TAIPING – From 50km to 100km, Malaysian trail runner Sua Yih Huan proved that doubling the distance can still bring a better result.
The 45-year-old businessman improved on last year’s sixth-place finish in the 50km by claiming fourth place in the gruelling 100km category at the Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB (MYUT) 2025 in Taiping this weekend.
Yih Huan crossed the line in 14 hours 02 minutes 59 seconds, emerging as the top Malaysian finisher in the men’s MY100 despite taking on twice the mileage and nearly 5,000m of elevation.
“This was my first attempt at 100km here and I’m happy to improve my standing,” said the Penangite, who only began trail running five years ago.
“I know I’m not yet at the top international level. I didn’t enter for Running Stones or to qualify for the UTMB World Series Finals in France. My level isn’t there yet, but I must always give my best for Malaysia.”
The men’s title went to Kristjan Chapman of Iceland, based in Malaysia for over six months, who finished in 11:39:29. China’s Bai Xing Zhi (11:51:52) and Japan’s Kanta Mizutani (12:14:56) completed the podium.
In the women’s 100km, China’s Jiang Wenli emerged champion in 15:11:33, ahead of Mika Taniguchi of Japan (15:32:42) and Hong Kong’s So Kit Ying (16:29:42).
Despite narrowly missing the podium, Yih Suan believes age is no barrier to trail success.
“This has nothing to do with age. In Europe, some runners over 50 are still winning championships. It all comes down to training, structured preparation and understanding supplements,” he said.
Yih Huan, who never once considered quitting mid-race, has now raced in Taiping five times – three at the Malaysia Mountain Trail Festival (MMTF) and two at MYUT.
“I need to think about whether I’ll return next year. I’ve already been here five times,” he added with a laugh.
This year’s MYUT drew nearly 3,000 runners from 64 countries, who navigated ancient rainforests, Taiping’s Virgin Jungle Reserves and even a historic pre-war railway tunnel. Finishers of the 100km received three Running Stones, valuable credits toward entry into the UTMB World Series Finals in France.
Yih Huan also celebrated the boom in local trail running.
“It’s very popular now. There are more than 50 races a year in Malaysia, sometimes two or three in a single week. It’s great to see the community growing so fast,” he said.
In the men’s 50km, China’s Luo Tao won in 4:56:53, while Wang Liping, also of China, topped the women’s race in 6:08:19. Malaysia’s Maikol Oswald placed fifth in the men’s 50km with 5:45:57, while Natahsya Soon finished as the best Malaysian woman in 9:18:33.
The second edition of MYUT reinforced Malaysia’s status as a key stop on the UTMB World Series calendar, giving local runners like Yih Huan a world-class platform to test themselves against international elites while showcasing Taiping’s rich natural heritage.
Men’s MY100
1. Kristjan Chapman (Ice) – 11:39:29
2. Bai Xing Zhi (Chn) – 11:51:52
3. Kanta Mizutani (Jpn) – 12:14:56
Best Malaysian finisher
4. Sua Yih Huan (Mas) – 14:02:59
Women’s MY100
1. Jiang Wenli (Chn) – 15:11:33
2. Mika Taniguchi (Jpn) – 15:32:42
3. So Kit Ying (Hkg) – 16:29:42
Men’s MY50
1. Luo Tao (Chn) – 4:56:53
2. Yang Jianjian (Chn) – 4:57:12
3. Wu Erqing (Chn) – 4:57:17
Best Malaysian finisher
5. Maikol Oswald (Mas) – 5:45:57
Women’s MY50
1. Wang Liping (Chn) – 6:08:19
2. Xiang Fuzhou (Chn) – 6:10:38
3. Zhou Xiaoxiao (Chn) – 6:30:27
Best Malaysian finisher
14. Natahsya Soon (Mas) – 9:18:33
— September 27, 2025