Kuala lumpur: The Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB in Taiping generates a direct economic impact of between RM14 million and RM18 million annually, based on data from previous editions of the international trail-running event.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Race director Ewegene Tan said the estimate was based on data from the 2024, 2023, and earlier editions, with the economic impact potentially reaching RM28 million when media and broadcasting value is included. Tan stated, "This is the ninth edition and based on data from 2024, 2023, and previous years, I can say that the direct economic impact is around RM14 million to RM18 million a year. If we take into account media and broadcasting value based on Advertising Value Equivalency (AVE) calculations, the figure could reach between RM18 million and RM28 million."

Tan also mentioned that this year's edition recorded a strong safety performance, with no serious medical incidents reported throughout the race. The overall completion rate across all categories exceeded 90 per cent, although the final figure was still pending as about 17 participants in the 100-kilometre category were still making their way back from Aid Station 10.

For next year's event, Tan said discussions had begun to identify improvements, including possible changes to the routes for the 25-kilometre and 13-kilometre categories. He expressed hopes to increase the involvement of the Taiping community and to receive continued support from stakeholders such as the Forestry Department, Taiping Municipal Council (MPT), Larut, Matang and Selama Land and District Office, as well as sponsors.

Meanwhile, Malaysian runner Michelle Ng Qian Ying, who finished second in the 50-kilometre category yesterday, secured direct qualification for the World Finals in Chamonix, France, marking one of the highlights of this year's edition.