THE highly anticipated annual sporting event, the Penang Hill Heritage Forest Challenge (PHHFC), is returning for its ninth consecutive year.
Organised by the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), PHHFC 2024 will take place on Sunday, Aug 18 at Penang Municipal Park (formerly known as Youth Park), from 7am to 12pm.
Supported by the Penang government, PHC will once again collaborate with key partners including the Penang State Sports Council, Penang Island City Council, Penang Forestry Department, and Penang Hill Residents’ Association. The event management responsibilities will be entrusted to Endurance Nature Sdn Bhd.
The PHHFC, which debuted in 2014, is designed to showcase Penang as a premier eco-tourism destination while fostering awareness and appreciation for environmental and heritage conservation within the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve. This event serves as a testament to sustainable practices and responsible tourism initiatives.
Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said this year’s race will feature two routes: a 7km and 13km course.
“Both courses start from the Youth Park, and proceed directly up using the Moon Gate Trail, finally ending at Dataran, Penang Hill summit.
“There will be four categories for each course: Men’s Open (Aged 15 to 44), Men’s Veteran (Aged 45 and above), Women’s Open (Aged 15 to 44) and Women’s Veteran (Aged 45 and above).
“Participants have the opportunity to compete and challenge themselves amidst the stunning backdrop of the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.
“Cash prizes also await the top finishers of the 13km course in each category, while additional prizes will be available through a lucky draw for all participants who successfully complete the run.
“Meanwhile, winners of the 7km course will receive trophies and sponsored products,” Gooi told a press conference at the Penang Hill Lower Station today.
Also present was PHC senior manager Shahril Nizam Cheah Abdullah.
According to Gooi, online registration is now open, with an early bird rate of RM35 for the 7km route and RM55 for the 13km route until April 30.
“Meanwhile, the standard registration fees (RM45 for the 7km route and RM65 for the 13km route) is from May 1 to July 20,” he said.
Online registration is available at https://cps4.me/PHHFC2024. The closing date for registration is July 20.
Gooi said he is confident that the Penang Hill Heritage Forest Challenge will provide a fun and healthy activity, enhancing the well-being of all participants.
“Thus, I encourage everyone to join in the excitement and enjoy the race, as the route leads you through the captivating natural landscapes of the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.
“I also would like to extend my congratulations to PHC for spearheading this impactful event, together with its esteemed partners, namely the Penang State Sports Council, Penang Island City Council, Penang Forestry Department, and Penang Hill Residents’ Association for their unwavering support.
“I wish you all well in your upcoming preparations and look forward to joining you during this event on Aug 18 this year!” he concluded.
For more information and registration, visit https://v2.checkpointspot.asia/event/PgHill_Heritage_Forest_Challenge_24 or follow Penang Hill on social media channels to stay updated on the latest news and updates.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting