Ultimate Trails of Penang 2026
Race Concept
Penang Island is blessed with amazing numbers of trails for many decades. Blazed by the local inhabitants of Penang, these trails link up various heritage sites and points of interests all over the island. Starting from Youth Park and Botanical gardens, the trails spread out from the north to central and southern part of the Island, from Air Itam, Batu Ferringhi, to Teluk Bahang and Balik Pulau.
For decades, Penang people have taken to these trails during many of their weekends and public holidays. Some trails are easy and popular for the leisure weekend hikers, while others are rather hilly and less chartered which provide interesting challengers to serious climbers and trail runners.
Yet, for a long time, most of Penang trails have been a mystery for a lot of people in the Northern parts of Peninsula Malaysia, and Malaysia in general. Many Penang people have not been exposed to the many beauties and challenges of these trails.
Until Sep 2018. Ultimate Trails of Penang is conceived with a passion for nature trails. Following the successful inaugural edition on 23rd Sep 2018, where more than 400 participants signed up despite the late opening of registration 3 months prior to the race date. Participants have given the race a rave review. In 2019, a new 100km distance category with elevation gain of 5500 m was added to the original 3 categories of 20km, 40km, and 60km, we managed to attract over 600 participants from more states and more countries. Since then, UToP has been widely recognized as one of the ttoughest 100km trail race in Malaysia. In 2022, we had nearly 1000 runners from 23 countries. In 2023, we are adding 100 miles to the mix, which makes this race category one of the toughest ultra trail race in Malaysia.
In 2025, we raised the challenge to 200km, going for the 1st time to the southern part of Penang Island, including Balik Pulau and Gertak Sanggul. The cutoff time of 72hrs should however be generous enough
Building on this foundation, UToP has attracted premier brand sponsor,
• Ultimate Trails of Penang (UToP) takes place at Penang Municipal Park or Taman Perbandaran Pulau Pinang which is well known as Penang's Youth Park.
Course Description :
- Route Description
UToP routes take runners to various historical and iconic landmarks, sights and destinations:- Youth Park;
- Botanical Garden;
- Penang Hill Lower Station;
- Heritage Trail;
- Penang Hill Top Station and Dataran;
- Old Crag Hotel;
- Tiger Hill;
- Air Itam Dam;
- Laksamana Trail;
- Taman Rimba;
- Kek Lok Si;
- Taman Negara Pulau Pinang;
- Teluk Bahang Dam;
Starting Point – Lapangan Memanah, Penang Youth Park (Taman Bandaraya)
12km (Start - Penang Youth Park à Botanical Garden à Mt. Olivia
à Station 46 àBukit Cendana
àCP1 Station 84 (8.3km)à Station 39 à Station 45
àFinish (11.8km)-Penang Youth Park)
21km Redbull
(Start - Penang Youth Park à Botanical Garden à Mt. Olivia
à Two bull horns are located within Mt. Olivia…Station 46 àBukit Cendana
àCP1 Station 84 (9.2km)à Jeep Track until 11km point à Penang Top Station
àCP1 Station 84 (14.5km)
àFinish (21.5km)-Penang Youth Park)
40km (Start - Penang Youth Park à Botanical Garden à Mt Olivia
à Station 46 àBukit Cendana
à CP1 Station 84 (8.3km point)à Hye Keat Estate à Penang Hill Lower Station
à Heritage TrailàMiddle Station à Penang Hill Top Station
à CP2 Old Crag Hotel (15.2km point)
à CP3 PBA Tiger Hill (20.1km point) à Iron Cross
à CP Special - Air Itam Dam (27.2km) Beverage only)
à CP1 Station 84 (36.5km point)à Station 39 à Station 45
à Finish (40km)- Penang Youth Park)
60km (Start - Penang Youth Park à Botanical Garden à Mt Olivia
