Developer's staff psyched to take on hero's journey
Now in its seventh edition, the race draws weekend warriors and thrill-seekers looking to have some fun in the sun, minus the pressure that comes with intense competition.
Held at Pangkor Laut Resort, the race comprises a 3.8km run around the island, 2.4km trek through a two-million-year-old rainforest and 1km swim across Emerald Bay.
The challenge is named after Colonel Freddy Spencer Chapman, who spent time in the Malayan jungles before escaping from Emerald Bay by submarine under the cover of darkness.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of his escape during World War II.
'He had to hide out on the island for three years,' said YTL Hotels marketing and communications vice-president Geraldine Dreiser, who is part of the team who came up with the challenge.
'His book The Jungle is Neutral describes how he survived and escaped to safety.
Amir Asyraf being congratulated by Chris at the finish line.
'We really want to bring the story to life with The Chapman's Challenge.'
The company, she said, was keen on creating memorable moments for guests.
'It's truly unique to run through the jungle where Colonel Chapman was hiding out and swimming out to sea – you're reliving history.
'At the same time, we want people to enjoy the race.
'So if you're not an expert swimmer, we allow life jackets or swim buoys,' she added. Dreiser, however, did not need such equipment for the race.
Her second time taking part, she completed the route faster this time than the previous year.
Familiarity with the course helped but that was not the main reason for her top-20 finish.
'I have always been a runner, and I love to swim.
'I exercise every day, so I train almost seven times a week,' said the working mum, adding that she found the routine therapeutic.
Khairul (right) receiving his prize from Stephen. Looking on is Dreiser.
As this year also marked YTL's 70th anniversary, it was only fitting that 20 employees took part in the challenge as well.
'It's the first time we have invited employees across the group to participate and it was a nice team bonding experience.
'I met colleagues that I would not have otherwise. And now we have this shared experience that we can talk about,' said Dreiser.
Chong Kar Mun, a commercial analyst from YTL Power, signed up for the race even though she was worried about swimming in the sea.
With a 10km run under her belt, she thought of giving the challenge a try.
What she initially feared turned into something she ultimately loved.
'After the running and hiking, which were quite difficult because of the trail's elevation, it was refreshing to get in the water.
'I thought it would be so hard to the point that I couldn't complete the route, but it wasn't,' said Chong, 25.
Similarly, fitness enthusiast and YTL Power data centre operations general manager Leong Wai Loon, 42, heard that The Chapman's Challenge was physically demanding and wanted to find out for himself.
'It's different from the Ironman type of challenges that I have competed in.
'I did not expect my heart rate to keep increasing in the last stretch of the jungle trail, with steep steps leading up and then down towards the swimming portion of the race – it really pushed me to my limit.'
Project development engineer Vethalingam Siva Shanmugam, 27, from YTL Power, was thrilled for the opportunity to race on the island.
'I have run a lot of races, including half marathons, but I had never tried a multi-sport event,' he said.
'The run and hike were tiring and challenging, but I was also exploring the island while racing through very scenic routes.'
For senior draughtsman Amir Asyraf Redzuan, 37, from YTL Construction, it was important not to leave behind his friend, Khairul Anuar Saadon, a YTL Group IT administrator.
Even though Amir Asyraf could have finished the race earlier, he opted to stay with Khairul who was trailing far behind.
'He wanted to give up but I encouraged him to keep going and take a break if he needed one,' said Amir Asyraf.
Meanwhile, senior project engineer Lim Chun Yan, 32, from YTL Construction, had never taken part in anything similar but felt he was fit enough as he had been training for an indoor fitness contest.
'The Chapman's Challenge is actually beginner-friendly.
'You just have to break through any mental barrier that may keep you from joining the race,' said Lim.
This year, close to 60 people vied for the top prizes, including fitness enthusiasts from Singapore, Australia and the United Kingdom.
The race, which began at 7am, saw Matt Pexton winning the men's category in 55mins 15sec, while Dr Maddalena Ardissino took the women's title in a time of 1:01:31.
Each received a RM12,000 Norqain watch, three-day, two-night Pangkor Laut Resort stay and RM1,000 Under Armour voucher.
Also finishing early was Stephen Spencer Chapman, Colonel Chapman's grandson.
At the prize-giving ceremony and barbecue later the same day, Stephen donated his first runner-up prize to 'the person who came in at the tail end, No.56's Khairul Anuar Saadon'.
Stephen's father Chris Chapman congratulated all those who crossed the finish line.
At the heart of this race is a family legacy, one that brings the colonel's descendants back to the island as a way to remember his bravery and exploit.
Heritage and history are integral to The Chapman's Challenge, but central to that weekend also are families and friends tipping their hat to the man who inspired it all.
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