2017 Preview - Brunei's Beach Bunch Trail Challenge goes Ultra

The fifth race in the 2017 Asia Trail Master series sees us return to Brunei for the 2nd Beach Bunch Trail Challenge on 25/26 February 2017. One of the organisational highlights of the first half of this year, the BBTC plans to expand on the success of the inaugural edition and introduce a genuine challenge next season: a 100 km ultra distance!

Event organiser Rizan Latif, himself a fervent runner, has discovered many new trail options and is confident the 100k will be great. The elevation gain will be approx 2400 hm. Less ambitious runners can opt for the 50 km and 1200 hm. The event venue will be changed from the beach to a nearby public theme park, which allows for long-time use that is of course necessary for an ultra race. 

The Brunei trail running community has boomed this year thanks to a great extent by the BBTC event. While initially considered by many to be an "easy run", the race proved it had a big sting when 50% of the starters DNFd. The short but steep hill climbs and running on beach sand in the heat of day made the event live up to its 'challenge' moniker. It will be no different in 2017, and participants better come prepared. Accompanying family or friends will not be bored neither, as Brunei has plenty of sights and activities to enjoy during the weekend. 

Precise event details and the opening of registration will commence in due course. 

Report on the 2016 Beach Bunch Trail Challenge

2017 Asia Trail Master calendar

14/01/17 - Thailand - The Dirt Track
22/01/17 - Indonesia - Tahura Trail
29/01/17 - Philippines - Rizal Mountain Run
17-18/02/17 - Thailand - UT Unseen Koh Chang - SUPERTRAIL
25-26/02/17 - Brunei - Beach Bunch Trail Challenge

Sefli Ahar won the men's 42k BBTC this year

Yuen Wan Ho came second this season, part of the reason he is now leading the current ATM ranking