UTMB Taiping 2026 Introduces VK Challenge With 1,200-Metre Climb

TAIPING, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB Taiping 2026 will feature the Vertical Kilometre (VK) Challenge as part of the 100-kilometre (MY100) race, requiring runners to complete a 7.9-kilometre climb with a 1,200-metre elevation gain.

Race director Ewegene Tan said this is the first time the VK Challenge will be included in the MY100 route, having previously been held as a separate side event.

“The VK Challenge begins at the Murugan Temple at the foot of Bukit Larut and ends at the Angkasa Bungalow, with runners' timing recorded via timing mats placed at both locations.

“When runners cross the timing mat at the Murugan Temple, the clock starts, and it stops when they reach the timing mat at the Angkasa Bungalow. The total distance is 7.9 km with an elevation gain of 1,200 m,” he told a press conference for the Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB Taiping 2026 here today.

He said the fastest male and female runners in the segment would be crowned King of the Vertical and Queen of the Vertical, respectively, provided they complete the entire MY100 race.

“Therefore, runners must not only be the fastest in that segment, but they must also finish the MY100 race to qualify for the titles,” he said.

Tan said the new challenge is part of ongoing efforts to improve the race, including making the MY100 route more demanding.

Tan said MY100 runners will face two main climbs: from the Murugan Temple to Angkasa, with about 1,000 metres of elevation over six kilometres, and from Burmese Pool to the Telekom Malaysia Tower, with a 1,400-metre gain over seven kilometres.

“In Malaysia, there are not many races with a single climb of up to 1,000 m, but in Taiping, we have two such major climbs,” he said.

Nearly 700 personnel will be on duty during the race to manage safety and support. This includes 94 marshals, about 80 forestry mountain guides, and medical teams.

“These mountain guides have expertise in search and rescue (SAR) operations and emergency aid, including resuscitation, should any medical situation arise along the trail.

“In addition, we have private ambulances, medical assistants, doctors, trail masters, and sweepers to ensure the safety of participants along the route,” he said.

He also said that between 200 and 260 crew members will be stationed at aid stations throughout the race to ensure participants' needs are addressed promptly.

Over 2,700 runners from 63 countries have registered for the Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB Taiping 2026. More than 1,000 international participants are expected for the third edition, which will take place in Taiping from Sept 10 to 13.

-- BERNAMA