SPAIN’s Nicolás Molina powered to a commanding victory, while Russia’s Svetlana Nurmukhametova produced a stunning late surge to clinch the women’s title in the flagship 30km Pro Sky race at the Kailas Penang Skyrace last Saturday.
The race, held at Youth Park, formed part of the prestigious Merrell Skyrunner World Series, with the Penang leg being one of only 19 races worldwide on the 2026 calendar.
Malaysia’s presence in the elite field was led by seasoned trail runner Daved Simpat, who finished sixth overall in 4:06:47, while Ang Yee Mei emerged as the top local finisher in the women’s race in 5:38:28.
Malaysia’s Lee Chong Chi delivered a standout performance on home soil to win the men’s 50km Sky Ultraks race – part of the Asia Trail Master Championship points series – in 6:18:14, edging compatriot Anjeluis Palja (6:22:33), with Khairul Anuar Mustaffa finishing third in 6:30:04.
Singapore’s Zoe Tan Xin Yi claimed the women’s 50km title in 7:29:51, ahead of the Philippines’ Avegail Depanay (7:55:04) and Canada’s Jennifer Lee (8:30:42).
Set against the backdrop of Penang’s dense tropical terrain, runners were pushed to their limits over a 30.31km course featuring a punishing 2,354 metres of elevation gain, navigating slippery trails, steep ridgelines and relentless humidity.
The third edition of the race drew over 1,500 runners from more than 30 countries, underlining its growing stature on the international trail running calendar.
Molina crossed the line in 3:34:10 after executing a well-measured race, gradually taking control before breaking away from the field in the latter stages.
Japan’s Shoma Otagiri finished second in 3:41:58, while Iceland’s Kristjan Chapman secured third in 3:55:18.
“My main focus was to stay disciplined with hydration and nutrition, especially in the first two hours. I stayed patient early on, and once I found my rhythm, I was able to run my own race,” said Molina.
The women’s race delivered the most dramatic finish of the day, with Nurmukhametova clocking 4:09:37 to edge North Macedonia’s Elena Karanfiloska by just three seconds in a thrilling sprint to the line.
Karanfiloska, who had led for most of the race, settled for second in 4:09:40, while Belgium’s Vanja Cnops completed the podium in 4:26:10.
“I was leading for most of the race, but I didn’t realise she was so close at the finish. By the time I saw her, it was already too late,” said Karanfiloska.
In the 10km Short Sky race on Sunday, which forms part of the Trofeo Esteban Olivero U23 circuit, Spain’s Jan Ballbe Peres emerged victorious in the men’s category with a time of 1:12:23, while Malaysia’s Siva Kumar Daaraneshwaran secured second in 1:19:05 and Japan’s Hiroyuki Kawachi third in 1:21:45.
Slovakia’s Nikola Matkova won the women’s race in 1:33:35, ahead of Colombia’s Juliana Lopez Angarita (2:00:23) and Ireland’s Tracy Poweer (2:04:53).
The event continues to strengthen its international credentials, being internationally recognised and certified by bodies including the International Trail Running Association and the International Skyrunning Federation, while also serving as a qualifying race for UTMB.
This year’s edition also featured newly redesigned routes following developments around Penang Hill, adding a fresh layer of challenge for returning runners.
Race director Ahmad Azri of MMTF Consultant said the continued inclusion in the global series reflects the event’s growing reputation.
“We are proud to see Penang once again featured on the Merrell Skyrunner World Series calendar. The response from international runners has been very encouraging, and we will continue to build on this platform to showcase Malaysia’s trails to the world,” he said.
Organised by MMTF Consultant in collaboration with Penang International Hikers, the event was supported by key agencies, including Tourism Malaysia, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Penang state government.
The Kailas Penang Skyrace stands as one of only three courses in Malaysia certified by the International Skyrunning Federation, reflecting its growing stature as a premier destination race in the region.
RESULTS (Top 3 only)
30km Pro Sky
Men: 1. Nicolas Molina (Esp) 3:34:10, 2. Shoma Otagiri (Jpn) 3:41:58, 3. Kristjan Chapman (Isl) 3:55:18.
Women: 1. Svetlana Nurmukhametova (Rus) 4:09:37, 2. Elena Karanfiloska (Mkd) 4:09:40, Vanja Cnops (Bel) 4:26:10.
50km Sky Ultraks
Men: 1. Lee Chong Chi (Mas) 6:18:14, 2. Anjeluis Palja (Mas) 6:22:33, 3. Khairul Anuar Mustaffa 6:30:04.
Women: 1. Zoe Tan Xin Yi (Sgp) 7:29:51, 2. Avegail Depanay (Phi) 7:55:04, 3. Jennifer Lee (Can) 8:30:42.
10km Short Sky
Men: 1. Jan Ballbe Peres (Esp) 1:12:23, Siva Kumar Daaraneshwaran (Mas) 1:19:05, 3. Hiroyuki Kawachi (Jpn) 1:21:45.
Women: 1. Nikola Matkova (Svk) 1:33:35, 2. Juliana Lopez Angarita (Col) 2:00:23, 3. Tracy Poweer (Irl) 2:04:53.
Pix courtesy of MMTF Consultant