The Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB made its historic debut on 15–16 November 2024, marking a significant milestone for the trail running community in Southeast Asia. As part of the prestigious Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) series, the event brought together runners from around the world to Taiping, Perak, to tackle Malaysia’s stunning yet challenging terrain. Among the standout athletes was Muhammad Shahfiq bin Md Raof, who secured an impressive third place in the MY13 category—a category that tested competitors with its varied landscapes and demanding elevation.

For Shahfiq, this race was not merely another event; it was a leap into a new world of trail running. “I started as a hiker before transitioning to road running, but it was my friends who encouraged me to try trail running,” he shared. With a desire to push his boundaries and try something new, Shahfiq set his sights on Malaysia’s inaugural UTMB race. Competing in the MY13, the shortest of the available categories, proved to be far from easy.

The race’s challenging jungle terrain and unpredictable weather conditions—particularly the heavy rainfall—added to the difficulty, especially during the technical downhill sections. Shahfiq mentioned that the slippery conditions on the descent were tough to navigate, but thanks to his reliable HOKA Mafate Speed 4 trail shoes, he was able to maintain control. Despite the challenges, the stunning rainforest environment that enveloped the route added a unique beauty to the race, making the physical struggle worthwhile.

“Although the MY13 category was only partially off-road, the route’s scenic beauty, particularly the start and finish lines, made it an unforgettable experience,” Shahfiq said, reflecting on the event’s landscape. As the first UTMB event held in Malaysia, the race provided runners with a special opportunity to experience the country’s lush tropical forests while testing their physical and mental resilience.

Shahfiq’s success was not just the result of race-day performance; it was also a testament to his training. Preparing for the MY13, he focused on strength and endurance training to better handle the course’s elevation changes. On race day, he implemented a pacing strategy, keeping a few runners ahead to monitor his position. He also made sure to hydrate and fuel himself with electrolytes and energy gels from DEVER—a move that kept him energised throughout the race.

The atmosphere of the race was something Shahfiq highlighted as being pivotal to his success. “The support from other runners, especially in the final 2 kilometres, was amazing,” he remarked. With organisers ensuring a seamless experience for participants, including well-marked trails and well-placed water stations, it was the camaraderie between participants that made the experience even more special. Shahfiq emphasised the impact that this type of encouragement had on his performance, helping him push through those final moments.

 

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As Malaysia’s first-ever UTMB race, this event was significant for local athletes like Shahfiq, as it allowed them to compete on the world stage. “It’s not just about winning; it’s about pushing yourself, seeing how far you can go, and learning along the way,” Shahfiq shared, underlining the value of participation over mere competition. For him, completing his first UTMB event and securing a podium finish marked a career-defining achievement and a personal victory.

With his third-place finish, Shahfiq has set the stage for future challenges, and the success of Malaysia’s inaugural UTMB race signals even greater opportunities for trail runners in the region.