Eco-Challenge route lengthened

PARTICIPANTS for the fourth Sultan Ahmad Shah International Eco-Challenge in Pulau Tioman will be covering a longer course. The challenge will take place on May 14. Its organising chairman Lt Kol Datuk Seri Tengku Kamarulzaman Sultan Abu Bakar said they have increased the distance from 24km to 30km for the event starting at Berjaya Tioman Resort.

“It will be another new adventure for the athletes tackling a different course and an additional six kilometres. Although the island resort provides an ideal setting for the participants to appreciate the scenic natural landscape, the first half of the race is going to be tough. We have intentionally designed the second sector approaching the home stretch to be easier,” he added. The participants will have to reach the 16km mark within the six-hour cut-off period.

Good luck: Lt Kol Tengku Kamarulzaman (right) greeting the participants at the start of the race last year.

Event director Lt Kol Datuk Thong Kok Sing said they have mapped out the course for the participants to overcome a major first hurdle with an uphill climb over a 474-metre high hill before passing the first quarter mark of the race. “They will also have to endure the undulating course and rocky terrain including crossing three rivers in the first half of the race,” he added. 

This year’s race has been named “The Royal Race” and the route also includes Kampung Nipah located at the south of the island. The palace at the village where the late Al-Marhum Sultan Sir Abu Bakar resided during his visits to the island is rated as one of the key attractions. The organisers are also continuing the initiative in highlighting the conservation efforts at the Teluk Seri Intan turtle sanctuary.

“The event is a regular feature in Pahang’s annual eco-tourism calendar. It has gained the reputation as a well organised event with regular participants and new faces. We have also been providing adequate medical support to ensure the safety of the participants,” said Tengku Kamarulzaman, adding that they have also received tremendous support from the relevant authorities in hosting the event.

The organisers can accommodate up to 250 competitors and thus far over 200 participants have signed up in four categories. A total purse of RM10,000 will be offered to the top five men and women finishers in the international category. In addition, there is a total prize money of RM9,150 for the top 10 local competitors in the men and women sections. For details, visit www.eco-challenge.com.my

-thestar online.