Your Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB training plan has to prepare you for tropical rainforest running around Taiping, in the state of Perak, with the climb to Maxwell Hill, one of Malaysia’s oldest hill stations, as the standout feature. The event offers four adult races in early September, from 13.9 to 97.7 km, plus a kids’ run. Here are the official figures and how to train for Malaysia Ultra-Trail, whatever your distance.
The short answer
- Allow 6 to 8 weeks for MYULTRA13, 10 to 12 for MYULTRA25, 12 to 16 for MYULTRA50 and 20 to 24 for MYULTRA100.
- Indicative peak weeks: 50 to 70 km and 1200 to 2000 m of climbing for the 50, 70 to 90 km and 3000 to 4500 m for the 100.
- Key sessions: a vertical-kilometre-style long climb, runnable long runs, forest descents and humid-heat training.
- The defining feature: a very vertical 100 (nearly 4800 m of gain) with a timed vertical kilometre segment up Maxwell Hill, while the shorter races are described as runnable.
Contents
Malaysia Ultra-Trail distances and elevation gain
The event takes place in early September in Taiping. Figures come from each race page on the official Malaysia Ultra-Trail website.
| Race | Distance | Elevation gain | Profile / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MYULTRA100 | 97.7 km | 4802 m | 100K category, 3 Running Stones; 30 h limit, VK segment from Murugan Temple to the Angkasa aid station (1036 m) |
| MYULTRA50 | 54.5 km | 1977 m | 50K category, 2 Running Stones; 16 h limit, described as runnable |
| MYULTRA25 | 25.9 km | 1012 m | 20K category, 1 Running Stone; 9 h limit, two river crossings |
| MYULTRA13 | 13.9 km | 382 m | No Running Stones category; 4 h limit |
| MYULTRAKIDS | 1 to 2 km depending on age | 1 m | Kids’ run (12 and under) |
The courses start from Taiping Lake Gardens and head into the jungle around Maxwell Hill, on a mix of technical and non-technical trails through pristine tropical rainforest. MYULTRA100 also passes palm estates, durian plantations and Malay villages around Ayer Kuning, with a river crossing on concrete platforms. The highest point mentioned by the organisers is the Angkasa aid station at 1036 m. The site describes unpredictable weather systems: humid heat and downpours are part of the deal.
What makes Malaysia Ultra-Trail demanding
MYULTRA100 packs nearly 4800 m of gain into under 100 km, about 49 m per kilometre. The climb to Maxwell Hill, timed as a vertical kilometre segment, comes early: the temptation to push is strong while most of the race still lies ahead. The fastest runners on that segment who also finish are honoured, which adds a tactical layer at the front.
The shorter races are described as runnable overall. But runnable in humid jungle heat means a heart rate that climbs fast, high fluid and sodium losses and trails that turn slick after rain. Hydration is central to your preparation, whatever your distance.
How long should you train?
MYULTRA13 and MYULTRA25: 6 to 12 weeks depending on your level. The 25 has over 1000 m of gain, so include real hill work.
MYULTRA50: 12 to 16 weeks, after a 25 to 30 km trail race. The runnable profile demands solid running endurance.
MYULTRA100: 20 to 24 weeks, with at least one 50K finished in good shape. Our guide on increasing trail distance without injury helps you step up.
The phases of your training plan
Base. For an early-September race, your base is built in spring: easy aerobic volume, one quality session a week and two strength sessions.
Specific. Summer becomes your specific phase, which helps with heat adaptation if you live in the northern hemisphere. Over eight to ten weeks, long runs get longer, climbing increases (especially for the 100) and you test hydration in warm conditions. Keep a lighter week every three or four weeks. Our article on the specifics of trail training plans explains the balance.
Taper. Two weeks for the shorter races and the 50, three for the 100. If you can, arrive a few days early to adjust to the humidity.
Key workouts for Malaysia Ultra-Trail
Vertical-kilometre-style long climb. For the 100, a 30 to 60 minute continuous ascent at a strong but controlled effort, mixing running and power hiking. You learn to climb hard without compromising the rest of the race.
Runnable long run. 2.5 to 5 hours on rolling terrain, running most of the time with your race nutrition. The key session for the 50.
Forest descents. One session a week on uneven ground, ideally sometimes wet, to build confidence on roots and slippery soil.
Humid-heat training and hydration tests. A few easy runs in the heat of the day or with extra layers, plus long runs where you measure exactly what you drink and eat. Our guide on fuelling for trail and ultra races helps you build your strategy.
Want a plan built and adjusted for you? The RunMotion Coach app, the official online coach of the UTMB World Series, adapts your trail or ultra plan every week to the sessions you complete and your availability, with strength work and race nutrition advice included. Try it free for 7 days.
Build your race plan with Race Strategy
On a 100 with a big early climb and humid heat, a numbers-based strategy prevents costly mistakes. Race Strategy by RunMotion calculates a kilometre-by-kilometre plan with pace adjusted for gradient, altitude and technicality, estimates split times at key points and gives you a section-by-section fuelling and hydration plan (carbs, water, sodium). Import the official GPX of your race and adjust it to race-day weather.
Running Stones and the UTMB World Series
Malaysia Ultra-Trail awards 3 Running Stones for MYULTRA100, 2 for MYULTRA50 and 1 for MYULTRA25. To fit it into your season, read our UTMB World Series training guide and our tips on planning your trail running season.
FAQ
Are poles allowed at Malaysia Ultra-Trail?
Check the rules for your race. They can help on the Maxwell Hill climb during the 100, much less on the runnable races.
What level do you need for MYULTRA100?
A 50K finished in good shape, experience of long climbs and a hydration strategy tested in the heat. With a 30-hour limit, pacing matters more than speed.
How many kilometres a week for MYULTRA50?
At peak, 50 to 70 km with 1200 to 2000 m of climbing is a common guideline for amateur runners. Adapt it to your history and available time.
Final thoughts
Prepare for Malaysia Ultra-Trail with a big climb in your legs for the 100, running endurance for the runnable races and controlled hydration for everyone. Mountains, vertical gain and ultras are home ground for RunMotion: our founders, twin brothers Guillaume and Romain Adam, come from the Alps. Start your free trial.
Article updated by the RunMotion Coach team.
Sources
- malaysia.utmb.world (races, Running Stones, course description)
- MYULTRA100 official page
- MYULTRA50 official page
- MYULTRA25 official page
- MYULTRA13 official page
