Tioman exciting new 50k in the ATM Championship

The third Malaysian points race of this Asia Trail Master Championship season is a newcomer on our calendar: Tioman Ultra 50. Organised by the MMTF Consultant crew on the weekend 1/2 June, this event was an attractive Candidate Race last year and takes place on a relatively small island 32km off the southeastern coast of peninsular Malaysia. The 50km is the only race distance for points, and so we can look forward to an exciting competition!

As stated on the official website of the island, “Tioman is a duty-free island off Peninsular Malaysia's east coast, acclaimed as a geological wonder, ecological paradise and one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful travel destinations.” Runners reach Tioman via ferry from Mersing in Johor, or Tanjung Gemuk in Pahang. There’s hotel resorts and chalets for tourists, nice beaches and great surfing and scuba diving options.

Malaysia and beach, sounds like it will be hot. True, but the 50k race course does have no fewer than 2670 metres of elevation gain with a peak of just over 1000m above sea level as one of three main hillclimbs. That is Gunung Kajang, the highest peak on the island. Participants will begin the ascent of the mountain already after about 9km. With the starting time scheduled for 3 am, this implies runners will witness sunrise on the mountain. Following Gunung Kajang, runners will continue on the “dragons back” ridge from Old Juara Road to Kampung Air Batang, start and finish venue of the event.

Logistics and accommodation are a little more complicated for this event, so early registration to ensure a bib and appropriate accommodation is a must. You can sign up via the button link below.

Last year’s male winner: Yusof Abdul Manan

Last year’s female race winner: Siokhar Lim