Racing Through Malaysia

Sep 14, 2010

For clients seeking an adrenaline rush, the annual Genting Trailblazer 2010 and the 24th Mount Kinablu International Climbathon in Malaysia promise to deliver just that.

Running Through the Rainforests
The Genting Trailblazer 2010 race, which takes place throughout the 130 million year-old rainforest trails of the Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort, is set to take place from Oct. 30-31 with a more challenging 8.6-mile course than in years past.

Participants may team up in pairs of two for the 8.6-mile Genting Trailblazer course, taking place on Oct. 31 at an altitude of 3,279 feet, or for the International Cross Country run, taking place on Oct. 30. The cross-country course consists of a 7½-mile trail without partners or obstacles.

This year’s event has also taken on an added theme of eco-awareness, meant to highlight the natural surroundings that runners will see throughout the two trails.

“Our theme for this year’s Genting Trailblazer is ‘An eco run in a million-year-old rainforest,’” said Dato’ Anthony Yeo, senior vice president of public relations for Genting World Bhd, the Malaysia-based leisure and hospitality group behind the race. “The eco-friendly theme has been selected because there is a need to develop a green mindset to preserve our natural environment, specifically our precious rainforests. Besides exposing the participants to the environment, the run is a great opportunity to showcase the wonderful bio-diversity and splendor of the world’s oldest rainforest surrounding Awana Genting Highlands.”

To demonstrate Genting’s commitment to sustainability, the event will be limited to a total of 1,000 participants so as not to disrupt the surrounding natural environment. Event organizers are also working with the Malaysian Nature Society and will promote a Zero Waste policy.

To participate in the race, clients must book their travel packages by Sept. 30. For the cross country race, clients can purchase a package that includes race registration, accommodations and meals for $101. For the Genting Trailblazer race, clients can purchase an Adventure package that includes race registration, accommodations and meals for $133 per team of two.

Climbing to New Heights
Considered one of the world’s most challenging mountain races, the Mount Kinablu International Climbathon involves a 13-mile course through which runners will reach a summit of 13,436 feet high, only to travel back down the mountain to cross the finish line. This year’s race, which is being held Oct. 23-24, includes a $33,400 prize; 24-karat-gold pendants will also be awarded to the first man and woman to reach the summit.

The first climbathon was established in 1987 and was originally limited to Malaysian participants. Now, however, the annual event has become a world-renowned event, inviting top athletes from the U.S., France and Japan. Mount Kinablu, which is also referred to as Gunung Kinablu, was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000 and is considered to be one of the tallest mountains in Southeast Asia. Interested clients can register to participate in the race by going online.

Tourism Malaysia Launches New Website
To assist travelers and travel agents, the Tourism Malaysia Los Angeles office recently launched a newly revamped website, TourimMalaysiaUSA.com, which was designed to be more user-friendly and informational.

“We are very pleased to launch our new, revamped website for American travelers,” said Tourism Malaysia vice president, Western USA, Mazlan Araju. “They can easily browse through our website and find whatever they want to know about Malaysia. We want travelers to enjoy our country, beginning from the planning stage.”

The new site includes information about Malaysia’s climate, currency, culture, transportation, hotels, food, activities, attractions, festivals, events, travel packages and more.