AFTER two years of postponements due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Penang Hill Heritage Forest Challenge 2022 (PHHFC2022) will return for the seventh edition.

The event on Aug 21 will be flagged off at 7am from Penang Botanic Gardens’ Quarry Park and end atop Penang Hill.

The route will lead runners through the evergreen 130 million-year-old rainforest of Penang Hill.

Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) said in a statement that since its inception in 2014, the Penang Hill Heritage Forest Challenge had received overwhelming response over the years, attracting thrill seekers and avid runners from all walks of life.

“The objective is to promote Penang as an ecotourism destination and to instil awareness of Penang Hill’s environment conservation.

“Those interested should start training to tackle the demanding terrain and the route’s elevation changes.”

A total of 900 participants are expected.

The race is divided into six categories – Men’s Open (18-34 years); Men’s Junior Veteran (35-49 years); Men’s Senior Veteran (50 and above); Women’s Open (18-39 years); Women’s Veteran (40 and above) and International, which is open to all.

“If the organiser receives fewer than 50 entries in a category by the closing date (June 30), it reserves the right to recategorise the participants.

“For the international category, if fewer than 50 entries are received by the closing date, the organiser may cancel the category and refund the entry fees,” the statement added.

The top three finishers in each category will take home cash prizes of RM1,500, RM1,000 and RM500. Five consolation prizes of RM200 will be given in all the categories.

The entry fee is RM55 per person for early-bird registration until May 31 while the standard fee is RM65 for those who sign up between June 1 and 30.

All participants will get a finisher medal and a digital certificate. Those who complete the run are entitled to a lucky draw.

Each participant will receive a goodie bag and T-shirt which can be collected at the information counter at Penang Hill Lower Station from 8am to 5pm from Aug 17 to 20.

Registration can be done via www.actifestyle.com/events/PHHFC2022

The 15.5km challenge is organised by PHC in collaboration with Actife Style Concept, Penang Hill Residents Association and Penang Amateur Athletics Association.

The event is endorsed by Penang government under the supervision of the state youth and sports committee chairman Soon Lip Chee’s office.