UP to 1,000 participants are expected to take part in the 11th edition of the Penang Hill Heritage Forest Challenge (PHHFC) on Aug 16 this year, says state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi.
Gooi said the annual trail run, organised by Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), offers participants the opportunity to explore the evergreen trails of Penang Hill while testing their endurance across challenging terrain.
“PHC has evolved from a modest initiative aimed at bringing people closer to nature into a signature event that unites trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts through a shared appreciation for Penang Hill,” he said at a press conference today.
He said the race will feature two categories, namely an 8km and a 15km route, both starting from the exit of the City Park car park next to SJK (T) Azad and ending at the Angsana Stage at the hilltop.
“Participants in the 8km route will cover key sections including Moon Gate Trail, Station Point 84, Middle Station, Viaduct Road West, Bypath routes and Jalan Tuanku Yahya Petra before finishing at the summit,” he said.
“For the 15km category, runners will take on a more demanding route covering Moon Gate Trail, Station Point 84, Hye Keat Trail, Middle Station, Viaduct Road West, Bypath 1, Lower Tunnel Road, Bypath F and Upper routes before reaching the finish line,” he added.
Gooi said registration for the event opens from March 19 until June 30, with early bird rates offered from March 19 to April 30.
“Participants aged 15 and above, both local and international, are eligible to register, with last year’s edition attracting 853 runners from 18 countries, reflecting its growing global appeal,” he said.
He said beyond competition, the event continues to promote Penang as a leading eco-tourism destination while fostering awareness on environmental conservation within the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.
“More importantly, PHC represents an opportunity to reconnect with nature, appreciate our shared heritage and strengthen a community that has a passion for the hill,” he added.
Gooi said the state government remains supportive of programmes that integrate recreation with conservation to ensure Penang’s natural heritage is preserved for future generations.
He added that his office is among the sponsors of the event, reflecting its commitment to environmental preservation and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.
Gooi also thanked the Penang State Forestry Department as co-organiser, alongside partners including the Penang Island City Council, Penang State Sports Council, Youth Park Information Centre, Penang Botanic Gardens and the Penang Hill Residents’ Association.
He said the event will be managed by Endurance Nature Sdn Bhd, with participants receiving race kits, T-shirts and finisher medals upon completion within the stipulated time.
“Every role, whether as a runner, sponsor or volunteer, helps advance the ongoing preservation of Penang Hill and the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve,” he said.
Also present was PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng.
For more information, visit
https://cps4.me/penang-hill-heritage-forest-challenge-2026
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan