Mark your calendars for the exciting return of Tropical Rainforest Run at Tawau Hills Park, Sabah this November! This year’s race will be held on 26 November 2023 with two enticing races: 21km Tropical Rainforest Trail Run for seasoned trail enthusiasts (Open and Veteran) and 6km Sulphurous Springs Fun Run for beginners seeking for fun-filled adventure.

Embark on an exhilarating 21-kilometre adventure through a challenging trail, starting from the scenic park station and reaching the breathtaking heights of Mount Lucia before returning to the park station, ascending to elevations of up to 800 metres. Alternatively, the 6-kilometre fun run will take you from the park station to the intriguing sulphur hot spring and back.

Following the event theme, participants will run among the world's tallest tropical tree, the Yellow Meranti Tree (Shorea faguetiana). Tawau Hills Park itself holds the record for harbouring the second tallest trees in Sabah, measuring at 99.2 metres in 2019. The park is also home to diverse wildlife such as gibbons, red leaf monkeys, and hornbills, adding to the attractiveness of the race.

Tropical Rainforest Run is dedicated to promoting rainforest conservation awareness while highlighting the beautiful biodiversity within Tawau Hills Park’s ecosystems. And to support the preservation of our wildlife, 10% of the profits will be contributed to wildlife conservation projects in collaboration with Sabah Parks.

So lace up your running shoes, embrace the adventure, and prepare for an exciting journey through the heart of Tawau Hills Park's tropical rainforest.

WAIVER: I know that running is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter and run unless I am physically able and properly trained. I agree to abide by the rules laid out and will not claim any damages from Tropical Rainforest Run LOC in the event of an accident, injury or death which arises before, during or after my participation in the Tropical Rainforest Run. I hereby indemnify the Tropical Rainforest Run LOC and keep the indemnified and waived against all claims that may arise in consequences of the above Tropical Rainforest Run. I hereby agree to be filmed, videotaped and photograph, and to have my image and voice otherwise recorded, in any media, during my participation in Tropical Rainforest Run by the LOC official photographer(s), film crew(s) and video crew(s), and by any other entity authorised by the Tropical Rainforest Run LOC or under the condition specified by the Tropical Rainforest Run LOC. I hereby grant full permission to the Tropical Rainforest Run LOC the irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide right and licence to use, and to authorise third parties to use, in all media, my name, picture, likeness, voice biographical information for (1) news and information purposes, (2) promotion of the run in which I compete in and (3) commercial marketing purposes. 

RULES AND REGULATIONS 

These rules may be cited as the Tropical Rainforest Run 2023 Rules. 

In these Rules:- 

"TROPICAL RAINFOREST RUN" means the Tropical Rainforest Run event. "COMMITTEE", means the Organising Committee for the Tropical Rainforest Run. 

"PARTICIPANT" means the participant of the Tropical Rainforest Run duly registered with the Committee. 

CATEGORY 

The Tropical Rainforest Run is open to local and international participants who are in good health and able to complete the race. 

A. Open Category: 

All male and female participants must be a minimum of 18 years as of 26 November 2023, i.e. born before 25 November 2005. 

B. Veteran Category: 

• Men Veteran participants must be a minimum of 40 years as of 26 November 2023, i.e. born before 25 November 1983. 

• Female Veteran participants must be a minimum of 35 years as of 26 November 2023, i.e. born before 25 November 1988. 

VETERAN MEN & WOMEN 

Participants must present their identification card or passport during registration or during race kit collection day for age verification. 

ATTIRE 

Each participant shall be free to choose his or own attire for the Tropical Rainforest Run. However, the usage of transparent attire is strictly prohibited. 

ALL RUNNERS WILL GET THE FOLLOWINGS 

1. Open & Veteran Category

• Running T-shirt (*Running t-shirt sizes are given on a first-come-first-served basis.) 

• Finisher's Medal (finish within cut off time.) 

2. Fun Run Category

• Running T-shirt (*Running t-shirt sizes are given on a first-come-first-served basis.) 

• Finisher's Medal.

BIB NUMBERS FOR PARTICIPANTS 

Each participant shall be given an official bib number, which must be affixed with safety pins on the front and back of the participant's attire. Race Bib swapping is illegal. This is especially important as emergency contacts are registered with the bib. This will also ensure that there is no cheating. If this should happen the runner will be immediately disqualified and the identity will be posted to all running events. 

CUT OF TIME 

The time limit allocated to each participant shall be as follows: 

A. Men Open (age 18 – 39) & Men Veteran Category (age 40 and above)

The time limit for the return route from starting point at the Park base to the Helipad Lucis shall be within 4 hours 30 minutes. 

B. Women Open (age 18 – 34) & Women Veteran Category (age 35 and above) 

The time limit for the return route from the starting point at the Park base to the Helipad Lucis shall be within 5 hours 30 minutes. 

Note: Runners who exceeded the cut of time(s) will be "swept" back to the starting point. 

3. Fun Run (No Cut Off Time)

OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE 

Each participant shall complete the Tropical Rainforest Run without any outside assistance. If this should happen, the runner will be immediately disqualified. 

DRINKING WATER SUPPLY 

Runners are required to be self-sufficient on the run course with water/aid stations (W) set up to cater for refilling of hydration packs or water bottles at intervals of about 2 kilometres to 3 kilometres along the marked race course. Please remember to bring your hydration pack. While water bottles will be provided at the event, we strongly recommend that runners also bring their own hydration packs.

CHECK STATION JUDGES 

Check station judges with official name tags will be based at various check station(s) along the route. Each participant is required to pass through all check stations; failing which shall result in his or her automatic disqualification. 

Any participant decided to drop out during the race must notify the race staff and proceed to walk back to the starting/finishing line. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Shuttle services will be provided on 26 November 2023. Kindly refer the schedule below: 

1. Venue: Shervinton Executive Boutique Hotel & Borneo Royale Hotel, Departure time at  4:30am.
2. Venue: Tawau Hills Park, Departure time at 12:00pm-3.00pm. 

APPEAL JURY 

Any participant may appeal to the Jury which shall consist of three members headed by a Technical Race Official. Any decision made by the appeal Jury shall be final. 

INDEMNITY 

The Committee shall not be liable for any injury or death, which occurs to any participant before, during or after the Tropical Rainforest Run. 

AMENDMENT TO RULES AND REGULATION 

The Committee reserves the right to amend the Rules of the Tropical Rainforest Run at any time as it may deem fit. 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION RULES 

You must stay on the trail at all times. Shortcutting is strictly prohibited. Picking up plants, animals, fungi, and rocks along the race course as well as within the overall race area is prohibited.

No littering along the course. 

CLOSING DATE OF REGISTRATION:

12 November 2023 

RACE PACK COLLECTION DATE: 

25 November 2023 (Venue: Ground floor, Eastern Plaza, Jalan Kuhara, Mile 1, 91000, Tawau from 10.00am-9.30pm) 

OTHERS 

Due to the time limit, the Tropical Rainforest Run will not accept any entry from runners participating for charitable reasons.