AN annual ultra running event aims to put Kedah on the map by becoming a top trail running destination in South-East Asia by 2030.
The goal is being fuelled by growing participation in The Magnificent Baling 100 (TMB100), which covers 100km of rugged terrain in the state’s southeastern district.
Organiser Ten Senses (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Mohd Bukhari Ismail said the race, now in its fourth year, drew over 4,000 participants, demonstrating the trail running community’s confidence in the event’s quality and uniqueness.
TMB100 saw competitors from 11 countries taking on 5km, 10km, 25km and the ultra 50km and 100km.
Mohd Bukhari said the spillover effect would generate more than RM5mil in economic benefits for small traders, local entrepreneurs, homestay operators and the local tourism services sector.
State tourism, culture and entrepreneurship committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said the event met changing travel trends of visitors seeking out authentic local experiences, reported Bernama.
“At the inaugural TMB100 in 2023, only 800 runners took part, but the number has increased every year,” he said.
“This shows that efforts to develop Kedah’s tourism sector are bearing fruit and creating business opportunities for locals especially.
“Baling is on the right track to becoming a world-class sports tourism destination, with the support of all parties.”
He added that the multi-stage bicycle race, Tour Geo D’Kedah (TGDK) by Kedah State Cycling Association, was also being held in Baling from Sept 2 to 6.
Baling district officer Yazlan Sunardie Che Yahya said the event had benefitted almost all sectors.
Nearly all hotels and accommodation in the district were filled, while traders − especially those providing food − saw brisk business, he said.
He added that efforts were being made to ensure capacity for rooms in the district, to support TMB 100 in the future.
