KUCHING: Kuching Fitness Association (KFA), with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MTAC), will be organising the inaugural Borneo Trail Classic (BTC) international event at Kubah National Park on Oct 16 and 17.
The event is part of the Spartan Trail World Championship (STWC) which features some of the best trail running events in the world, creating a world-class, global concept of trail running competition for both elites and age group runners.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said BTC would give Sarawakians the opportunity to compete alongside world-class trail racers.
“BTC is not only a physical challenge, it is also a mental challenge, especially the 100km Ultra Trail and 50km Trail, where one will need mental fortitude and determination to complete the race.
“BTC is not limited to seasoned runners but it is for anyone and everyone. There are different categories for all different age groups and fitness level.”
He also noted that Sarawak would be the only stop in Southeast Asia for the STWC, which is also known as the hardest trail in the region.
“This is a good platform and opportunity to give participants the confidence to travel to Sarawak again, putting it on the world map as the travel destination for trail running sports,” he told the press here today.
Abdul Karim added that the BTC event will collaborate with Business Events Sarawak to host an exhibition during race week that would showcase all things related to running.
“KFA will also be working with Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) to organise a series of six free community hybrid runs leading up to the main race to help promote the sport of trail running and identifying local talents to represent Sarawak,” said Karim.
“Trail running, like any other events, involves various sectors of businesses from hotels, tour agents, food and beverage to logistics and many more. An event of such scale will also require manpower hence providing job opportunities for Sarawakians affected by the pandemic.”
Also present were MTAC permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee, MTAC events head Nasir Lariwoo, SSC chief executive officer Dr Ong Kong Swee, KFA president Carter Wei and vice-president Gordon Chung.
