The 2016 Asia Trail Master series will feature a number of exciting new events and destinations, and Brunei is one of them. Beach Bunch, a registered voluntary environmental NGO in the Land of Unexpected Treasures, is organising the 2nd Beach Bunch's Trail Challenge on 28 February 2016 with a very distinct marathon and half marathon on jungle, sand and clay trails. 650 metres of elevation gain also means this is an event that will suit and please quicker runners.

Beach Bunch operates with the vision of keeping Brunei's beaches clean and enjoyable not only for its visitors but also for its coastal wildlife. The NGO regularly organises cleaning campaigns that also include hundreds of volunteers and schools. During a recent campaign last month 888 kg (!) of waste was collected in just 1 day by 201 volunteers on Tungku Beach. Until September 2015, an astonishing total of more than 15.9 tons of garbage has been collected during 30 campaigns organised by Beach Bunch, figures that prove the necessity of their work. Cigarette butts, wrapping paper and plastic bottles are the most common types of trash found. See BB's homepage for further information.

By taking part in the Beach Bunch's Trail Challenge runners support the work of the NGO. In addition, the event offers international participants a great occasion to get to know Brunei, a relatively small country surrounded by the Malaysian provinces of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. The organiser has put together a number of travel packages to make your visit as comfortable as possible. In addition, a workshop featuring a prominent runner of the Asia Trail Master series will also be part of the event programme.

The race itself starts and finishes on Tungku Beach, and takes runners up into the hinterland, where some modest hills need to be negotiated. Participants will enter the Shahbandar Recreation Park, which is the most diverse section of the marathon, and also hit the McFarm Trail. Being in Brunei, the race will be characterised by high temperatures and humid conditions. Several refreshment stations along the course will ensure everyone stays sufficiently hydrated. A detailed explanation of the trail can be read on the Beach Bunch's website.

A promotional video about the race can also be watched below.

Beach Bunch's Trail Challenge will be the second points-scoring race of next year's Asia Trail Master series, one week after Ultra Trail Hong Kong. According to the 2016 points regulations, all finishers will score 100 points for the championship ranking, plus their own individual performance points.

The online registration for the Beach Bunch's Trail Challenge has just been opened on the event website. Race entry numbers are not unlimited, so do not hesitate too long and sign up for this great new destination on the Asian trail running scene.

The map and profile of the 42km Trail Challenge shows a course suitable for fast runners

New in the Asia Trail Master series: Beach Bunch's Trail Challenge in Brunei