SEA Trail Alliance Puts Region On Global Trail Map

By Linda Khoo

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- The Southeast Asia (SEA) Trail Alliance, a newly launched regional initiative, is set to reshape the trail running landscape and put the region on the global map.

Bringing together leading races from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, the alliance aims to create a unified platform that showcases the region’s premier ultra-trail events while building a sustainable and inclusive trail running ecosystem.

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Malaysia’s sports event management company BOLT is spearheading the initiative in partnership with Indonesia’s Mountain Marathon Festival and Thailand’s TAK Trail Series to elevate the international profile of Southeast Asia’s top ultra-trail events.

BOLT Founder and Managing Director Hazemi Hamidi said the alliance was created to improve the quality and organisation of trail running across the region as the sport continues to grow.

“It is very important for us to work together as a region and show the world what Southeast Asia has to offer.

“In Malaysia, we have beautiful tropical jungles; Indonesia is blessed with breathtaking volcanic mountains; and Thailand has stunning hills, mountains, and lush jungles.

“When combined, these elements demonstrate the incredible diversity of landscapes we can showcase to the world,” he told Bernama.

With plans to establish a unified trail running calendar that attracts both elite athletes and recreational runners, the SEA Trail Alliance signals Southeast Asia’s readiness to emerge as a premier global destination for trail running and adventure tourism.

Hazemi added that the alliance’s vision goes beyond sport, positioning the region as a hub where athletic challenge meets cultural discovery.

“We want to see not only participants from Asia, but also runners from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond coming here to experience our trails,” he said.

BOLT has successfully launched several flagship events, including the prestigious Cameron Ultra (CULTRA), one of only three qualifying races in Malaysia for both the UTMB and the Western States Endurance Run, which draws more than 2,000 trail runners from 40 nationalities every year.

In addition, the company has introduced the Cameron Night Run, a 21 km half-marathon under the stars, and Sundown, a time-based 12-hour trail running event that serves as a demanding test of endurance for long-distance runners.

-- BERNAMA