ONE of Penang’s unique events, the Penang Hill Heritage Forest Challenge (PHHFC), returns for its 10th edition this year to celebrate the hill’s beauty.
The event is set to take place on Aug 17, and is open to all Malaysians and international participants aged 15 years and above.
Participants can choose between two race categories: 7km and 15km. Both races will start at Padang Serbaguna, Taman Bandaraya (Youth Park), and conclude at the Penang Hill Angsana Stage, near Dataran Bukit Bendera on the hill.
The event is organised by the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) in collaboration with the Penang State Forestry Department, with support from the state government.
PHC is partnering with the Penang State Sports Council, Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and Penang Hill Residents’ Association, while Endurance Nature Sdn Bhd serves as the event manager.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi emphasised that the event is more than just a competition; it is platform to promote the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR) and encourage conservation efforts.
“Events like these are important for creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
“It is not just about fitness and competition, but also about raising awareness of nature, encouraging responsibility, and promoting eco-tourism as an important part of our state’s growth.
“The state government is committed to supporting efforts that combine recreation with conservation, making sure our natural heritage is preserved for future generations,” Gooi said during a press conference today.
Last year’s edition saw an impressive 946 participants, including runners from 18 countries, such as Japan, United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Netherlands, Ireland, United States, India, Indonesia, Germany, China, France, Austria, Nepal, Kenya,Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng expressed optimism that the event would grow into an international event in the future.
“There is a saying that if you do not visit Penang Hill, then you have not visited Penang. So, I would like to urge all to come and enjoy the nature while participating in the competition.
“We would like to thank all the sponsors and our partners for their support,” Cheok added.
Registration starts from today, and can be done via https://v3.checkpointspot.asia/event/PHHFC2025, with early bird rates available from March 20 to April 30, while the standard rates will apply from May 1 to June 30. Closing date for registration is on June 30.
Participants can collect their race kits from Aug 15 to 16 at Bilik Pinang, Penang Hill Lower Station between 10am and 6pm.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Lim Min Jun