Local hero Aqmal defends Janda Baik Ultra 100km title in brutal conditions

New Straits Times

20-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: National ultra trail-running ace Aqmal Adzmi showed no signs of slowing down as he successfully defended his 100km title at the Janda Baik Ultra, which drew nearly 2,000 participants from 19 countries over the weekend in Bentong.
Aqmal clocked 18:33:54s to take top honours in the men's 100km category, holding off a spirited challenge from Japan's Takio Fukumoto (18:57:53), while Zulhusni Ibrahim (19:55:14) completed the podium.
"It was much more challenging this year with added distance, elevation, and tricky conditions due to the rain," said Aqmal.
"But I enjoyed every bit of it, and winning again here in my hometown of Bentong makes it even more meaningful."
Aqmal, who has family ties in nearby Janda Baik, described the race as "a personal affair", and took pride in seeing his "kampung" play host to a major endurance event that showcased the region's natural beauty.
"I'm proud that my 'kampung' has an event like this. It really highlights what Janda Baik has to offer — lush forests, stunning scenery, and tough, technical trails. Many fellow runners told me this is probably one of the toughest trail races in Malaysia, and I fully agree."
Aqmal also revealed that Janda Baik Ultra was only his second competitive outing of the year,
as he's carefully managing his schedule in preparation for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Spain this September.
"I'm trying to stay injury-free and build up properly for Spain. It'll be my second time representing Malaysia at the world meet after competing in Austria in 2023, so I want to give it my best shot," he said.
In the women's 100km race, Malaysia's Poo Lai Kuen conquered the trail in 25:55:01, ahead of China's Long Fengju (26:57:44) and Nor Shahirah Nasir (29:41:18).
The two-day event, held at the Cherengin Hills Convention and Spa Resort in Janda Baik, also saw spirited contests across the 75km, 50km, 30km, 14km, and 5km categories – each offering its own blend of scenic views, elevation challenges, and unpredictable terrain.
Among the other standout performers were Yusof Abdul Manan (13:45:29) and Chiew Mei Theng (18:56:48) in the 75km race, as well as Khairulamirin Kamarudin (7:31:57) and Jenny Lem (10:56:41) in the 50km.
Adding to the prestige of the Janda Baik Ultra, participants also earned valuable points toward the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) Index — both of which contribute to global rankings and qualification pathways for elite-level trail
races worldwide.
RESULTS
(Overall top three)
Men's 100km: 1. Aqmal Adzmi 18:33:54s, 2. Takio Fukumoto (Jpn) 18:57:53, 3. Zulhusni Ibrahim 19:55:14.
Women's 100km: 1. Poo Lai Kuen 25:55:01, 2. Long Fengju (Chn) 26:57:44, 3. Nor Shahirah Nasir 29:41:18.
Men's 75km: 1. Yusof Abdul Manan 13:45:29, 2. Akmal Mansur 14:01:52, 3. Mohd Hasim 14:10:33.
Women's 75km: 1. Chiew Mei Theng 18:56:48, 2. Kam Sin Yee 19:53:18, 3. Loo Mun Chui 19:57:12.
Men's 50km: 1. Khairulamirin Kamarudin 7:31:57, 2. Amierul Amin Shamsul Kamal 7:31:58, 3. Johari Mohd Ali 8:19:29.