SERIAN: Participants from a range of age groups took up the 6th Bung Sadung Climbathon Trail Challenge here yesterday.
The categories included men’s and women’s open, veteran men and women (50 years and above); senior men and women (40 to 49), and junior boys and girls (17 and below).
There was also the 3-km fun hike. The 7km event was flagged off and ended at the Kampung Bunga football field as participants circled the ‘Bung’ (or Mount) which is a heritage settlement believed to be the ancestral ground of the Bukar Bidayuhs dating back to the Brooke era.
Danison Manium, who is on a two-year hiatus from marathons, described the ‘very scenic view’ during the hike as ‘healing’.
“The trail was a bit challenging at times... It’s different from running on the road. You need to know the steps and preparations – that is the number one priority. You also need to study the terrain itself,” added the 37-year-old.
Another first-timer Saidi Suni, 36, echoed the same sentiments. He revealed that the climb, compared to other nature trails he tried previously, ‘required a lot of mental and physical effort’ with some slippery surfaces and increasing elevation.
“It is like what most participants said: a healing experience,” said the avid runner from Lambir in Miri who is keen to join again next year.
Samson Karega Kamau, 32, was once a seasoned marathon runner from Nairobi, Kenya, but switched to braving nature trails out of love for the outdoors.
“The challenge was truly tangible, combined with the beauty of the natural forest surroundings. Going up was quite easy for me. But coming down was very difficult.
“There were many challenges … because of the roots and stones on the ground. At one point, when I reached 6.5km, I sprained my leg,” said the lecturer at an educational institute in Indonesia who found out about the Bung Sadung challenge via Facebook and Instagram.
