Latest news with #PenangInternationalHikers
The Star
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Charity hike raises spirits and RM50,000
The participants taking part in the third edition of the Perpaduan Charity Hike at the Penang Municipal Park, popularly known as Youth Park. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star THE third edition of Perpaduan Charity Hike saw its largest turnout yet, with over 2,400 participants taking to the trails in support of a worthy cause. From schoolchildren to senior citizens, people from all walks of life came together to raise RM50,000 for 11 charitable homes, said Penang International Hikers (PIH) chairman Sim Thean Sang, who led the organising efforts. 'We started as a humble hiking group in Penang but took our passion further by doing something meaningful for the community. Sections of the event was hard-going but the participants managed to get through it. 'The inaugural hike in 2023 drew around 1,100 participants, followed by 1,700 last year. 'This year, we are thrilled to welcome 2,400 participants, including about 1,300 students from 17 schools.' He said the event raised RM50,000 from participants' registration fees, sponsorship and contributions. 'Most of the funds will go to 11 charity homes, each receiving RM3,000,' added Sim, also known as 'Jungle Sim', at the event in Penang City Park. Event secretary Christine Cheah said the 5km route attracted the highest number of registrations with about 1,500 participants, followed by 600 in the 10km hike and 250 in the 3km category, which catered to primary schoolchildren. 'We had 200 volunteers, mostly stationed along the trail, to ensure the safety of participants and guide them throughout the hike,' she said. Hikers walking with family and friends amid the lush greenery and cool morning air. (Right) Participants gathering at the field in Penang City Park. Participants had the opportunity to explore scenic jungle trails, with the 10km route reaching Bukit Cendana and the 5km route stretching up to the halfway point. 'The trails gave hikers a chance to enjoy nature while also learning to support each other through physical challenges,' she added. A total of 88 lucky draw prizes worth RM20,000 were given away to participants. The weather proved favourable after overnight rain cooled the morning air, making for a pleasant trek through the lush and misty forest. Many participants, especially first-timers, took part with friends and family. Among them was 10-year-old Lim Xiang Yee from SJK (C) Beng Teik Pusat, who joined the hike for the first time. 'I was nervous at first because I had never gone hiking before,' she said. 'The trail was slippery after the rain and I had to be careful and hold onto tree branches, but it was really fun. 'It was so green and cool in the forest and I learned that hiking needs balance and teamwork,' she said. Engineer Ahmad Faizal described the event as a wonderful experience. 'The trail was challenging, but it felt really rewarding once we reached the top. 'I think events like this are beneficial not just for health, but also for bringing the community together. 'Even though many didn't know each other, everyone was friendly and helpful. That's the real spirit of unity,' he said. Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, who flagged off the participants, said it was heartwarming to see people from all walks of life come together for a meaningful cause. 'The Perpaduan Charity Hike lived up to its name by uniting participants through a shared spirit of giving and togetherness. 'Events like this remind us that unity is not just a word, but something we can live out through simple acts and shared experiences,' she said. Syerleena also handed over a RM18,000 mock cheque to PIH to support its efforts. Also present were Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Penang Hill Corporation general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng and Penang Sports Council director Harry Chai Heng Hua.
New Straits Times
28-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Spaniard Izquierdo dominates Kailas Penang Skyrace
KUALA LUMPUR: Spanish teenager Marcos Villamuera Izquierdo stole the show at the Kailas Penang Skyrace, clinching a double by winning both the 30km Pro Sky and 10km Short Sky races in Georgetown last weekend. Jointly organised by MMTF Consultant, Malaysia Mountain Goat and Penang International Hikers for the second straight year as part of the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series — this time as the sixth stop of the 2025 season — the event once again showcased the gruelling yet spectacular trails of Penang Hill. The 19-year-old Izquierdo battled technical terrain, searing heat and humidity to triumph in Saturday's flagship 30km Pro Sky race, clocking 3:45:22s over a punishing course featuring more than 2,300 metres of elevation gain. Mongolia's Luvsansharav Natsagdorj finished second in 4:00:24, while Malaysia's Milton Amat delighted home supporters by crossing the finish line at Youth Park in 4:03:21. Izquierdo returned on Sunday to dominate the 10km Short Sky event, winning with a commanding time of 1:14:39, ahead of American Benjamin Townsend (1:19:51) and Japan's Hiroyuki Kawachi (1:24:49). In doing so, he also secured a stage win in the Under-23 Trofeo Esteban Olivero Series, which was staged in Malaysia for the first time as part of the 14-leg global series. Despite initially struggling with the terrain and tropical conditions, Izquierdo said the experience ultimately proved transformative. "Well, basically my race was good. It was hard, maybe the hardest I've done because of the heat," said Izquierdo. "Originally, I was coming here to run the 10k, but I saw I could do well in this race. I could run good, and I said, 'Why not try it?' It was good training, specifically for my hip, because I really hate running in really hot conditions. "Running in the jungle was quite an experience. I don't typically race in this kind of terrain because there are a lot of animals and things we're not used to. But it was good – a great experience. "The sunrise was really, really good. My heat adaptation these days was effective, so maybe that's the biggest improvement in my training here." In the women's 30km Pro Sky race, France's Iris Pessey claimed the title in 4:48:03, going one better than her runner-up finish last year. Australia's Simone Brick (4:56:58) edged Mongolia's Dulamsuren Myagmar (5:01:24) to take second place. The event also featured the 50km Sky Ultraks — a points race for the Asia Trail Master Championship series — and the 5km Fun Sky, catered to novice runners. The 50km race saw the Philippines' Godwin Mirar and Vietnam's Hau Ha emerge victorious in the men's and women's categories respectively, while Malaysia's Wilsen Singgin thrilled local fans by securing second place among the men. The Merrell Skyrunner® World Series features 23 races worldwide this year, with Malaysia one of only four Asian countries — alongside Japan and South Korea — are featured in the calendar. RESULTS 30km Pro Sky Men: 1 Marcos Villamuera Izquierdo (Spa) 3:45:22s, 2 Luvsansharav Natsagdorj (Mon) 4:00:24, 3 Milton Amat (Mas) 4:03:21; Women: 1 Iris Pessey (Fra) 4:48:03, 2 Simone Brick (Aus) 4:56:48, 3 Dulamsuren Myagmar (Mon) 5:01:24. 10km Short Sky Men: 1 Marcos Villamuera Izquierdo (Spa) 1:14:39, 2. Benjamin Townsend (US) 1:19:51, 3. Hiroyuki Kawchi (Jpn) 1:24:49; Women: 1 Betty Bergstrand (Eng) 1:27:39, 2 Rio Townsend (US) 1:45:28, 3 Nurfathin Zahrolayali (Mas) 1:52:36. 50km Sky Ultraks Men: 1 Godwin Mirar (Phi) 5:41:34, 2 Wilsen Singgin (Mas) 5:59:46, 3. Chris Timms (Eng) 7:35:30; Women: 1 Hau Ha (Vie) 6:01:00, 2 Priya Rai (Nep) 6:10:31, 3. Antonina Dmitruk (Rus) 8:20:37.
