Kuching to host the Borneo Trail Classic, the only stop of Spartan Trail World Championship in South East Asia

 

Kuching, 4 March 2021 - The stunning trails of Kubah National Park in Kuching are ready to host the first edition of the Borneo Trail Classic (BTC), part of the Spartan Trail World Championship, the most prestigious trail and ultra running Championship series in the world. 

The race is scheduled for October 16-17, 2021. This international trail running event is organized by the Kuching Fitness Association together with Spartan Trail and counts with the support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak. 

“There is no doubt this event will provide a good platform and opportunity to give participants the confidence to travel to Sarawak again, putting on the world map as the travel destination for trail running sports. In Sarawak we have the best kept trails - from the lush of the rainforest to the paddy fields; a wide variety of sceneries and moods, which means ‘instagrammable’ opportunities for racers.” said YB Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during a press conference recently. 

“Borneo Trail Classic will give Sarawakians the opportunity to run alongside world class trail racers, exposing and grooming our local athletes to world class standards. BTC is not only a physical challenge, it is also a mental challenge, especially the 100km Ultra Trail and 50km Trail, where one will need mental fortitude and determination to complete the race.” 

“After experiencing a long Movement Control Order (MCO) everyone would be eager and excited to get moving and be out in nature. This event is also something positive and will help to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle and exercise to Sarawakians.” he emphasised. 

Beside benefiting local athletes, this is also a platform to showcase our unique culture and warm hospitality to the world. Racers are invited to visit our beautiful parks and beaches just a short drive away from the city. Also take the time to try out our local delicacies available within short distances. 

“I understand that this will be the first time an International Spartan World Trail Championship event to be held in Kuching. Indeed it provides an opportunity to help revitalise our tourism industry post COVID-19, more so that BTC is not limited to seasoned runners but it is for anyone and everyone. There are different categories for all different age groups and fitness level. “Joint efforts in organising any event also provide the opportunities for various specialised organisations in their own rights to put on their thinking cap and I understand BTC event will collaborate with Business Events Sarawak to host an exhibition during race week, that will showcase all things related to running, there will be booths for industry vendors retailers to promote their events and products. 

There will also be community engagement activities such as town hall sessions, trail running related talks and workshops. 

“Trail running like any other events, involves various sectors of businesses from hotels, tour agents, F&B to logistics and many more. The event of such scale will also require manpower hence providing job opportunities for local Sarawakians affected by the pandemic and this augurs well to stimulate post Covid-19 economy.” he said. 

Kuching Fitness association will also be working in collaboration with Sarawak Sports Corporation to organise a series of 6 free community hybrid runs leading up to the main race. This will help promote the sport of trail running and identifying local talents to represent Sarawak in competing against the international field. 

“Borneo Trail Classic is expected to attract international racers from local and abroad, with more than half of the racers are expected to be from outside of Sarawak.” said Carter Wei, President of the Kuching Fitness Association. 

"We are thrilled to partner with Carus Sports to create the inaugural Spartan Borneo Trail Classic series event. Trail running is one of the fastest growing sports globally. Spartan, the world’s largest endurance brand, had searched all over Asia for the best terrain and community to help build this epic Trail event. Borneo is a world-class running space and racers will be blown away with what they will experience on this journey" said Mike Goodwin, Regional Director of Spartan Race Asia Pacific. 

“At Spartan Trail, we’re proud to add an event as Borneo Trail Classic to the roster of races of the Spartan Trail World Championship. We believe Asia-Pacific is one of the most important regions on the trail running world, and including a stop of the STWC there will add a most global feel on the Championship and also bring opportunities for both the Elite and Age Group runners, as also, for the local community with runners visiting from all around the world”, added Mariano Alvarez, General Manager of Spartan Trail. 

Taking place at Kubah National Park, Kuching, the Borneo Trail Classic is one of the multiple stops around the world under the 2021 Spartan Trail World Championship. It is the only stop located in South East Asia in the Championship. The Borneo Trail Classic comprises of 5 distances – 7km, 10km, 21km, 50km (Trail Run Championship) and 100km (Trail Ultra Championship). 

Early bird registrations are will be open next Monday, March 8, 2021 and racers can register at www.borneotrailclassic.com. Special Promos are available for team registration, and racers who cross the finish line will be awarded with a Spartan Finisher T-shirt and medal. The Trailfecta medal is also awarded and earned to racers who have completed 3 runs of any categories within a year. Registration fee are as follows:

Racers participating on the 50km and the 100km will stand the opportunity of being part of the Spartan Trail World Championship, with Elite runners competing for a major prize purse and points for the final leaderboard, and Age Group for important awards and points for the final leaderboard. 

For more information on Borneo Trail Classic, do visit www.borneotrailclassic.com or email ruready@borneotrailclassic.com. 

The event is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Sarawak and managed by Carus Sport & Event. For more information about Spartan World Trail Championship, visit www.stwc.run.