our tropical rainforest ecosystem.

“With increasing international participation, I am confident that this event can continue to grow and become a major sports tourism attraction in Sarawak,”he said.

The run this year featured three main categories which are 6 kilometres (km), 10km, and 20km, involving challenging routes through the forest under the SFC's fully protected area.

In an effort to increase the competitiveness of this event, Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman also proposed the addition of longer distance categories, including the internationally renowned Ultra Nature Trail Run concept (40km-100km).

"We can consider adding a longer distance category so that this event is on par with ultra runs organised worldwide.

“This will not only challenge participants but also elevate Sarawak as an international extreme sports destination,” he said.

Given its success, the Pantai Damai Assemblyman also suggested that SINTR be made an annual event similar to the Kuching Marathon and Rainforest World Music Festival to enable better preparations and attract more participants in the future. -UKASnews