A Race Named for Sandakan's Old Identity
The Elopura Marathon offers three distances: 10K, 21.1K and the 42.195K full marathon, priced at RM140 for the half and RM170 for the full. [1] Sandakan was formerly known at various times as Elopura -- the marathon's name is a direct callback to that historical identity, giving the event genuine local cultural resonance rather than a generic brand name.
Sabah's Second City
Sandakan is the capital of Sandakan District and Sabah's second-largest city after Kota Kinabalu, with a 2020 census population of 439,050 -- larger than the surrounding Sandakan district's roughly 396,000 residents. [2] The broader Sandakan Division is the largest of Sabah's five administrative divisions, covering 38.3% of the state's territory.
Organised by a Medical Association
The race is organised by Persatuan Ortopedik Sandakan -- a local orthopedic medical association -- giving it a genuine health-community backing distinct from the commercial and corporate sponsors dominating most races in this research batch. [1] That's a similar spirit to the Surabaya Orthopedic Half Marathon covered elsewhere in this research, though under a different organisational model (a medical association rather than a race branded simply after a medical theme).
Registration Not Yet Announced
As of this writing, registration status has not been announced. [1] The race is listed on international aggregators including AIMS World Running and Ahotu, alongside its own official site.
Should You Run It?
If you want a marathon with genuine historical and community roots in one of Sabah's major cities, the Elopura Marathon on 22 November 2026 is a solid, well-defined pick with clear pricing already set. Watch official channels for registration to open.