KUCHING: A total of 2,837 people have confirmed their participation in the inaugural Spartan Race Sarawak which will take place at the Sarawak Civil Service Leadership Institute at Mile 13, Kuching-Serian Road tomorrow and Sunday.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister cum Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stated, “The number of participants would have hit above 3,000 if not because of the haze affecting the state for about a month and almost had the race cancelled.
“However, we have to make the decision then because of queries from overseas where tourists were worried to come to Sarawak and have the event cancelled,” he said when speaking to reporters after visiting the venue for the race, yesterday.
Abdul Karim added that more than 65 percent of the participants are from outside Sarawak, thus the event would definitely contribute to the state’s tourism.
On the race, Abdul Karim explained that the franchise event has established a number of followers who are aware that the organisers would ensure a high standard of the event.
“Even within Kuching areas, the gyms have been very busy for the last few months — training the participants prior to the event,” he said.
He noted that the obstacles for the race had been ready since last week.
“Even local residents from nearby areas are coming up with local products to be sold during the event.
“Everything is in place…just waiting for the race itself,” he concluded.
