Kuala lumpur: Japanese runners Yutaro Yokouchi and Mika Taniguchi dominated the men's and women's MY100 categories respectively at the Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB 2026 here by emerging champions of the 100-kilometre race.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Yokouchi, 33, from Kobe and now based in Tokyo, secured victory in the men's MY100 race, clocking in at 12 hours, 18 minutes, and 44 seconds. Myanmar runner Duyakar Bahar Duu followed in second place with a time of 13 hours, 40 minutes, and 19 seconds. Completing the podium, Japanese runner Hiroyuki Kawachi finished third, taking 14 hours, 9 minutes, and 47 seconds.
Yokouchi shared his initial goal of completing the race in under 12 hours, although he fell behind schedule during the final 20 kilometres. Despite this, his primary focus was on claiming the title. This victory was significant for him after an unfinished attempt at the UTMB World Series race in Thailand last May, which had impacted his confidence for several months. The Taiping win marked his second victory in the UTMB World Series and his first in the 100-kilometre category. Looking ahead, Yokouchi aims to compete in 100-mile races next year and aspires to podium at the Western States, a prestigious ultra-trail marathon.
Meanwhile, Taniguchi completed the women's MY100 race in 15 hours, 37 minutes, and 54 seconds. She noted that the hot weather in Taiping posed a different challenge compared to her hometown of Sapporo, Hokkaido, known for its cold climate. Despite the heat, she found enjoyment in the tropical scenery, noting the presence of monkeys and different insects along the trail. Taniguchi, who was the runner-up in the previous edition, highlighted the camaraderie among local runners as a memorable aspect of the race.
In the women's MY100 category, Filipino runner Angelie Cabalo finished second with a time of 16 hours, 12 minutes, and 39 seconds, while her compatriot Mia Revilla secured third place in 18 hours, 10 minutes, and 59 seconds.
The Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB 2026 attracted over 2,700 participants from 63 countries and spanned over three days, concluding on a high note.