Homestays and vendors benefitted from recent Kadamaian Ultra event
nabalunews
By AVV
31 July 2024
KOTA BELUD: Kampung Tambatuon here has been praised for its perfect setting for rest and relaxation and for being a beautiful valley surrounded by a natural environment that merits many return visits. The river and the paddy fields as well as the fruit orchards are admired.
Recently, these scenes were augmented by the presence of so many people from various walks of life all over the world. It was a sight to behold with as many as 1100 runners converge to take part in the Kadamaian Ultra, a race that taxed ones physical and mental endurance.
It was a hot and sunny day when individuals from various background converged for the race. They were from United States of America, Germany, Britain, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia as well as India and Japan and Vietnam. Malaysians made up the bulk with many from Kota Belud and its surrounding areas.
Javadius Bollah, the organising chairman for the event said there was a heatwave at that time and instructed his crew to double water and ice cubes in each station to accommodate every runner. However despite the heat, it was a festive event where vendors stalls were frequently visited by those who came for the event. There crowds were more than previous years as it showed the highest turnout they have seen since the event's inception in 2017.
The Kadamaian Ultra, an arduous race held on July 26 and 27, attracted 1,100 participants from Malaysia and around the world. The event not only tested the endurance of the runners but also brought together a diverse and enthusiastic crowd of supporters and vendors.
With the participants and hundreds of spectators thronging the event area to soak in the festive atmosphere, the collective number of individuals present, including those cheering on the runners at every checkpoint and the various vendors, likely exceeded 4,000 people.
The lively cheering from the crowds undoubtedly provided motivation and encouragement to the runners as they tackled the challenging course.
The vibrant energy of the event, fueled by the spirited participants and engaged spectators, created a memorable experience for all involved. The Kadamaian Ultra showcased not only physical strength and determination but also the unifying power of sports in bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate athleticism and community spirit.
With that number and hundreds of supporters who thronged to the area to enjoy the festive air, the crowds who cheered the runners on in every check point and the vendors, it could easily number 4,000 people in all.
Javadius highlighted the significant benefits that homestay operators in Kg
Tambatuon and the surrounding areas experienced from the event.
“All the rooms were fully booked, including the camping sites, and even accommodations in Kota Belud township were at capacity. I genuinely believe that Kota Belud needs more hotels to meet the demand. We had to transport our participants from Kota Kinabalu due to the limited availability of rooms, which meant hiring vans to bring them here. As a result, the transportation sector also saw a boost," he explained.
Various groups benefited from the Kadamaian Ultra, including vendors, stall owners, local businesses, service providers, and the broader local community. Events like these not only boost the local economy but also foster social connections and community spirit.
Moreover, the event may have supported charitable causes, such as the repair of the hanging bridge at Tambatuon, Narinang and Bundu Paka, as well as the upgrade of facilities at Kg Bukid Balairaya.
Additionally, efforts to enhance local infrastructure, like installing new wiring and improving the overall aesthetics of the area, were also undertaken. It was indeed an event that gave back to the community.
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