Malaysia’s trail and ultra-running scene has exploded in recent years, offering a variety of terrains — from mossy forests and jungle trails to steep highland climbs. Whether you’re new to trail running or an ultra-seasoned athlete, here’s a curated list of top trail and ultra events in Malaysia you should not miss.
🇲🇾 Malaysia Ultra-Trail (MUT) by UTMB
- 📍 Taiping, Perak
- A premium-level series highlighting Malaysia’s diverse terrains
- Categories vary: 10K to 100K+
- Focus: Challenging but scenic
🏔️ Kailas Penang Skyrace
- 📍 Penang
- Malaysia’s only Skyrunning-certified race
- Known for technical ascents and dramatic ridgelines
- Categories: ~13K, 30K, 50K
- For runners who love steep climbs and epic views
🌿 Cameron Ultra (CULTRA)
- 📍 Cameron Highlands, Pahang
- Cool highland weather, mossy forest, strawberry farms
- Categories: 30K, 60K, 100K
- Among Malaysia’s most scenic and toughest events
🐘 Borneo TMBT Ultra Trail Marathon
- 📍 Sabah (The Most Beautiful Thing)
- Jungle, rivers, villages, and Mt. Kinabalu views
- Categories: 12K, 30K, 50K, 100K
- One of Southeast Asia’s iconic ultra events
🌧️ Merapoh Rainforest Trail
- 📍 Merapoh, Taman Negara, Pahang
- Runners cross rivers, caves, dense jungle
- Categories: 25K, 50K, 100K
- Remote and wild — a true rainforest experience
🌄 Janda Baik Ultra (JBU)
- 📍 Bentong, Pahang
- Hilly kampung roads, jungle trails, river crossings
- Categories: 15K, 30K, 50K
- Close to KL, perfect for those trying longer trail distances
🏞️ Magnificent Baling 100
- 📍 Baling, Kedah
- Northern Malaysia’s signature ultra
- Known for steep jungle climbs and night running
- Categories: 35K, 70K, 100K
🌲 Bukit Kiara Ultra Challenge
- 📍 Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
- Technical loops, rooty trails, steep inclines
- Urban jungle challenge in the heart of KL
- Popular loop format for personal records and testing endurance
🏕️ Hulu Selangor Ultra Trail (HSUT)
- 📍 Selangor
- Newer event with strong local support
- Categories: 12K to 100K
- Trail mixes jungle, gravel, and kampung trails
🏔️ Pahang Eco
- 📍 Pahang
- Eco-focused trail race with lush scenery and biodiversity
- Categories: 30K, 60K, 100K
- Fast becoming a favorite among nature-loving ultrarunners
🌉 Ultimate Trails of Penang (UTOP)
- 📍 Penang Hill, Penang
- Variety of terrain: hill climbs, jungle, steps, urban trail
- Categories: 10K, 30K, 50K, 100K
- Strong community support + scenic coastal views
🏡 King of Kemensah Trail (KOKK)
- 📍 Kemensah, Selangor
- Fun and muddy jungle trails just outside KL
- Categories: 5K, 13K, 25K, 50K
- Beginner-friendly and great introduction to trail racing
📝 Final Tips Before You Sign Up:
- Check elevation gain (not just distance)
- Prepare for Malaysia’s heat and humidity
- Train on similar terrain if possible
- Always read mandatory gear list
- Join local running groups for course previews and training tips
