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Cultra's Brutal Beauty Draws Runners From Across The Globe
Malaysia's Sua Yih Huan thrilled the home crowd with a rare double triumph — Men's Overall Champion and Veteran Champion — while also taking an impressive second place overall. Photo: CULTRA 2025 presented by Asics
Icelandic-born Kristjan Chapman conquered brutal climbs, tough terrain, and stifling humidity to win the 100km in 13:14:54. Photo: CULTRA 2025 presented by Asics
A runner grinds up the steep tea plantation trails at CULTRA in Cameron Highlands. Photo: CULTRA 2025 presented by Asics
Runners weave through the iconic tea plantations of Cameron Highlands at CULTRA. Photo: CULTRA 2025 presented by Asics
By Linda Khoo
CAMERON HIGHLANDS, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Winding through jungle ridgelines, climbing the steep slopes of Cameron Highlands' iconic tea plantations, and battling unpredictable weather, thousands of trail runners take on the Cameron Ultra (CULTRA) race every July.
From gruelling climbs that drain the legs to technical descents demanding total focus, every kilometre pushes even the most seasoned athletes to their limits.
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'Be prepared, be very prepared.' More than a warning, CULTRA's tagline is a pledge, one that attracts runners to return year after year to face the highlands' ultimate test.
First held in 2016 by local organiser Bolt Events Management (BOLT) in collaboration with SUKADEI Running Club, the race has flourished to become Malaysia's premier ultra-trail event, renowned for a course that blends beauty with wildness.
The 9th edition of CULTRA drew 2,500 participants from 39 countries this year, consisting of five categories: 100 kilometres (km), 60km, 30km, 14km, and 4km, challenging not only seasoned ultra-athletes but also welcoming newcomers alike.
It also marked a new chapter, as Asics came on board as title sponsor, officially branding the event 'CULTRA 2025 Presented by Asics'.
In the flagship 100km, 26-year-old Icelandic-born Kristjan Chapman overcame rough climbs, unpredictable terrain, and stifling humidity to win CULTRA 2025, his first ultra-trail in Asia, in an impressive 13:14:54, shattering the course record by 1:06:53 despite battling late-race cramps from dehydration.
'This win means everything to me. I've always wanted to win a 100KM race, and to do it on my third attempt in a country I now call home makes it even more special. I'm just so happy with the result,' said Kristjan, who juggles between coaching and running in Kuala Lumpur.
