Imagine running through a rainforest where towering trees surround you, rivers cut through the landscape and the sounds of birds and flowing water replace the noise of the city.
This is Tropical Rainforest Run, a trail-running experience that takes runners deep into the natural beauty of Tawau Hills Park, one of Sabah’s remarkable protected areas.
The Tropical Rainforest Run should be on your next trail running bucket list because it offers a chance to race through an ancient, biodiverse Borneo rainforest at Tawau Hills Park.
Where the Jungle Becomes Your Race Course
- Volcanic Terrain: Run past three dormant volcanic peaks—Mount Maria, Mount Magdalena, and Mount Lucia.
- Towering Trees: Pass by some of the tallest tropical tree species in the entire world such as the Mengaris tree (Shorea faguetiana), or locally known as Seraya Siput Kuning.
- Challenging Elevation: Conquer the rigorous 28km route with about 1,197m of elevation gain, or choose the scenic 10km category.
- Natural Wonders: Encounter sulphur springs and rich wildlife habitats, such as red leaf monkeys and hornbills, along the jungle paths.
Global Recognition and Conservation
- ITRA Points: The 28km main course is officially recognized by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) for global rankings and race qualifiers. ITRA points are awarded to runners who finish this race, which opens doors to international competitions and other international trail circuits. The Tropical Rainforest Run is really a world-class trail experience that originated in the heart of Borneo rather than merely a local race.
- Eco-Tourism Impact: 10% of registration proceeds go directly to Sabah Parks conservation projects.
- Leave No Trace: The event strictly enforces strict conservation and clean-running ethics.
Worried about the leeches? Here’s an interesting fact about them!
Some areas of Tawau Hills Park are dense with leeches due to its “accomodating” environment for them. Did you know that leech saliva contains substances called anti-coagulants? It stops blood from clotting and helps improve blood flow. So, pulling a leech off harshly causes heavy bleeding because it tears your skin and spreads the anti-clotting saliva deeper into the wound. Follow these tips and tricks below on how to manage leech encounters:
How to Remove the Leech
- Find the head: Locate the narrower end attached to your skin.
- Slide a flat edge: Gently slide a fingernail, a credit card, or a blunt tool under the leech’s mouth/sucker.
- Break the seal: Push sideways to release the front and rear suction cups, then flick the leech away.
- Avoid bad methods: Do not use salt, vinegar, or fire. These harsh methods stress the leech and cause it to vomit bacteria into your wound, which increases infection risks and can worsen bleeding.
Managing the Bleeding and Wound
- Expect bleeding: Leech saliva contains a natural blood thinner (anticoagulant) called hirudin. The wound naturally oozes for 2 to 8 hours, which is normal.
- Apply firm pressure: Press a clean cloth or sterile gauze pad directly onto the bite for several minutes to help close the small blood vessels.
- Clean the area: Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and clean water once the bleeding slows.
- Apply antiseptic: Put an antiseptic like povidone-iodine or rubbing alcohol on the wound.
- Bandage it: Cover the spot with a clean sterile bandage and change it if it becomes soaked.
The verdict? Maybe being bitten by a leech can be a story to tell your children or even grandchildren! Something along the lines of “When I was younger, I got bitten by a small leech while running the Tropical Rainforest Run”. Not gonna lie it does sound a bit scary but some adventures are best experienced outside your comfort zone.
In the end, the best part of a trail race isn’t always the finish line. It is the moments along the way. The first climb, the muddy sections, the laughter with fellow runners, the breathtaking views, the moments when your legs feel tired but you keep moving.
And eventually, you see the finish line.
You cross it knowing that you have not simply completed another 28 kilometres, or 10 kilometres. You have experienced Tawau Hills Park in a way that few visitors ever do, which is conquering its unique trail.
