The Bukit Lagong Challenge (BLC) 2026 proved to be every bit as brutal as promised, but veteran trail runner Sook Khim Lim rose to the occasion, showcasing the grit and technical finesse that has made her a staple on the Malaysian podium circuit.

Competing in the Women’s Veteran category, Lim delivered a masterclass in pacing on one of the region’s most demanding courses. A seasoned athlete who made her trail debut at the 50km TMBT back in 2015, Lim has transitioned from road running to become a specialist in technical mountain terrain.

The Bukit Lagong course, often described by participants as “mountain-level” rather than a mere hill run, is notorious for its relentless elevation gain and treacherous descent. Lim, clocked an impressive 2:02:34 for her first 12km lap, navigating the maze of roots and steep vertical sections that define the Selayang forest.

“This trail is very, very technical,” Lim shared after her race. “There are a lot of roots, and you have to really stay focused. Both the elevation gain (EG) and the descents were very fast, making it a super technical experience.”

@officialtoughasiaFrom road runner to trail veteran, Sook Khim Lim dominated the technical slopes of Bukit Lagong 2026! Clocking 2:02:34 to win the Women’s Veteran category, the 2015 TMBT alumna thrived on the root-heavy terrain. Her next challenge? Targeting a sub-5 hour finish at the 30km Janda Baik Ultra in May.♬ original sound – ToughASIA

The race’s difficulty was compounded by the technical nature of the descent, where a single lapse in concentration could end a runner’s day. Lim’s ability to maintain a steady rhythm despite the “mathematically brutal” elevation profile ultimately secured her a top-of-the-podium finish in her category.

Lim’s victory at Bukit Lagong is part of a broader strategy for the 2026 season. After previously clinching titles at events like the Trail Titans Kiara Hill, she is committed to testing herself across as many local races as possible this year.

“My plan this year is to join as many local races as I can,” she noted. Her next challenge is already on the horizon: the Martina 30k in Janda Baik, where she aims for a sub-5-hour finish.

As trail running continues to explode in popularity across Malaysia, veteran athletes like Sook Khim Lim serve as a benchmark for the community. Her performance at Bukit Lagong reinforces a simple truth of the sport: on technical trails, experience and focus are just as vital as raw speed.