“HOW are your feet?” Christopher Spencer Chapman asked his daughter Hazel as she emerged from the waters of Emerald Bay in Pulau Pangkor Laut, Perak.
“We are thirsty,” she replied.
This exchange may seem nonsensical but to father and daughter, it has historical significance.
They were the coded words used as Christopher’s father, Colonel Frederick Spencer Chapman, and comrade Colonel Richard Broome were rescued in waters off Pulau Pangkor Laut.
The British Army duo were picked up by submarine HMS Statesman in May 1945 after spending more than three years as guerrila fighters during the Japanese occupation of Malaya.
Today, that tale of endurance, survival and escape is commemorated through The Chapman’s Challenge at Pangkor Laut Resort involving a 3.8km run, 2.4km rainforest trek and 1km open-water swim.
Hazel said she often wondered what it was like for her grandfather to survive in the jungle with limited food and fighting diseases while planning his escape.
“Even if I wanted to give up, I’m like, well, come on. You know, we’ve got a clear path,” she said of taking on the challenge.
“His (Frederick’s) circumstances were totally different and he still did it!”
Hazel added that she persevered despite still recovering from a leg injury from an accident four years ago.
Christopher said his father believed in the power of mind over matter.
“His mantra came from Shakespeare: ‘There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so’.
“And I think that was why he survived.”
Christopher flagged off more than 100 participants from countries like the US, England, Poland, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.
Among the invited participants were Malaysian triathlete Rikigoro Shinozuka and retired track cyclist Josiah Ng.
For the first time, a relay edition was introduced.
A total of 15 pairs took part, with one partner completing the land course while the other tackled the open-water swim.
The junior edition, open to those aged 11 to 17, returned for a second time, featuring 20 participants in the 2km beach run.
YTL Hotels and Properties Sdn Bhd strategy and transformation vice-president Yeoh Pei Xien said the event had enjoyed increased participation since its inception in 2016.
She said the sustained interest reflected greater awareness of the race.
“The relay edition was introduced after many participants said their partners wanted to take part but were hesitant about either the swim or the jungle course.
“It enables couples, friends and family members to experience the event together while playing to their strengths.
“The junior edition was introduced to nurture the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and history ambassadors through a shorter and safer but still demanding course designed to build confidence, resilience and a love of the outdoors.
“These additions support the event’s core objectives of broadening participation, building community and ensuring Colonel Chapman’s story continues to inspire future generations.”
She said one of the most memorable moments was watching the relay teams cross the finish line.
“You could see them bonding, high-fiving and laughing after sharing the load in a way that brought them closer.
“The children in the junior edition were already asking when they can return next year.
“The celebratory dinner that evening was equally vibrant, with racers, relay partners, juniors and their families sharing stories,” she said.
Shinozuka, who took part in the race for the fourth time, said the event offered a perfect balance of nature and fun.
He said it was an excellent platform to promote tourism, environmental awareness and an appreciation of the island’s historical heritage.
“The soul of the event has remained consistent throughout the years.”
The top prize for the individual categories were Huawei products worth over RM10,000, RM1,500 Motherchuckers voucher and a three-day, two-night stay at the resort.
Shinozuka came first in the men’s category, but as he was an invited participant, the prize was awarded to first runner-up Marcel Smit from South Africa.
Matt Pexton from England was second runner-up, with James Kenny from Australia as third runner-up.
The women’s champion was Dr Maddalena Ardissino from England, followed by countryman Alexandra Lockyer and Renee Bidwell from Australia.
The runners-up each received a three-day, two-night stay at YTL Hotels and Motherchuckers voucher.
In the relay, Muhammad Shamsul Kamal Adnan and Ritzy Amor Ectin led the pack, ahead of Jenifer McCombie and Alison Tam, and Dominic Lau and Edmund Chan.
The winning teams each received a two-day, one-night stay at YTL Hotels.
Champion of the junior edition was Keillash Vadivelan, with Finn Middlehurst as first runner-up and Hannah Yeoh as second runner-up.
They each received a family dining package at YTL Hotels.
The Chapman’s Challenge 2027 will be held from May 28 to 30.
