Rompin State Park was a hive of activity on Saturday (20 August) with the participation of more than 250 young and old racers from Malaysia and Singapore.

The adrenaline-fueled event was part of the ARWS Asia Circuit, a collection of the best mid-distance adventure races in the Asian region.

It was co-organised by the operator of Rompin State Park and ARWS Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. with support from the Pahang Forestry Department.

An adventure race is a contest in which teams compete in an expedition-length race involving two or more sporting disciplines.

In AR Rompin, the pro racers competed for championship glory on a unique 80km course.

The racers navigate incredible hiking trails with only a map and compass, discovering impressive landscapes along the journey.

There was also plenty of challenge for both beginners and experienced racers who took part in the 10km trail run (T1) category.

AR Rompin race director James Chee said the 80km course includes mountain biking, trail running, tubing, abseiling and tyrolean traverse.

The course began with a 2.5km trail run, followed by 2.5km tubing, 6km trail running and followed by 55km of mountain biking.

The racers then abseiled 40 meters, followed by 55 meters of the tyrolean traverse, before culminating with another 60 meters of abseiling to the bottom of the Seri Mahkota waterfall.

He said anyone with a basic fitness level could enter an adventure race and have fun.

Adventure racing makes people realise they can do complex things beyond the boundary of their usual comfort zone, said Chee.

He added that adventure racing makes people more tactically astute, resilient and self-sufficient.

Tourism Malaysia, an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, supported the event through grants.

Tourism Malaysia’s senior director for strategic planning, Syed Yahya Syed Othman, graced the event.

He said the Rompin State Park in Pahang could potentially be Malaysia’s world-class adventure race venue.

The 31,797 hectares of tropical rainforest offer an authentic wilderness experience and race in unique terrains.

Among the highlight is the majestic Seri Mahkota, a 50-meter-high cascading waterfall with a cave in the middle.

The rock formation dates back around 248 million years old, while its pristine tropical rainforests span many forest types.

Syed Yahya added that the Tourism Ministry would ensure Rompin State Park is developed according to eco-tourism best practices.

Doing so would encourage a positive experience for visitors while minimizing the impact of tourism on the environment.

Rompin State Park is the second largest park in Pahang after Taman Negara.

It is blessed with a high diversity of flora and fauna, including 253 species of birds, along with 83 species of mammals and bats, snakes, lizards and turtles.

Visitors to Rompin State Park can also stay in natural harmony with mother nature.

Accommodation ranges from campsites and dorms for independently minded travellers to bespoke rainforest retreats that offer the highest standards of luxury and guest wellbeing, all in a serene and refreshing ambience.

A group of racers from KBS Adventure Team that consist of Norazrin Kamsor Azrin, Mohd Azuan Asmuni, Muhammad Syamsul Erry Abdullah and Yusof Abdul Manan emerged the winners of the team of four (T4) race in a time of five hours and 54 minutes.

Norazrin said the race has undoubtedly pushed them way beyond their abilities.

But once they reached the finishing line, they knew the feeling of being stronger together.

She further added that it was terrific to abseil down the spectacular Seri Mahkota waterfall.

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