About This Event
The Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB brings world-class trail running to the pristine tropical rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia. Set in the historic town of Taiping, Perak, runners journey through some of the world's oldest rainforest, including the Virgin Jungle Reserves surrounding Maxwell Hill, one of Malaysia's oldest hill stations. The race showcases Malaysia's remarkable biodiversity and cultural heritage, with courses winding past pre-war railway tunnels, through durian plantations, and alongside the iconic Taiping Lake Garden. Taiping, recognized as one of the most sustainable cities globally, provides an authentic Malaysian experience with its melting pot of traditions and the renowned "Malaysia Truly Asia" hospitality. As part of the UTMB World Series, this inaugural event offers distances from a kids' race to the full 100-kilometer ultra, each designed to showcase different aspects of Malaysia's natural beauty while providing runners with technical and non-technical trail challenges through this remarkable tropical landscape.
Choose Your Distance
13K
The 13K route winds through the rainforest trails surrounding Taiping, one of Malaysia's wettest cities and the gateway to the Maxwell Hill forest reserve. Runners navigate a mix of jungle singletrack and established pathways, encountering roots, humidity, and the dense canopy characteristic of Perak's lowland forests. The course provides a compressed introduction to tropical trail running without extended technical sections or significant distance.
25K
The course explores trails within the Taiping area, likely incorporating sections of the established trail network around Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut) and the surrounding rainforest reserves. Mixed terrain typically means a combination of established hiking trails, forest paths with exposed root systems, and potentially some connecting segments on wider tracks. Runners should expect technical sections requiring attention to foot placement, though specific elevation data for this distance is not publicly available.
50K
The route explores the forest reserves and heritage areas around Taiping, moving between rainforest singletrack and established trails. Runners encounter technical sections through virgin jungle where roots, rocks, and variable footing require constant attention. The tropical environment means trails can shift dramatically based on recent rainfall, with stream crossings and muddy sections common throughout the year.
100K
The course explores the mountainous terrain around Taiping, utilizing trails that wind through primary and secondary rainforest. Runners encounter a mix of established jungle paths, some sections of wider track, and potentially technical rooted and rocky terrain typical of tropical forest environments. The route's exact profile varies by year, but the distance and location guarantee extended time moving through dense vegetation where shade provides some relief from direct sun but humidity remains constant. Navigation follows UTMB's standard marking protocols, with runners moving through varied ecosystems that may include bamboo groves, dipterocarp forest, and occasional plantation areas. Water crossings are likely given the region's rainfall patterns and stream networks.