à Station 46 àBukit Cendana
à CP1 Station 84 (8.3km point)à Hye Keat Estate à Penang Hill Lower Station
àHeritage TrailàMiddle Station à Penang Hill Top Station
à CP2 Old Crag Hotel (15.2km point)
à CP3 PBA Tiger Hill (20.1km point)à Laksamana Trail (down)
à CP4 Taman Rimba (27.6km point)àLaksamana Trail (up)
à CP3 PBA Tiger Hill (34.5km point)à Bukit Penara
à CP 10 Kek Lok Si (45.2km)à Air Itam Dam
à CP1 Station 84 (57.0km)à Station 39 à Station 45
à Finish (60.5km- Penang Youth Park)
100km (Start - Penang Youth Park à Botanical Garden à Mt Olivia
à Station 46 àBukit Cendana
à CP1 Station 84 (8.3km point)à Hye Keat Estate à Penang Hill Lower Station
àHeritage TrailàMiddle Station à Penang Hill Top Station
à CP2 Old Crag Hotel (15.2km point)
à CP3 PBA Tiger Hill (20.1km point) à Laksamana Trail (down)
à CP4 Taman Rimba (27.6km point)– Taman Negara Pulau Pinang
à CP5A- CP5B Pantai Kerachut (33.8km- 40.6km)à Bukit Batu HitamàKem
Seraya
à CP6 Taman Rimba (47.1km point)à Teluk Bahang Dam à Tropical FruitFarm
à CP7A 800 (53.9 km point)à Air Terjun Titi Kerawangà2 Acre Durian Estate
à CP7B 800 (62.0km point)à Tropical Fruit Farm à Teluk Bahang Dam
à CP8 Taman Rimba (68.8km point)-Laksamana Trail (up)
à CP3 PBA Tiger Hill (76.0km point)– Bukit Penara
à CP 10 Kek Lok Si (86.7km point)– Air Itam Dam
à CP1 Station 84 (98.5km) à Station 39 à Station 45
à Finish (102km- Penang Youth Park)
100miles – This is a combination of 60km and 100km. Runners will do the 60km route first, before taking on the 100km loop.
200km – UtoP 1st long distance Ultra Trail. It comprises of 3 components:
1). 39.4km - Start from Gertak Sanggul à Pulau Betong à Balik Pulau à Hilton
Hut Rest Stationà Air Itam Dam à Bukit Penara à Kek Lok Si à
Air Itam Dam à Station 84 à Station 39 à Station 45 à
Finish at Penang Youth Park;
2). 60.5km – the 60km route above;
3). 101.9km – the 100km route above;
Total Distance = 201.8km
RACE COURSE MARKERS
1. The race course will be marked with reflective tapes and signs along the course and at major junctions;
2. Runners must follow the directions given by the race organizer during the race briefing;
DROP BAGS
1. There is no drop bag for all categories except for 200km, 100 miles and 100km at Taman Rimba Teluk Bahang (CP4- 32km, CP6- 52km and CP8- 73km). These 3 CPs are in fact the same exact physical location;
200km and 100 miles will have 1 extra drop bag location at the Start/Finish area during the first 60k and the second 100km loop.

MANDATORY ITEMS
1. By entering the race, each runner undertakes to take with him/her all the mandatory items as listed below throughout the race.
2. Failure to do so will result in application of the time penalties or disqualification.
3. Mandatory items (gear checks will be carried out on all runners before the race starts, and spot checks may be carried out along the route during the race):
100miles, 100km & 60km Category
1. 100 miles - Headlamp x 2, spare batteries x 2 sets;
2. 100km - Headlamp x 2, spare batteries x 2 sets;
2. 60km - Headlamp x 1, spare batteries x 1 set;
3. Whistle;
4. Mobile Phone;
5. 1.5 litre water carrying capacity;
6. Own cups/bowls and spoons/forks;
7. Emergency blanket;
8. Blinking light
30km Category
1. Headlamp x 1, spare batteries x 1 set;
2. Whistle;
3. Mobile Phone;
4. 1.5 litre water carrying capacity;
5. Own cups/bowls and spoons/forks;
6. Emergency blanket;
7. Blinking light
12km/ 26km Category
1. 1 litre water carrying capacity;
2. Mobile phone;
3. Own cups;
Recommended (not compulsory):
• Sport foods & Gels;
• Rucksack or waist bag;
• Head gear or cap or bandana;
• Sun UV block;
• Cash;
• Route Map and Elevation Map.
