A Grassroots Race With Regional Pull in Kota Belud
Held in the highland village of Kampung Kiau in Kota Belud, the Ulu Kadamaian Trail Run Vol. 5 has quietly become one of Sabah’s most appealing grassroots events. Almost 300 runners toed the line this year, with a mix of locals and out-of-towners from Brunei, Labuan, Lawas and Selangor – an impressive spread for a community-organised Malaysia trail race. The event was officiated by the Kota Belud Member of Parliament and framed as more than just a run: a way to unite the community, showcase Ulu Kadamaian’s natural beauty and stimulate the local economy through homestays, campsites and kampung products. A notable trend this edition was the dominance of younger athletes in the top 20, prompting organisers to consider separating junior and open categories in future. With Vol. 6 already planned as an annual fixture, this Kota Belud running event is steadily evolving into a regional destination trail race.
What Makes the Ulu Kadamaian Trails So Special
For trail runners, Ulu Kadamaian offers a distinctly Sabahan experience that contrasts with many Peninsular Malaysia races. Kampung Kiau sits in the foothills of the Crocker Range, with rolling village paths that quickly give way to steep singletrack, farm trails and forested slopes. Elevation gains tend to be punchy rather than gradual, rewarding runners who can hike strong climbs and descend confidently on uneven, sometimes muddy terrain. The humidity is high and conditions can change quickly, with mist and light rain common even when the lowlands are hot and sunny. What sets Sabah trail running apart is this blend of technical footing, lush river valleys and constant glimpses of surrounding peaks and rural life. You’re not just racing; you’re passing farms, hanging bridges and kampung houses, which creates a much more immersive sense of place than many urban-adjacent trail events.
From Kampung Event to Catalyst for Malaysia’s Trail Boom
Ulu Kadamaian Trail Run Vol. 5 reflects a bigger shift in Malaysia’s trail running landscape: the rise of small, community-driven events that attract runners from across the region. Instead of being dominated by big-city organisers, more races are emerging from kampung committees and local clubs who know their mountains intimately. In Kota Belud, the organisers explicitly tied the run to health, community unity and the promotion of homestays and local products, showing how a Malaysia trail race can double as rural tourism and cultural promotion. The race also helps introduce Kampung Kiau as a Cultural Geosite within the Kinabalu Global Geopark, bringing global recognition down to village level. As runners from Brunei and different Malaysian states travel to Sabah for these events, they strengthen regional connections and demonstrate that world-class experiences don’t only belong to high-profile international circuits – they can grow out of village trails and volunteer passion.
Travel and Logistics: A Primer for West Malaysians
For runners from Peninsular Malaysia considering Sabah trail running, Ulu Kadamaian is a manageable yet adventurous option. Most travellers will first fly into Kota Kinabalu, then continue overland to Kota Belud and up to Kampung Kiau, where the Ulu Kadamaian Trail Run starts and finishes. The area is developing a network of homestays and campsites promoted through the event, which makes it easy to stay close to the action and support local hosts at the same time. Expect simple, kampung-style accommodation rather than resort comforts – a trade-off that many runners happily accept for cool air and sunrise mountain views. Because public transport into village areas can be limited, it’s wise to coordinate with organisers or other participants for carpooling, or arrange private transport from Kota Kinabalu. Arriving at least a day early allows you to adjust to the climate, collect your bib and walk parts of the route.
Gear, Safety and the Appeal of Destination Trail Holidays
Sabah’s tropical mountains demand a few specific choices from trail runners. Footwear with aggressive grip is essential for the muddy, often slick slopes around Ulu Kadamaian, while lightweight, breathable clothing helps manage the combination of heat and humidity. Hydration should be a priority: carrying sufficient water or electrolyte mix between aid stations can be the difference between a strong finish and a DNF, especially for those more accustomed to cooler Peninsular climates. Weatherproof layers are advisable, as rain can arrive quickly even on an otherwise clear day. These challenges are exactly why more Malaysians are turning races like the Ulu Kadamaian Trail Run into short destination trail race holidays. Instead of passive sightseeing, runners get a deep dive into kampung life, geopark landscapes and local food – all anchored around race day. It’s an active, immersive way to experience Borneo that keeps people coming back year after year.