The Merrell Skyrunner® World Series prepares to enter another new territory. The 19th stage of the 2024 season will take place in Georgetown, Malaysia, at the Unesco World Heritage Site of Penang, this Saturday, the 2nd of November.
KAILAS PENANG SKYRACE 2024 will be organised by MMTF Consultant (an international sporting event management company based in Malaysia), which remains the only member of the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF) in Malaysia since 2020.
This weekend, athletes will be challenged with undulating mountain trails surrounding the northern part of the island. The route visits the iconic Penang Hill where skyrunners will experience exotic orchids, farms, wildlife, and waterfalls and be spoilt with amazing mountain-top views.
In total, 2,500 runners from around the world are expected for the 2024 event with the top global skyrunning elites expected to lead the field of 321 at the Skyrace – 42km with 2,822meters of elevation gain.
Leading international SWS stars in the men’s field include: Italians, Gianluca Ghiano (team Brooks) and Lorenzo Beltrami (Team Scarpa / Rock Experience); Peter Frano of Slovakia (Team Scarpa); and Ioseba Eskudero of the Basque Country (team Basque selection).
Malaysian runners Mohd Aminuddin Musa, Daaraneshwarab Siva Kumar, Min Xiang LEE and Muhammad Faris Abu Hanifah, Darren Southcott of the UK and Hiroyuki Kawachi of Japan, are also top contenders for the title.
Ones to watch in the women’s race include: Lide Urrestarazu of the Basque Country (team Basque Selection); Iris Pessey of France (team Scott Running); Marcela Vasinova of the Czech Republic; and Carly Balmforth and Jenny Fox, both of the UK.
Race director, Amy Khor, comments on the event:
“The team have worked very hard the past months with view to provide every athlete with an unforgettable experience in journeying through our rainforest this weekend. Runners from the 42KM PRO SKY and 21KM AM SKY will be provided with a challenge to remember having to conquer the heights of the oldest hill station in Malaysia and at some stage in the ‘sky’ be provided with an amazing 360 view of Penang Island.
As we recreate history in the skyrunning scene here in Malaysia this weekend, I sincerely hope that we will be able to further develop the sport, especially amongst the younger generation. With the global elites making their way to our ‘skyline’ we are positive of the prospect that it will bring to the skyrunning scene here in Malaysia for the years to come.”
Tune in this Saturday at 05:00 am (local time) to follow all the action from the 19th race of the MSWS.
Race website: https://mmtf.my/events/penangskyrace2024/