TAIPING, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- Sabah farmer Milton Amat gave himself a belated birthday present when he finished third in the men's 100-kilometre (km) category at the Malaysia Ultra Trail UTMB here today.
The Pekan Nabulu-born Milton, who turned 42 two days ago, completed the race in 12 hours, 2 minutes and 18 seconds (12:02:18s) to finish behind China's Duo Ji (11:01:18s) and Bai Xingzhi (12:00:49s).
"My biggest challenge was having to climb Bukit Larut twice. I am thankful I had no serious issues throughout the race.
"Although I was just a few minutes behind the runner-up, I am not disappointed as I have done my best,” he said.
The third-placed finish is enough for Milton to qualify automatically for the UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix, France, in August next year
Asked about his plans for the World Series Finals, Milton hopes he will be able to get sponsors to back his bid to bring glory to Malaysia on the international stage.
"If I have sponsors, maybe I will go because I will need about RM10,000 (to compete in Chamonix). I will try to raise some funds first,” he said.
The women's 100km race proved too close to call until the end as China Lin Chen clocked 13:15:16s to pip Vietnam's Ha Thi Hau to victory by a mere second.
Angelie Cabalo of the Philippines finished third in 16:14:37s.
-- BERNAMA
