Kuching Marathon 2026 on Sept 27 cancelled as haze raises health concerns

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By Christine T

KUCHING, Sept 25: The Kuching Marathon 2026, which drew more than 13,000 participants and scheduled for this Sunday (Sept 27), has been cancelled due to the prevailing haze affecting Kuching and surrounding areas.

The Kuching Marathon Association (KMA) said the decision was made after continuous monitoring of Air Pollutant Index (API) readings and other environmental indicators, including weather and wind conditions, in consultation with relevant authorities and medical advisers.

Kuching Marathon director Liew Tang Chieh said the organiser sought advice from the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) when the haze situation emerged and subsequently paid a courtesy call to the Kuching police.

He said KMA had also taken into consideration advice from the Kuching Divisional Health Office and the Sarawak Health Department in assessing the potential health risks to participants.

“The full marathon was particularly concerning as runners could potentially be exposed to the haze for up to seven hours, with the race scheduled to start at 1am and finish by 8am,” he told reporters at the race pack collection venue at Plaza Merdeka Shopping Complex here today.

Liew said the organiser had hoped to proceed with the event, but the health and safety of participants, crew members, volunteers, officials and medical personnel remained the priority.

Meanwhile, Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the decision on whether the race should proceed rested with the organiser and relevant agencies, based on the advice and indicators provided by the SDMC.

“I am not in a position to say whether the race should proceed or not. In Sarawak, we have the SDMC, which determines whether an outdoor event should be held,” he said during a visit to the race pack collection venue.

Abdul Karim also expressed dilemma due to the haze as the situation could change rapidly depending on weather and wind direction, making it difficult to predict conditions several days in advance.

“I am also quite in a dilemma when it comes to this because things can change from day to day. One day, you may see that everything is good,” he said, recalling that the weather had cleared during the Malaysia Day celebrations in Kuching on Sept 16, allowing fireworks to be held.

“But the next day, the situation was really bad. I was surprised as well. So, it can change like that. It depends on the wind direction,” he added.

Abdul Karim said his ministry provided assistance for outdoor sporting events, including the Regatta, marathon and half-marathon, but decisions on whether such events should proceed were subject to prevailing conditions and advice from the relevant authorities.

Following the cancellation, KMA said all registered participants could collect their finisher medals and finisher tees starting tomorrow (Sept 26) at the Alfresco Area of Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre.

The organiser said detailed collection schedules and instructions for Saturday and Sunday would be announced through its official social media platforms.

KMA apologised for the disappointment caused by the cancellation and thanked participants, sponsors, partners and members of the public for their understanding, patience and continued support.

“The safety and well-being of our community remains our utmost priority,” the organiser emphasised in a statement. – DayakDaily

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