Sabah Eyes International Stage for Harmony Run

28 September 2025

KOTA KINABALU:The annual Harmony Run is set to take a bold leap onto the international stage, with calls to elevate the event next year as a global showcase of Sabah’s racial and religious tolerance.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, said the timing could not be more fitting as 2026 marks Visit Malaysia Year, providing Sabah with the perfect opportunity to turn the event into the International Harmony Run.

Flagging off this year’s edition today, Joniston urged organiser KSRun Athletic Club to begin preparations, noting the strong response from participants outside Sabah.

“This run symbolises Sabah’s commitment to racial and religious harmony. The participation of runners from Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Brunei proves its growing appeal and potential to go global,” he said.

The Harmony Run 2025 drew 2,200 participants, with more than half coming from outside Sabah. Joniston said this demonstrates its dual role as both a sporting and cultural attraction, underscoring Sabah’s advantage as a state where some 40 ethnic groups coexist peacefully.

He added that internationalising the event would not only strengthen the spirit of unity but also draw running enthusiasts from abroad, boosting tourist arrivals during Visit Malaysia 2026.

“This is timely. Visitors will not just come for a holiday; they can also join the Harmony Run as part of their itinerary while immersing themselves in Sabah’s diverse culture,” he said.

Joniston also highlighted the symbolic inclusivity of the run’s route, which passes through key religious landmarks including the State Mosque, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Sikh Gurdwara and Buddhist Peak Nam Tong Temple.

Among those present to flag off the event were Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) deputy director Awang Juri Ag Tahir, Sacred Heart Cathedral pastoral council chairman Datuk Bernard Liew, Sikh Gurdwara Temple head Datuk Ram Singh, and Putatan Tai Pak Kung Mission representative Wong Yun Kong.