2025 XTERRA Borneo Sarawak Debuts Off-Road Adventure in Malaysia

December 18, 2024

BORNEO, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA (December 18, 2024) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — Standing tall as the fourth stop on the 2025 XTERRA APAC Tour, the first-ever XTERRA Borneo Sarawak will take place on May 3-4, 2025.

Supported by the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak, the two-day event aims to reinforce the region’s reputation as a place “Where Adventure Lives” promoting eco-forward values through community collaboration and sustainable tourism.

The festival weekend will feature eight events designed for a wide range of ages and abilities. These include a Full Distance Triathlon, Duathlon, XC Mountain Bike Race, Kids Duathlon and a variety of trail runs set against the backdrop of the South China Sea, along the foothills of Mount Pueh, through ancient rainforests and tribal villages.

Selecting Sarawak

Sarawak is a natural choice for a key Asia-Pacific host destination as part of the overarching 2025 XTERRA World Tour. It’s home to indigenous Dayak groups that include the Iban and Bidayuh, among others, whose cultures, languages, and longhouse settlements offer a glimpse into centuries-old traditions still practiced today. Several of the routes over the 2025 XTERRA Borneo Sarawak festival weekend will pass directly by cultural landmarks. The region’s rainforests shelter biodiversity, including orangutans, rhinoceros hornbills, and the famed Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, which can reach a meter in diameter.

UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Gunung Mulu and Niah Caves, along with climbs, excursions, and treks through protected habitats on land, highlight a fully immersive experience. Together with XTERRA athletes, families, and spectators, the setting fosters cultural exchange and natural discovery through challenge and adventure.

During the 2024 World Travel Market in London, UK, YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts stated, “Our mission is to preserve and share this unique heritage while pioneering eco-friendly tourism experiences that honour both our environment and our communities.”

Highlights and Event Details

The XTERRA Borneo Sarawak Full Distance Triathlon is the centerpiece of the event on May 3rd, 2025. Competitors will take on a 1.5K swim in the clear waters of the South China Sea, a 35K mountain bike ride through the trails of Mount Pueh, and a 10K run that weaves through tropical jungles and tribal communities. The course combines technical and scenic elements, starting with a two-lap swim at Roxy Beach Resort, followed by a bike route featuring climbs, descents, and singletrack trails, and concluding with a run over grassy terrain and loose rocks.

For multi-sport enthusiasts, the XTERRA Borneo Sarawak Duathlon (35K Bike, 10K Run) begins with a demanding bike course that traverses plantation trails and rugged terrain and transitions into a trail run through verdant rainforest paths. The XC Mountain Bike race offers another opportunity to explore Mount Pueh’s terrain, featuring stream crossings, fast descents, and technical climbs designed to showcase the beauty and diversity of Sarawak’s landscape.

The trail running events on May 4 include 21K, 13K and 7K courses, catering to all skill levels. The 21K Trail Half Marathon, part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, features steep climbs, technical descents, and scenic views. For younger participants, the Kids Duathlon and Kids Trail Run offer a safe and supportive introduction to off-road sports, ensuring an inclusive and family-friendly atmosphere throughout the weekend.

Statements From Supporting Partners

Landry Benoit, XTERRA APAC Technical Director:

“Announcing the inaugural 2025 XTERRA Borneo Sarawak is a milestone for the growth of XTERRA in the Asia-Pacific region. With the invaluable support of the local tourism board and government, this event will display Borneo Sarawak’s breathtaking landscapes and amazing culture. Malaysia’s passionate XTERRA Community has been eagerly awaiting an event closer to home, and we are proud to deliver the experience they’ve been seeking. As we continue to expand in Asia Pacific, this event represents our commitment to bringing world-class off-road racing to new and inspiring destinations.”

Robert Basiuk, Race Director, Sarawak Adventure Challenge (Draco Action Sports):

“We are very excited to bring XTERRA to Sarawak, Borneo, a thrilling adventure destination in South-East Asia. Sarawak has so much to offer for adventure sports and we are proud to be able to showcase the state’s spectacular scenery. Getting XTERRA to Sarawak has been a collaborative process with the strong support of the state government and excellent cooperation with the local communities and agencies. Sematan, Sarawak is a beautiful coastal area with the rainforest-clad Mount Pueh as a backdrop. This location provides not only a challenging and scenic race route, but also a chance to enjoy the hospitality of local communities. Experience the best of Borneo culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals.”

Borneo Outdoor Festival and Qualifying Opportunities

On Sunday, May 4, the Borneo Outdoor Festival will complement the inaugural 2025 XTERRA Borneo Sarawak event with a carnival-style event for participants, families and spectators filled with entertainment and cultural immersion at Semantan’s Roxy Beach Resort.

Following the success of October 2024’s XTERRA Trail Run Borneo Sarawak, the 2025 event provides additional World Championship qualifying opportunities for participants. The 21K Half Marathon will grant 28 slots for the 2025 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Snowdonia, Wales, offering trail runners a chance to compete at the international level. Additionally, the Full Distance Triathlon will award 28 qualifying slots for the 2025 XTERRA World Championship in Trentino, Italy, creating pathways for athletes across various categories to reach the pinnacle of off-road racing.

By combining high-stakes competition with cultural exploration and community engagement, XTERRA Borneo Sarawak will solidify its place as a standout event for XTERRA in 2025. To register and to view additional information, visit the official event page.

(Photo credit: XTERRA, @xterraplanet)

Preview Video: Available now on YouTube

About XTERRA

XTERRA is a global lifestyle brand that champions the outdoor enthusiast in their pursuit of relentless adventure. From pioneering the sport of cross-triathlon in 1996, XTERRA has grown to become a leading brand in off-road adventure through the XTERRA World Tour, XTERRA Trail Run World Series and the XTERRA World Cup, connecting an eco-aware community of worldwide explorers that seek to protect the places where they play. For more information, visit xterraplanet.com.