TAIPING – For Chinese trail runner Bai Xing Zhi, the Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB (MYUT) is more than just another stop on the global circuit. Each visit to Taiping is also a personal pilgrimage to see the tree he planted here on his first race three years ago.
“This race is usually in November, which is my birthday month,” said Xing Zhi.
“In 2023, my first race here was on my birthday, and I planted a tree in the park. Every year, I come back not only to compete, but also to see my tree.”
This year, Xing Zhi is aiming to finally turn his string of podium finishes into a championship in the MY100, the event’s toughest 96.7km category with almost 4,900 metres of climbing. He has twice finished runner-up and believes his familiarity with the course gives him a real chance this time.
“I know the route and checkpoints very well. I’ve prepared thoroughly, and I think I can go for the title. My target is just over 11 hours, maybe even to break the 11-hour mark if everything goes well,” he told the local press after the introduction of the elite athletes here today.
The defending champion and Xing Zhi’s fellow countryman, Duo Ji, is not competing this year, making Xing Zhi the clear favourite. Yet he insists nothing is guaranteed.
“Malaysian runners are very strong. They are used to the hot weather and have a home advantage. Every country has elite athletes. If they train and adapt to the heat, anyone can win,” he added.
A former soldier, Xing Zhi credits his army background for giving him the toughness to handle the steep climbs and unpredictable conditions of Malaysia’s virgin jungle.
“Scout training is hard, so it definitely helps. Every year I race here, I experience something new and different,” he noted.
Among those hoping to stop him is Iceland’s Kristjan Chapman, who brings a mix of marathon speed and mountain strength. Having recently won a race in Cameron Highlands, Chapman is targeting a sub-12 hour finish on his MYUT debut.
“Malaysian trails are more technical than in Iceland,” he said.
“There are more roots and the downhills are trickier. My strength will be on the uphill sections and the flat parts, but the heat and humidity will be the main challenge.”
Local hope Sua Yih Huan from Penang is also stepping up to the 100km distance. The 45-year-old businessman trains daily in Bukit Mertajam and Sungai Petani and is eyeing a sub-13 hour finish.
“I do heat training every day,” said Yih Huan.
“I just need to go slowly and steadily. I’ll try to follow the pace of the Chinese and Icelandic runners if I can.”
Nearly 3,000 runners from 64 countries are taking part in this year’s MYUT, which winds through Taiping’s Maxwell Hill and its surrounding Virgin Jungle Reserves (VJR). Finishers of the MY100 will earn three “Running Stones” to help qualify for the UTMB World Series Finals in France.
As the race flags off at 3am on Saturday, all eyes will be on Xing Zhi to see if he can finally claim the title — and perhaps celebrate by checking on the tree that keeps calling him back to Taiping. — September 26, 2025