‘Cathartic mix of euphoria & endurance at the edge’: Borneo SUP Marathon sets a new standard for open water racing in Asia

Living up to its tagline, both athletes from across the globe and organisers WENT LONG IN BORNEO. From 27 – 29 March 2026, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah made history, hosting Malaysia’s first-ever long-distance SUP race – Borneo International Stand-Up Paddle Marathon (BISM) – on the waters of the South China Sea. With paddlers flying in from over a dozen countries – including Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, China, India, Brunei, Thailand, Australia, France, and Hungary – the inaugural event, backed by over $23,000 in prize money, delivered both competitive intensity and a rich cultural experience, as athletes took on either the full marathon distance or the 21 km course.

Battling scorching tropical heat and ever-changing open-water conditions, competitors faced a raw test of endurance – one that sparked serious buzz and rave reviews across the global SUP community.

Daniel Hasulyo – World SUP Champion, SUNOVA Team Rider and Coach, and the winner of the first Borneo International SUP Marathon 42 km distance, noted that although endurance racing runs in his family, with both his brother Bruno and himself always pushing limits on and off the water, the race still gave him “a completely new dimension of physical challenge.” He added, “It was a test that pushed both body and mind far beyond what I thought I was capable of,” reflecting on the intensity of the event.

Daniel Hasulyo, reflecting on the race:

“Preparing for a marathon race, is a lifestyle commitment. It is impossible to win a 42km race without respect and dedication to the craft. Over the past decade, my trainings with SEPA Strength and Endurance Performance Academy, allowed me to learn and understand how my body works and being followed by the most professional high-performance coaches of the world, I got to master the different stages of mental and physical preparation to feel confident at any start line.

Coming to Borneo, the pressure was no joke, as Kenta Yameda, from Hokkaido, who has been one of my biggest rivals in the past years, Japanese ultra distance specialist, and one of the strongest paddlers in Asia, had also set eyes on the prize, and we both took this opportunity to rematch against each other, after last year’s battle in Lishui. We both knew that this event was going to be a tough one”. 

Daniel Hasulyo described the 42 km Borneo SUP Marathon as a gruelling test of body and mind. Battling scorching heat, cramps, and exhaustion, he caught up with Kenta Yamada midway and found extra motivation: “Seeing monkeys trying to steal bananas at the checkpoint, paddling past blacktip sharks and stingrays, and thinking of the girls at home gave me an extra gear,” Hasulyo said. Drawing on months of heat training, he pushed through the final kilometers and crossed the finish line with a five-minute lead, calling it an “absolute cathartic mix of happiness and pain,” while both he and Yamada collapsed in exhaustion, supported by medics.

“Euphoria, endorphins, and a high amount of adrenaline over flow the brain, when achieving dreams under pressure, and I believe regardless the rankings, we all had the chance to live those emotions and sensation, thanks to the course and the majestic presence of the elements around us. 

I pushed him, he pushed me, we both met what we came for I think. A real challenge and battle that would not have been possible without each other and the incredible organization of the event. 

A Marathon Race is a marathon race, to me is the royal distance. On land or on the water, only who dares can experience what’s beyond.”

Nick Boura, center of the picture

Nick Boura, BISM Co-Founder, Race Director, and Coach at Borneo Paddle Monkeys,

“The most memorable moment of the race for me will be at CP5, more than halfway through the course, where Daniel caught up with Kenta who was ‘taking a break’. Both athletes unable to continue, bodies shut down, cramping all over. For a long 15 minutes, they waited, wading in the water trying to relax, stretching the cramps the best they could, unable to get back on their boards, hoping for things to change. They eventually managed to get back up and slowly restart. The March Sabah heat definitely played a big role here, for all levels but especially for the top athletes who always ride that fine line on the extreme edge. So the sense of achievement for Daniel Hasulyo and the whole field is real.

The few things that struck me is that, in spite of the very difficult hot weather conditions (think 32+ degrees C, plus the hard sun reflecting off the water onto the paddlers), every single participant finished, both in the 21 an 42km race. Zero DNF. Astonishing for such a tough race. Which shows that everyone was fully motivated and ready for combat, and in some weird way, managed to enjoy the pain.

Proudest moments? There is a lot going on behind the scenes at such an event, and seeing all those parts coming into place on the water in real time was very satisfying: Checkpoint Marshalls, supplies teams, marker boats, radio communications team, lifeguard team, kayak team, Red Cressent, MC, VIP/Press boat, drone team, photographers, Marine Department, Firemen, Navy, Police, Civil Defense, school volunteers, and on the ground Hotel Banquet team, merchandise team, secretariat/registration team, Prizes artisans team, and more! 

Another moment for me was when every paddler that I met up with, 100 meters from the Finish Line, and that by that stage of the race could have hated me for designing such a tough course, instead gave me a huge smile or a ‘Thank you for the experience’. I know that such a distance (especially the 42km, but the 21km also) can deeply change a person. That gives me confidence that our BISM has the potential to be popular and attractive to large numbers of participants. And that’s why we are here in Kota Kinabalu, to put Sabah and Malaysia on the map as a prime SUP destination. Now let’s get ready for BISM 2027, Visit Sabah Year!”

Benjamin Golimbi, Event Director and Managing Partner at Borneo Escapade Tours said:

“Looking back at the inaugural Borneo International Stand Up Marathon (BISM2026), I would define its success on several key fronts.

First, participation and international presence. We welcomed paddlers from 9 countries, which is a strong statement for a first time event. The mix of 21km relay, 21km solo, and 42km solo categories created both accessibility and competitiveness, allowing beginners, teams, and elite paddlers to be part of the same platform. The overall atmosphere was very positive, and feedback from participants has been encouraging.

Second, strong institutional support. The official announcement by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah declaring SUP as part of the State’s annual calendar event is a major milestone. The announcement was made during the prize presentation ceremony, held alongside a special dinner hosted by the State Government of Sabah, beautifully serenaded with cultural performances. This not only added prestige to the event but also showcased Sabah’s rich cultural identity to our international participants. It gives the sport legitimacy, continuity, and confidence for future editions, while positioning Sabah as a serious player in the regional SUP scene.

Third, successful multi agency collaboration. The event brought together various stakeholders, including logistics teams, safety units, marine authorities, PDRM, Bomba, medical teams, boat operators, and volunteers. For a first edition, managing safety and operations at this scale was a big achievement and sets a strong operational benchmark moving forward”. 

The event director concluded that BISM 2026 has set a strong foundation for the future in two main areas. Growing the sport: with official state recognition, there is now momentum to expand grassroots programs, boost youth participation, strengthen local clubs, and establish Sabah as a regional training and competition hub. Tourism development: the marathon demonstrated that niche endurance events like SUP races can attract international participants while showcasing Sabah’s coastal and marine beauty. With consistent branding and annual organisation, the event has the potential to become a signature sport-tourism product, drawing repeat visitors and longer stays.

Daniel reinforced the event’s significance and milestone in Asian SUP racing: “With the support of the Sabah Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Sport, Nick and the organizing committee have set a new standard for marathon racing in Asia, without holding back on resources, passion, and real energy. The course is truly spectacular, a test of all elements – jaw-dropping jungle scenery, corals, and marine wildlife paving the route along the islands. Soft sands and beautiful waters, yet a distance that made each paddler face their inner beasts.”

2026 Borneo International SUP Marathon (BISM) full results: 

Solo Full Marathon 42 km Results:

Solo Half Marathon 21 km Results:

Team relay results:

To find out more, follow the BISM Instagram page  and visit BISM website.

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*Images courtesy of BISM Organisers