THE lush trails of Bukit Gasing in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, came alive as hundreds of runners from around the globe participated in the second leg of this year’s MBPJ Selangor Trail Endurance Series.
The event, organised by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), kicked off at Taman Jaya, a park located near Bukit Gasing.
It also marked the park’s relaunch after much-anticipated upgrades.
Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon flagged off 273 participants at 7am on race day.
They included 95 runners in the five-hour Endurance category and 178 in the Fast Trail category.
Besides local participants, the event drew international competitors from countries such as the Philippines, United States, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, the Netherlands and Singapore, cementing Petaling Jaya’s growing reputation as a destination for recreational sports.
The event was organised in collaboration with All-Trail Projects.
The grand finale of the series is scheduled for Nov 2 at Taman Eko Rimba in Kota Damansara, which also hosted the first leg on May 11.
“This event is more than just a test of physical endurance; it is a platform to showcase the beauty of Bukit Gasing as an ecotourism gem in Petaling Jaya.
“This event also aligns with the city’s vision for a healthier, more sustainable community as outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities,” MBPJ said in a statement.
While the runners navigated the challenging Bukit Gasing terrain, Taman Jaya was transformed into a space for a vibrant community carnival.
Visitors enjoyed a host of activities including Zumba and Pound fitness sessions, free health screenings and a colouring competition for children.
Adventure-seekers took on the zipline and tree climbing, while food trucks served up treats.
The festivities also carried a green theme with sales of plant saplings, upcycled crafts and educational games about recycling.
MBPJ deputy secretary (management) Mohd Fauzi Maarop later launched the park’s newly upgraded facilities.
The upgrades included the deepening of its lake to serve as a flood catchment pond, installation of gabion retaining walls and the construction of safer, more accessible pedestrian walkways.
The highlight of the launch was the unveiling of the park’s newest attraction: a family-friendly splash pool.
Designed as a safe and fun water play area for children, the facility is expected to become a popular spot for families to cool off and for the community to gather and socialise.
