Ewgene Proud Of National Runners’ Performance In Malaysia Ultra Trail By UTMB

TAIPING, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Ultra Trail by UTMB championship concluded today with a new record set in the men’s 100-kilometres (Km) category by Chinese runner Duo Ji, who clocked 11 hours, 1 minute, and 18 seconds.

He broke the previous record of 12 hours, 15 minutes, and 40 seconds held by Malaysia’s Daved Simpat, achieved in 2023 during the event formerly known as the Malaysia Mountain Trail Festival (MMTF).

Two Malaysian trail runners also also borught pride with Milton Amat securing third place and Haziq Asyraf finishing in the top 10.

The women’s category was equally impressive, with four Malaysian runners -- Nurazlina Razali, Lela Ismail, Peg San Tan, and Lim Siok Har -- making it into the top 10 alongside other elite international athletes.

Malaysia Ultra Trail by UTMB race director, Ewgene Tan expressed pride and admiration over  the achievements of the national athletes.

“Being among the top 10 is no easy feat. This shows the quality of trail running athletes we have in Malaysia,” he said.

Ewgene added that the success of the national athletes reflects a positive development in trail running in Malaysia.

On this year’s event, Ewgene highlighted that the championship not only significantly impacted the sport but also positively affected the national economy through the involvement of various local and international parties.

“I am part of the UTMB group and a technical expert for trail running in the Asia region. I wish to help develop the sport of ultra trail running in this region.

“We hope to hold this championship in Sarawak within the next two to three years,” he said.

-- BERNAMA