Latest news with #UTMBWorldSeries
New Straits Times
24-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
KAR Ultra 2025 draws global runners for tough Sabah trail race
KOTA KINABALU: Over 1,500 runners, including participants from almost 20 countries, are set to take part in the state's renowned ultra trail event, KAR Ultra. The two-day weekend event promises a thrilling test of endurance for runners amidst the scenic and culturally rich region of Kota Belud, about two hours from here. KAR Ultra 2025 will feature four race categories 110KM, 60KM, 35KM, and 12 km traversing through traditional villages, forest trails, hills, and notable ecotourism landmarks such as Kg. Tambatuon. Participants will not only challenge their physical limits but also immerse themselves in the local heritage and landscapes of Sabah. Event and race director Javadius Bollah said the ninth edition of KAR Ultra has grown into more than just a race. "It is now a platform to celebrate Sabah's natural beauty, culture, and the strength of its people. "KAR Ultra is also making its mark internationally. This year, the event returns as the official host of the Grandmaster of Asia Trail Master, marking its second time receiving the honor," he said in a statement. In addition, KAR Ultra is a UTMB World Series Qualifier, a full member of the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), and an affiliate of the Malaysia Ultra Running Association (MURA), reinforcing its position in the global trail running ecosystem. The event has received the official International Race Permit from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and support from tourism agencies and local authorities. "These partnerships have been essential to our operations, they provide not just resources, but also the encouragement and belief that help elevate KAR Ultra to new heights," he said. In conjunction with Kar Ultra 2025, the Karnival Harmoni Kadamaian will also take place simultaneously as part of the celebration. A diverse array of entrepreneurs, ranging from local artisans to national-level business owners, will be participating to promote their products and services. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives minister cum Kadamaian assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick will officiate the opening ceremony of the carnival.
Daily Tribune
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Endurance Tested, Spirit Unshaken
TDT | Manama Trail Runners Take on Alpine Test Backed by the Bahrain Olympic Committee, the Bahrain Ultra Trail Runners (BUTR) team is set to participate in the internationally renowned Mozart 100 by UTMB, a demanding mountain ultra-marathon held annually in Salzburg, Austria. The trail running event is part of the global UTMB World Series, which is the official pathway to the prestigious UTMB Mont-Blanc, and this year's edition will welcome over 2,500 runners from around the world across various distance categories. The standout challenge will be the punishing 120km course with over 5,800 metres of vertical ascent. Bahrain's Best on the Mountain Stage The Bahrain team is composed of some of the Kingdom's most passionate endurance athletes, who specialise in long-distance mountain and trail running. The core team includes Hamad Mattar, Ahmed Kamal, Mohammed Zaman, Jassim Al Bastaki, and Amer Ibrahim — all competing in the Mozart 100. They are joined by Riyadh Rafie and Adam Jamal in the Mozart Ultra, while Saad Al Thabit and Hassanain Marhoon will also race in their respective categories. These athletes form part of BUTR — a homegrown community of Bahraini runners united by a shared love for trail endurance sports. The group has proudly represented Bahrain in previous international ultra-trail events, including other races within the UTMB circuit. A Route Known for Pain and Prestige The course weaves through steep climbs, wooded trails, and rugged mountain paths that demand elite conditioning and precise pacing. Organised by the UTMB World Series — the same group behind some of the world's toughest trail events in regions like the Andes, the Alps, and the Himalayas — the Mozart 100 is a critical stop for runners hoping to qualify for the UTMB Mont-Blanc in Chamonix, France, widely considered the pinnacle of ultra-trail racing. Global Challenge, National Pride For Bahraini runners, this race is a chance to show national pride and highlight Gulf athletes' endurance in a sport still finding its foothold locally. The team's participation is made possible through the Bahrain Olympic Committee's active support, reinforcing the Kingdom's ambition to feature more prominently across a broader range of international sporting disciplines.
