# Kinabalu conquered! Italy’s Oberbacher wins brutal 24.5km mountain showdown

> Italian runner Alex Oberbacher wins 24.5km Kinabalu climb in 3:20:54.
- Title: Kinabalu conquered! Italy’s Oberbacher wins brutal 24.5km…
- Summary: Italian runner Alex Oberbacher wins 24.5km Kinabalu climb in 3:20:54. Italian runner Alex Oberbacher won the men’s elite title at the Mount Kinabalu…
- Keywords: alex oberbacher, mount kinabalu, climbathon, sabah tourism, merrell skyrunner, kinabalu park, 24.5km race, 3hr 20min 54sec, news, world, Kinabalu, conquered
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/sports/2026/10/18/kinabalu-conquered-italys-oberbacher-wins-brutal-245km-mountain-showdown/239594
- Published: 2026-10-18T14:38:25+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: alex oberbacher, mount kinabalu, climbathon, sabah tourism, merrell skyrunner, kinabalu park, 24.5km race, 3hr 20min 54sec, news, world
## Oberbacher wins men's elite title
Italian runner Alex Oberbacher triumphed in the men's elite category at the 33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon, finishing the challenging 24.5-kilometer race in 3:20:54.
## Villaroel claims women's elite victory
Spain's June Villaroel emerged as the women's elite champion in 4:09:14, ahead of Russia's Svetlana Nurmukhametova and Belgium's Vanja Cnops.
## Markov wins men's veteran category
Russia's Evegenii Markov secured victory in the men's veteran category with a time of 3:29:11, followed by compatriot Ivan Vlasenko.
## 26 countries compete in Kinabalu race
The race attracted participants from 26 countries, establishing Sabah's reputation as a hub for adventure tourism and international sporting events.
## Climbathon part of 2026 Skyrunner Series
The event marked the 17th stop of the 2026 Merrell Skyrunner World Series, with runners competing for ranking points ahead of the SkyMasters Grand Finale in Spain on November 7.
## Oberbacher describes race experience
Oberbacher called the race 'a challenging but rewarding experience' due to the spectacular scenery at higher elevations.
## Villaroel expresses disbelief
Villaroel described her victory as 'crazy' and 'amazing', saying she 'cannot believe it yet' and is 'so happy'.
## Key takeaway

Italian runner Alex Oberbacher won the men’s elite title at the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon in 3hr 20min 54sec.