Depending on where you are right now, you may or may not be able to travel interstate. However, if you have that opportunity to head or pass through Kuantan, Pahang, do check out national duathlete Allison Yee’s favourite running spots there.

While the Kuantan-born has been running for fitness in the last six years, she finds comfort to run in the trails to unwind and do some soul searching. The petite 24-year-old represented Malaysia at the Philippines 2019 SEA Games in duathlon which consists of running and cycling disciplines. Who knows, you might feel inspired to follow Allison’s footsteps onto the national and international scene.

Allison shares her favourite running locations in Kuantan with a mix of tarmac, trail and beach.

Read Also: Wendy Chan Shares The Mental Torture of London Marathon Virtual Race

Bukit Pelindung

• Drive to the bottom of the hill, or you can run to the start point if you are staying nearby. https://goo.gl/maps/jN17v1h9ije2kNxD7
• There is only one entrance where you can park your car.
• Tarmac route is 1.8km to the top. If trail, there are a few options to choose. The locals named them ‘690m’, ‘1380m’ and ‘waterfall’ route. You can connect the route all the way to the Teluk Cempedak beach too.
• There is no shelter in the trails however there is one along the tarmac route. The terrain is intermediate level.

Read Also: Triathlon to feature in Vietnam 2021 SEA Games

• The area has restrictive timings but it is not recommended to go running or hiking before dawn or after dark.
• If you are planning a long hike, which takes more than an hour, it is recommended to bring along water or sweets if you are prone to have low blood sugar. Hiking the trail is very humid, you might need to hydrate frequently.
• Trail running shoes are not a must but recommended.

Read Also: Podium Winner Andy Lee Shares His Favourite Trails in Penang

Taman Gelora

• Drive to the car park. https://goo.gl/maps/qYZiSmeQrRgqwU43A
• You can start running anywhere in the park. There is one 500m loop just next to the park around the beautiful water lily lake.
• One loop is 1.3km, you can run as many as loops as you wish! There is a group of people who dance zumba every day from 6pm to 7pm. Anyone can join in.
• Terrain is flat, sandy road. There are a few shelters in the park where you can even have a picnic.
• There are no restricted opening times.
• Running shoes, water and spare change of clothes. Suitable for all levels of fitness.
• Perhaps, bring some pocket money to buy the popular curry puffs and coconut shake beside the park.

Read Also: Ewegene Tan Shares Favourite Running Places in Taiping, Perak

Bukit Pelindung to Teluk Cempedak

• Drive to the starting point of Bukit Pelindung. https://goo.gl/maps/jN17v1h9ije2kNxD7
• Start running from a short tarmac road to the entrance of the trail on your right, slightly 200m away from your parking spot. There is yellow signage on your right.
• Route is 3km++ one way.
• This is the second part of the trail which connects the bitumen road to the jungle trail down to Teluk Cempedak (TC) beach. The top 1/3 looks like a pure walking trail while the final 2/3 is shared with mountain bike downhill.
• It would be good to run daytime, and avoid when it is dark.
• Trail running shoes are required, bring water and snacks. Suitable for intermediate to advanced level of fitness.
• This trail is clean and moderately wide. Steep enough to knock the breath out of you, unless you are relatively fit.

The next time you are around Kuantan, do not forget to give these trails a go!

Read Also: At Only 19, Jacob Kiplimo smashes World Half Marathon Championship Record