Rules and Regulations
SEMI-SELF- SUFFICIENCY
1. Runners must complete the set course on foot by their own power and ability within the stipulated time; Trekking poles is allowed for runners of all categories;
2. Drinking cups will not be provided at any of the water station points;
3. 12k, 21k, 40k, 60k , 100k, 100 miles and 200km runners must have their own cup or other personal container suitable for the purpose;
4. No pacers are allowed to run along with the runners for all categories;
5. Personal assistance (support crew) along the running route is Not Allowed in all categories except at official Checkpoints.
6. 200km runners MUST self navigate for the 1st 28km from Gertak Sanggul to Air Itam area. Only after that there will be official marking.
RUNNERS RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Runners must understand the unique nature and requirements of competing in an ultra-long distance road running race. He/she will be running all day and night on the road and trails. He/she must have undertaken the necessary training to compete in such an event.
2. Runners will be responsible for his/her own safety by having the ability and skills to deal with problems that may be encountered during the race of this nature.
3. Runners must be able to undertake or deal with on his/her own without any other external assistance during the deteriorating weather conditions (e.g. raining, strong winds, hot sun and etc..) and other unforeseen circumstances arises while running on the road and/or trails.
4. Runners who accept any assistance and support from any person may be disqualified.
5. In the event of a runner meeting another runner who is in health difficulty or injured, he/she must stop to help and inform the race organizer to seek for medical assistance. Failure to do so may result in penalties or disqualification being imposed to the runner or runners concerned.
MANDATORY ITEMS
1. By entering the race, each runner undertakes to take with him/her all the mandatory items as listed below throughout the race.
2. Failure to do so will result in application of the time penalties or disqualification.
3. Mandatory items (gear checks will be carried out on all runners before the race starts, and spot checks may be carried out along the route during the race):
200km, 100miles, 100km, 60km & 40km Category
1. 200km Headlamp x 2 (loaded with batteries) , plus spare batteries x 2 sets;
1. 100 miles - Headlamp x 2 (loaded with batteries), plus spare batteries x 2 sets;
1. 100km - Headlamp x 2 (loaded with batteries) plus , spare batteries x 2 sets;
1. 60km - Headlamp x 1, spare batteries x 1 set;
1. 40km - Headlamp x 1, spare batteries x 1 set;
2. Whistle;
3. Mobile Phone;
4. 1.5 litre water carrying capacity;
5. Emergency blanket;
6. Blinking light
21km Category
1. Whistle;
2. Mobile Phone;
3. 1.5 litre water carrying capacity;
4. Emergency blanket;
12km Category
1. 1 litre water carrying capacity;
2. Mobile phone;
3. Own cups;
Recommended (not compulsory):
. Own cups/bowls and spoons/forks;
• Sport foods & Gels;
• Rucksack or waist bag;
• Head gear or cap or bandana;
• Sun UV block;
• Cash;
• Route Map and Elevation Map.
SAFETY AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
1. In order to ensure race safety, race organizer will prepare and arrange for rescue and medical assistance during the race. However, each participant must recognize and understand that there are risks of injuries and/or accidents associated with trail running. Runners are participating in this race at his/her own risk;
2. While the race organizer has purchased Public Liability Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance coverage (hospitalization) for this event, it is strongly recommended that the runners obtained an adequate Personal Accident Insurance coverage for himself;
3. Medical points will be set up at certain water stations;
4. If necessary, and in the interests of the person being rescued, at the exclusive discretion of the organizers, the official medical rescue services may be called upon to take over operations, using any means they consider appropriate, including an ambulance. Any costs deriving from such exceptional transport will be charged to the person who has been rescued;
5. Depending on the runner health conditions, an emergency evacuation may be required. This emergency evacuation will be at the expenses of the person being rescued;
6. The official race medical assistants are authorized to withdraw from the competition any runners that they consider as unfit to continue or are in danger. The runner bib will be removed as part of the DNF (Did Not Finish) procedures;
7. If a runner drops out from the race, runner must first inform and register with the nearest checkpoints that he/she is dropping out. Proper "DNF" procedure should be followed and completed before the runner is allowed to leave the event:
8. In case of an emergency, if you are unable to reach the race headquarters, you can also call the public emergency number '999' directly for help;
9. The race organizers reserves the right to implement any additional measures at any time to enhance and protect the safety of the race and the runners before the race and during the race.
