By Geena Roslyna
A conversation with Shamiera Auther
Shamiera Auther is no stranger to Sabah’s trails. A familiar name on the Asia Trail Master circuit, she’s claimed wins at races like KAR Ultra and BUTM, and carries a UTMB Index of 535, a mark of serious ultra-distance credentials.
Beyond racing, she’s also a writer herself, having penned pieces on hiking and trail culture around Sabah.
She’s taken on the Tropical Rainforest Run twice before. First in 2023, then again in 2025. We caught up with her to find out what keeps drawing her back to Tawau Hills Park.
1. Hi, Shamiera! How did you get into trail running?
My introduction to trail running came from my dad. Back in 2019, he was training for his first 100km race, and following him on those training runs is what started it all for me.
2. What made you sign up for TRR?
I signed up for TRR because I love climbing and the challenge of navigating uneven pacing on the trail. It keeps things exciting and unpredictable.
3. What was going through your mind leading up to race day?
Leading up to race day, I was mostly mentally prepping for the trail, reminding myself to expect the unexpected. I tried to anticipate the worst-case scenarios and how I’d handle them, while also focusing on the basics like my nutrition and trying to stay calm. But through it all, I kept visualising crossing the finish line.
4. Any moment you wanted to back out? What kept you going?
Yes, absolutely. The thought crossed my mind because the Tropical Rainforest Run is very intense, yet rewarding. But whenever I felt like giving up, I relied on my past experience. Having finished it three times already gave me the confidence that my body and mind could handle it one more time.
5. What was the start line like?
The start line was a great rush of energy. It was awesome seeing my running friends, but my mind was totally on the trail. I knew it was going to be an epic race, and I just wanted to give it my best shot.
6. What was the hardest moment on the trail?
The hardest moment was managing the doubt that creeps in during the long climbs. Power hiking takes a lot of patience because it takes time, so I just had to respect the process and keep grinding.
7. What kept you going when it got tough?
What kept me going was my loved ones. They always believe in me, which reminds me to have that same belief in myself when the trail gets tough. Knowing my dad was waiting for me at the finish line was all the fuel I needed to keep moving forward.
8. Any moment of unexpected beauty or joy out there?
Definitely. Deep in the Tawau Hills forest, you can’t predict anything, everything can happen in the blink of an eye. That’s why the unexpected joy is so powerful: when my body and mind get perfectly in sync, my heart rate stabilises, and I’m just moving forward with total focus.
9. What did crossing the finish line feel like?
Crossing the finish line feels like finishing an Indiana Jones movie; pure adventure and grit. Tawau Hills is a 100% technical trail: constantly power hiking, running the runnable sections, sliding through mud, and grabbing trees as support to swing yourself down the steep, technical downhills. When I finally cross that line, I feel pure happiness; the endorphins hit, and even though I’m completely covered in mud and dirt, it’s an incredible feeling.
Ready to Write Your Own Trail Story?
Shamiera’s journey through Tawau Hills’ rainforest canopy is proof that every finish line comes with its own story of grit, growth, and unexpected joy. Who knows, it might even be your calling to join the Tropical Rainforest Run 2026!
Early bird slots are open until 20 July, don’t miss your chance to secure your spot at a better rate before prices go up.
Register for the Tropical Rainforest Run 2026 today: https://climbathon.com.my/tropical-rainforest-run-2026/
