Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is set to make history as it hosts Malaysia’s very first long-distance Stand-Up Paddling race – the inaugural Borneo International Stand Up Paddle (BISM) Marathon. Taking place from 27 to 29 March 2026, this landmark event promises to bring together paddlers from across the region and world for a weekend of competition, adventure, and celebration of the SUP community.
The inaugural 2026 edition, launched during Visit Malaysia Year, is set to firmly position Kota Kinabalu on the international SUP racing map.
6:30 PM: Welcome Dinner
Light programme featuring local cuisine and live music
DAY 2 (SATURDAY) – RELAY RACE (21 km) & PRESS DAY
7:00 AM: Mandatory Safety Briefing for Relay Racers
Collection of race kits, IDs, safety gear & boat access passes.
8:30 AM: Relay Race Start (Total 21 km – Half Marathon)
Route: Start → Gaya → Sapi → Manukan → Sulug → Mamutik → Return to Start
8:45 AM: VIP & Press Boat Mawali Sailing Departure
Boarding from Sutera Marina dock to follow and document the race from the water.
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Lunch & Recovery for Athletes
5:00 PM: Press Conference & Briefing for Next Day’s Solo Races (Light snacks provided)
Evening: Free evening or optional dinner meet-ups at partner restaurants (list provided in welcome pack)
DAY 3 (SUNDAY) – SOLO RACES & CLOSING CEREMONY
5:30 AM: Light Breakfast Buffet
6:30 AM: Athlete Briefing
8:00 AM: Start of Full SUP Marathon (42 km)
Route: Start → Gaya Pontoon → SMK Gaya → Bungaraya Gaya → Sapi → Manukan → Sulug → Return to Start
9:00 AM: Start of Half SUP Marathon (21 km)
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Expected Arrival of All Participants
Race finish line festivities including hydration, massage stations, medal photo sessions, and media coverage.
7:00 PM: Prize-Giving Ceremony & Dinner
Venue: Sutera Pacific Hotel
The course:
Distances: 42 km (equivalent to a standard land marathon) and 21 km
Start and finish location: Sutera Harbour
Route: Paddlers will navigate around all five islands of the TARP Marine Park – Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Sulug, and Mamutik
Age categories:
BISM is designed as an inclusive event that welcomes participants across multiple age and experience categories. The competition is open to Open athletes, Juniors and Masters, providing an opportunity for individuals at different stages of their SUP journey to compete in a supportive and professionally organised environment.
Open
Juniors: From 13 to 17 years old
Masters: From 50 years old and up
Start and finish locations:
Start: Sutera Harbour Marina
Finish: Pacific Sutera Hotel
Full SUP Marathon – 42 km:
Half SUP Marathon – 21 km:
Entry fees:
Prize money:
The total prize pot is MYR 100,000 (approximately USD 25,000).
