KUALA LUMPUR: The trail running scene in Malaysia is set to reach new heights with the prestigious Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) World Series making its debut in Taiping.
From Nov 15-17, the inaugural Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB will host 3,000 runners from over 60 countries, competing in Taiping's lush jungles.
As one of 43 events in the 2024 UTMB World Series calendar, this race marks the first and only UTMB event in Malaysia.
Race director Ewegene Tan said athletes from China, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines and France will also compete.
Participants will vie for prize money and coveted spots in the UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix, France, in August, next year.
While the 100km and 50km races are the main attractions, the event caters to all levels with 25km, 13km, Vertical Kilometre (VK), and MYKIDS (for under-12) categories.
The challenging VK category will take runners 1000m above sea level within 5.6km, traversing technical forest reserves and Virgin Jungle Reserves.
Ewegene, who upgraded the Malaysian Mountain Trail Festival to a World Series event, said: "Prior to our first event in 2018, we spent three years scouting the region for the best possible trails and we can't wait to welcome the world to Malaysia as a part of the UTMB World Series this November.
"Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB will take runners into jungle reserves and the Forest Reserve for which access is limited.
"Runners will traverse a wide variety of unique trails, from old railroad beds to plantation trails, four-by-four tracks and rugged jungles, all based out of the historical town of Taiping.
"At our heart we are a community event, trail running is all about bringing people together and we look forward to expanding our community as we join the UTMB World Series."
Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Minister of Education and Taiping MP, said: "We aim to captivate global audiences and invite travellers to experience the treasures Taiping and Perak has to offer."
During a press conference, Kah Woh unveiled the trophies for the 2024 Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB winners, crafted from a unique, handmade clay pot known as the "Labu Sayong".