Debutant takes down 16km Kiara trail’s 2023 winning time
Being a newcomer to trail running did not stop Min Xiang Lee from conquering the competition at Trail Titans Kiara Hill, beating last year’s winning time along the way.

The 32-year-old recorded a time of two hours and seven minutes, 10 minutes ahead of last year’s first place.

This was Min’s first attempt at the event, which is in its second instalment and involves trail within Bukit Kiara Forest Reserve in Kuala Lumpur.

Participating in the 16km (Men’s Open) category, Min, who only recently took up trail running, said he was proud of his achievement.

Min enjoying his medal and new course record at Trail Titans Kiara Hill in the 16km Men’s Open. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI/ The Star

“I train here in Bukit Kiara, which is what made me decide to take part in Trail Titans.

“The trail is challenging but I was determined to break the record and I am happy to have achieved this,” he said.

The event, organised by Dirigo Events, included shorter races of 5km and 10km.

The 5km category was introduced this year to encourage participants who are new to trail running and to get families to participate together.

Father and daughter duo, Mohd Zamri and Qalesya Zandra. - Courtesy photo

Each race was divided into the Men’s Veteran, Women’s Veteran, Men’s Open and Women’s Open categories.

The top three finishers in each category received medals and cash prizes, while Min received an additional RM500 for breaking the course record.

Dirigo Events director Gloria Ng said some 200 people took part in the event and she expressed optimism for a higher turnout next year.

“It’s fantastic to see everyone come out early on a Sunday morning and enjoy nature in this beautiful location.

“It’s even nicer to see a few families.

“This motivates us to continue with our objective of making Trail Titans a viable alternative to road running, for those who are looking for something different to keep themselves fit and healthy,” Ng added.

Mohd Zamri, who took part with his daughter Qalesya Zandra in the 5km category, said it was an opportunity to spend quality time together.

“I am happy that she managed to complete the course.

“In fact, I found myself having to keep up with her,” he said.

“I wanted to introduce my daughter to the joys of trail running.”

The event also drew the participation of foreigners residing in Malaysia.

Taking part in the 16km Men’s Veteran category was Russian national Yakov Kozlov, who emerged in first place.

“I regularly run here, but it was cool exploring newer areas during the race which I had not discovered before,” he said.

In the 16km (Men’s Open) category, Mior Rashidi and Muhamad Syami Mohd Noh placed second and third respectively.

Hanna Rashid, Jacqueline Koh and Chai Yee Ling came in first, second and third, respectively, in the 16km (Women’s Open) category.

Another participant, Vithya Vijayakumari, a Malaysian who currently lives in Australia, was happy to have participated.

“I occasionally return to Malaysia to take part in events.

“The trail was challenging but I was prepared and am happy with my performance,” she said.
Min Xiang Lee,Trail Titans Kiara Hill
Being a newcomer to trail running did not stop Min Xiang Lee from conquering the competition at Trail Titans Kiara Hill, beating last year’s winning time along the way.