Oceanman makes a return this Sunday
Published on: Fri, Jul 18, 2025 Text Size: Participants of a previous Oceanman Malaysia event with their medals. Kota Kinabalu: Oceanman, the world's premier open-water swimming endurance event, is set to return to Sabah with the second edition of Oceanman Kota Kinabalu on July 20 (Sunday), in the waters of Pantai Dalit, Tuaran. The competition will challenge swimmers of all ages and abilities to test their limits against the backdrop of the breathtaking Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu's coastline.
Advertisement The event will feature a range of distances, including the Sprint 2km, 5km, 10km 500-metre relay race, as well as the Oceankids 500-metre race, catering to swimmers of all levels. Participants can expect a unique and unforgettable experience, swimming in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. The event will also showcase the beauty and diversity of Sabah's marine life and ecosystems. 'We are thrilled to bring Oceanman to Sabah for the second time, after last year's successful event,' said Azura Zainol Abidin, Event Director of Oceanman Malaysia. 'Kota Kinabalu offers an incredible setting for this world-class event, and we are confident that it will be a resounding success yet again,' Azura added. In its first chapter last year in October, Oceanman Kota Kinabalu welcomed 200 participants. This year, Oceanman Kota Kinabalu is welcoming 592 participating swimmers from 39 countries around the world, signifying a strong sign of global interest and engagement in the sport. This open water swimming event challenges these swimmers to test their swimming capabilities in an open sea setting, as opposed to within the constraints of a swimming pool. In addition, this global event is also expected to contribute to the local economy and tourism industry in Sabah. 'We are organising an exciting, enjoyable open water swimming series under a cleverly branded umbrella for swimmers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds,' says Race Director Amirizal Ishak. 'This event is perfect for a 'swimcation' with the whole family. The support from Tourism Malaysia and the Sabah Tourism Board will be instrumental in making the Oceanman event a mainstay as a Sabah event. Hopefully, Oceanman will offer an exciting new experience for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026,' he said. Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, CEO of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) believes the event can help strengthen Sabah's reputation as a leading sports tourism destination in Malaysia. 'As the host venue for Oceanman Malaysia these three years (2024-2026), we are excited about the potential this event holds for positioning Sabah as a prime destination for sports tourism,' he said. Oceanman has also proven to be an inclusive sporting event welcoming participants as young as 7 years old and as old as 70 on top of an Inspiration Category for swimmers with disabilities. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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