The Malaysia Ultra-Trail™ by UTMB®: A New Global Trail Running Destination

Taiping (Malaysia) – 28 September 2024, The Malaysia Ultra-Trail™ by UTMB® is gearing up to host over 3,000 runners from around the world in the breathtaking jungles of northwest Malaysia. Scheduled for November 15-17, 2024, the event will bring athletes to the historic town of Taiping, renowned for its lush rainforests, rich tin-mining history, and cultural heritage.

Participants will challenge themselves across five different race distances, navigating the awe-inspiring jungle reserves and Forest Reserve, with access normally limited to this area. Runners will experience a diverse range of trails, from old railroad beds to plantation paths, four-wheel-drive tracks, and rugged jungle terrain—all based in Taiping, a town steeped in history.

YB Tuan Wong Kah Woh, Member of Parliament, Taiping and Deputy Minister of Education, expressed his excitement about hosting the Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB, especially during Visit Perak Year.

“We aim to captivate global audiences and invite travellers to experience the treasures Taiping and Perak has to offer. This collaboration is a unified effort to promote the beauty of our state, marking a significant stride in rejuvenating the state’s tourism sector and inviting the world to explore and appreciate Perak’s unique wonders,” he said.

Malaysia’s trail running community has rapidly grown, now ranking 23rd worldwide and fifth in Asia, following China, Japan, Thailand, and Hong Kong. This burgeoning community is recognized globally for its dedication to the sport.

Malaysia Ultra-trail by UTMB will be one of the 43 events in the 2024 UTMB World Series calendar, and the first and only UTMB event held in Malaysia.

During the launch, YB Tuan Wong Kah Who unveiled the trophies for the 2024 Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB winners. The trophies are crafted from a unique, handmade clay pot known as the “Labu Sayong.” This traditional earthenware, shaped like a pumpkin, has long been used as a water container. The clay is sourced from streams, riverbanks, and paddy fields. The pot originated and derives its name from the town of Sayong, located along the Perak River in West Malaysia.

The event has been made possible thanks to the support of Tourism Malaysia and Tourism Perak, Ministry Youth and Sports Malaysia, Perak Forestry Department, Taiping City Council, Member of Parliament Taiping, Mr Wong Kar Woh and the District Office of Taiping.

For more info, please visit Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB