For Soo Jia Tuan (ToHo), known to his followers as JustToHo, the transition from tarmac to trail is less of a hobbyist’s pivot and more of a psychological confrontation. A runner who has recently found his footing on the road—clinching a third-place finish in a 31 km race—ToHo now finds himself staring down an equation far more complex than pace per kilometre.

On 14 February 2026, he will make his trail debut at the Bukit Lagong Challenge (BLC), skipping the introductory distances for the daunting 36 KM category.

The challenge is mathematically brutal: three 12 km loops through the Selayang forest, totalling 2,430 metres of vertical gain. For a debutant, it is an unorthodox entry point. Most runners seek a linear path into the trails, but ToHo is drawn to the sheer verticality and the community reputation that precedes Bukit Lagong.

“The BLC 36 KM is truly a massive challenge for me,” he admits. “When I saw the 2,430m elevation gain, I had my doubts. But I’ve always enjoyed running up hills when hiking with friends. I felt it was a challenge worth taking.”

To prepare for the relentless climbing, ToHo has had to re-engineer his road-centric training. Lacking a trail background, he has leaned into a disciplined regimen of aerobic base building, speed intervals, and strength work.

However, he acknowledges that raw power is insufficient without specificity. “As a road runner, I don’t have much experience with trails. I’ve had to add trail-specific sessions to my weekly schedule. The spirit of perseverance and the drive to constantly challenge my self-limitations are what I rely on most.”

The difficulty of the course is magnified by the race’s timing. With a flag-off at 10:30 PM, ToHo will navigate the entirety of the Selayang technical terrain in total darkness. This nocturnal element adds a layer of sensory deprivation to the physical fatigue.

Acting on the counsel of veteran trail runner Cher Jenyi, ToHo has prioritised night-time training and muscular endurance. “She gave me the best advice: to train at night and build up the body’s muscular endurance to avoid injuries and cramps. Focus is non-negotiable in a night race.”

Beyond the technicalities, ToHo is fascinated by the psychological state that comes with a multi-loop format. The return to the start/finish area—the legendary “Dewan” atmosphere—presents a unique mental fork in the road.

“I am most interested in the feeling of finishing one loop and preparing for the next. The energy depletion is massive; if your nutrition and strategy are off, the race can fall apart. The fact that it happens at night only makes it more of a test.”

 

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For ToHo, the finish line at Bukit Lagong will represent more than just a successful debut. It is a deliberate move to overcome a self-imposed psychological barrier. “Most people wouldn’t choose a race this steep or a race at night for their first trail event,” he reflects.

“I want to prove that my efforts aren’t in vain. Completing this will be the starting point of my trail career.” In the dark, vertical forests of Selayang, ToHo is not just chasing a medal; he is refining the architecture of his own resolve.

Event Summary: Bukit Lagong Challenge 2026

• Date: 14–15 February 2026
• Venue: Taman Rimba Bukit Lagong, Selayang, Selangor
• Format: 12 km loops | ~810m D+ per loop
• Distances: 60 KM (5 Loops), 36 KM (3 Loops), 12 KM (1 Loop)
• Registration: checkpointspot.asia/event/BLC26
• Organiser: Lumen Sports Sdn Bhd