CHECKPOINTS OR WATER STATION POINTS
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The timing will be recorded at the checkpoints/water station points established by the organizers;
-
Only runners sporting their regular bib number will have access to the water station;
-
No water cups will be dispensed to the runners. Runners will need to use their own cups or containers for any drinks served at the check points or water stations;
-
The route map, which can also be downloaded online, will contain accurate indications of the water station points;
-
The organisers reserve the rights to carry out mandatory item checks at any of the check points and other unspecified points along the route during the race;
-
Food and drinks at the water station points are solely for runners only.
MAXIMUM RACE TIME PERMITTED AND CUTOFF TIMES
1. The maximum time allotted for completion of the race are:
-
-
12km - 4 hours;
-
21km - 7 hours;
-
40km - 12 hours;
-
60km - 23 hours;
-
100km - 35 hours;
-
100miles - 50 hours
200km - 62 hours
-
2. In the event of poor weather conditions and/or for safety reasons, the organisers reserve the rights to suspend the race or to make changes to the cut-off times;
DNF (Did not Finish) PROCEDURES
1. Runners may DNF voluntarily or by missing the stipulated cut-off times at various checkpoints along the race course;
2. Runner who decides to pull out voluntarily must proceed to the nearest checkpoint, inform and register with the race staffs by signing a DNF Form, and the bib will be specially marked to indicate the DNF status of the runners.
3. Runners who fail to arrive at the checkpoints within the stipulated cut-off times will not be allowed to continue running in the race. His/her bib will be specially marked, and a DNF Form will need to be signed;
4. Runner who fails to notify the organisers immediately of his/her voluntary DNF, thereby setting in motion a search and rescue operations by the rescue staff, will be liable to pay for any costs deriving there-from;
5. Runner who has DNFed from the race are not allowed to continue his/her run. IF he/she insists on continuing running, he/she is NO LONGER in this event, and will be running entirely on his/her own accord and at his/her own risk. The organizer reserves the right to ban this kind of runner from future edition of Ultimate Trails of Penang;
6. The DNF runners should rest at a bright, safe place with sufficient phone coverage and wait for a non-scheduled race shuttle for pickup and delivery to the finish point;
7. If runner is unable to move on his/her own, either return to the nearest water station point he/she has just left or to the next water station point. Please contact the emergency number '999' or the race headquarters to seek for assistance.
PROHIBITED ACTIONS
1. Not carrying the mandatory items during the race;
2. Taking shortcuts and/or running off the track;
3. Throw any garbage along the running route.
4. Cheating (e.g. using other means of transportation, using substitute runners and other unlawful actions);
5. Not abiding by the rules and regulation given by the race organizer and official race staffs including medical assistants, emergency staffs and marshals;
6. Not wearing the race bib at all times during the race;
7. Continue to run after the cut off time without the agreement of race officials;
8. Doping and the use of prohibited drugs;
9. Running with his/her supporters
PENALTIES
Breaking of any rules may incur a time penalties or disqualification. Any such penalties are at the organizer's discretion and are final.
COMPLAINTS
Suggestions must be in writing and must be presented after the closing ceremony of the event at the finishing point or send to seowkong.ng@endurancenature.com.my
CHANGES TO THE ROUTE OR TO THE TIME DEADLINES - CANCELLATION OF THE RACE
1. The organizers reserve the rights, at any time and without prior notice, to make changes to the route and checkpoints/water station points or to the time deadlines;
2. In the event of adverse weather conditions (a strong depression with heavy rain), the start of the race may be postponed for 6 hours at most, after which time the race will be cancelled;
3. Where necessary, the organizers reserve the rights to make changes to or eliminate certain stretches of the route.


















