Tawau Half Marathon 2026

The Tawau Half Marathon 2026 is the finale of the Sabah East Coast Half Marathon Series, following the Kunak and Lahad Datu legs. Held on Sunday, 13 December 2026, it brings runners to the Institute of Science & Management (ISM), Mile 3, Jalan Chong Thien Vun, Tawau, for a hilly 21 km road challenge and an accessible 5 km fun run. The organisers promote the steep half-marathon route as “Fun Hill”, with views towards Bukit 3 and a different experience from a flat city race.

Race format and start times

• 21 km Fun Hill: starts at 05:15 MYT, with a 4 hour 30 minute cut-off. The Open division is for runners aged 16+, with a Veteran division for those aged 41+ on race day. Finishers within the cut-off receive the advertised finisher entitlements, including the half-marathon-only finisher shirt.
• 5 km Fun Run: starts at 06:00 MYT, with a 1 hour 30 minute cut-off and minimum participant age of 10 years.
• Both races start and finish at ISM, rather than the Tawau Sports Complex used for a separate August marathon. Follow this December event's own instructions when arranging transport.

The official ticket listing advertises normal registration fees of RM150 for 21 km and RM80 for 5 km, with a published normal-registration end date of 30 November 2026. An earlier early-bird period ended in September. Entry availability can change before the published deadline; check the official Ticket2u registration page for live ticket status.

Important organiser conditions

The organiser's published terms specify that:

• No refunds will be granted after full payment is received.
• A RM30 administration charge applies to changing runner details after registration.
• Each runner must use their own assigned race bib. Bib swapping can lead to disqualification.
• There is no race-pack postage after the event and no replacement of lost or stolen medals.
• Event shirt and finisher shirt sizes cannot be exchanged, during collection, at the finish or afterwards. Check your measurements before completing registration.
• Runners using wheelchairs, blades or other assistive devices may participate, but the event rules exclude these entries from competition prizes.
• Cash-prize winners may be paid by cash or bank transfer. Bank-account details and a declaration may be required of winners.
• Organisers reserve the right to amend race rules, the route and prizes; check official updates approaching race weekend.

The organiser lists an event tee, bib, finisher medal for those finishing within cut-off, e-certificate, refreshments and participant insurance. The 21 km category also advertises a timing chip and exclusive finisher tee for qualifying finishers. These entitlements are category-dependent and subject to the organiser's conditions.

Preparing for Tawau

The 21 km course is advertised as hilly, so plan for sustained climbing, downhill control, early-morning humidity and a suitable hydration strategy. The organiser has not published a verifiable precise route profile, water-station timetable or race-pack collection hours in the event details reviewed; do not assume those arrangements from a different Tawau race. For enquiries, the organiser lists Aris (+60 10-771 4959), Ridwan (+60 14-697 4473) and Feby (+60 16-804 3398).