The 14th edition of Malaysia's original Ultra-Trail Marathon was conducted on the weekend of 29th and 30th August 2026 with more than 1650 participants.
The 2026 version was one of the hotter races over the history of the TMBT - affected by haze from fires in Southern Kalimantan. Thankfully the race was completed just days before the haze got really bad and blanketed almost all of Sabah. The heat challenged many runners, and we had a few heat-related medical cases and difficult evacuations from the course, but thankfully all were resolved by our rescue and medical teams and everyone is safely out from the course.
Borneo Ultra Trails would like to thank all participants and everyone contributing to the success of the 2026 TMBT. This includes our volunteers and race officials looking after the competitors at aid stations, our communication teams manning remote stations and keeping runners on track, rescue and medic teams keeping everyone safe and looked after, our photographers capturing the spirit of the event for memories and not least the local communities along the route who both provide excellent assistance and let us trample through their back yards and fields. We are greatly thankful to everyone – the race could not be conducted without you!
The beginning haze and mostly cloud-free sky led to hot and challenging race conditions. Many found good use of the "Ice Bandana" that was part of the race package this year, and more than half a ton of ice transported out to the remote stations gave a little relief from the heat. Thank-fully most runners were well prepared and managed the heat well. Full race results can be found at: TMBT Race Results
We would like to congratulate the top athletes battling out for the podiums as well as all finishers completing "The Most Brutal Thing". For those who did not quite make it to the finish in time, we congratulate you on your attempt and wish better luck next time.
Photos from the race organisation will be posted over the coming weeks and eventually gathered in an album on our FLICKR account for easy viewing and downloads. In addition to the official event photographers a large number of entrepreneur photographers were taking pictures along the course - these can be found on various platforms.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon (BUTM) on 4th and 5th April 2027 is now OPEN FOR REGISTRATIONS.
The next TMBT will be on 11-12 September 2027.
We love to see the young generation take part - thanks to parents and kids who take up the challenge. Thea Mikaela Stennylaus - just recently turned 4, did the 7.5 km in style - what's your excuse? For BUTM we are looking into the possibility of a shorter route specifically for kids.
Cloud-free skies led to hot and dry conditions but a spectacular backdrop for the course and here the 30/50 km finish stage with Angelie Cabalo of the Philippines who took a convincing win in the women's 50 km. Who needs a backdrop banner with "The Most Beautiful Thing" hovering above?