Cover More than just a race, The Chapman’s Challenge a pilgrimage to the stunning private island of Pangkor Laut
More than just a race, The Chapman’s Challenge a pilgrimage to the stunning private island of Pangkor Laut
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The Chapman’s Challenge is more than just a race; it is a pilgrimage to the stunning private island of Pangkor Laut, inspired by a true story of wartime courage. We take you inside this ultimate adventure challenge of trail running and open water swimming
The Chapman’s Challenge. The very name evokes a sense of history, of grit, and of an enduring spirit that echoes through the lush rainforests and pristine shores of Pangkor Laut. This isn’t merely a race; it’s an annual pilgrimage, a celebration of courage and determination inspired by the incredible true story of Colonel Spencer Chapman, a British commando who, against all odds, evaded capture by the Japanese for three-and-a-half years during the Second World War, right here on this very island.
With such a compelling history, the race is also magnified by its pristine surroundings: the resort island of Pangkor Laut itself. A jewel of serenity just three hours from bustling Kuala Lumpur, this tranquil haven was about to become the centre stage for several battles of the minds and bodies as 60 brave souls gathered at the start line, eager to test their mettle against both the challenging terrain and their own limits.
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Above The Chapman’s Challenge is a celebration of determination inspired by the incredible true story of Colonel Spencer Chapman
The Chapman’s Challenge is a celebration of determination inspired by the incredible true story of Colonel Spencer Chapman
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Among them, we could spot Malaysian Olympian legend Josiah Ng, a celebrated track cyclist who proudly represented Malaysia in the Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and London 2012 Olympic Games, including a remarkable sixth-place finish in the Keirin in Athens, a result still etched in Malaysia’s memory. We also saw previous winner Steve Chapman. That’s right, the proud grandson had made the trip back from the UK to further etch his family name into those two-million-year-old untouched forest trails!
In case you missed it: The Chapman’s Challenge 2017 is set on making your heart race
An enduring legacy in a private paradise
Above The YTL Hotels’ Pangkor Laut Resort truly is a private island sanctuary
The YTL Hotels’ Pangkor Laut Resort truly is a private island sanctuary
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The Chapman’s Challenge unfolds in three distinct stages: an initial 3.8km journey over rolling, mostly runnable roads sets the pace before the course dives into the dense forest. There, a 2.6km trail truly tests resolve with a steep ascent and a technical descent, ultimately leading to the stunning Emerald Bay where the final, exhilarating 1km open-water swim completes the ultimate island adventure. This unique format makes it one of Malaysia’s most respected duathlon events.
Let’s now take a peek at the all-time leaderboard. Standing at the top, with a possibly unbeatable time of 45 minutes and four seconds, is Matt Poole, an Australian professional triathlete. While that record was set in 2019, the history of The Chapman’s Challenge is also marked by fierce competition from Malaysian talents like Jason Loh and Rikigoro Shinozuka, whose incredible times have consistently pushed the boundaries of the course. To even make it into the top 10 of this challenging event, you need to break 55 minutes and 13 seconds, truly showcasing the kind of elite performance required to excel here.
The anatomy of The Chapman’s Challenge
Above The Chapman’s Challenge is one of Malaysia’s most respected duathlon events
The Chapman’s Challenge is one of Malaysia’s most respected duathlon events
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As I signed up for The Chapman’s Challenge, I admit I struggled to set a realistic target. My heart yearned to crack that coveted top 10, but my legs, sadly, were quick to remind me that I was somewhat past my prime. After all, it had been a full eight years since my last race in Hong Kong and a daunting 12 years since I last claimed any silverware. Ultimately, I settled on a solid and ambitious goal: breaking the one-hour mark. Yes, there it was—a significant personal challenge.
As we gathered on the jetty, the rising sun cast long shadows, mirroring the surge of adrenaline in my chest. One last round of family hugs, and then, the countdown began. “Three, two, one, Go!” I decided to stick close to Steve Chapman, who, with his sights clearly set on victory, bolted off at a blistering pace. Despite the initial few hilly sections, we clocked the first kilometre in four minutes and 20 seconds. It felt slightly too fast for me. Trusting years of experience and the wisdom acquired over those years, I made the call to ease off, reminding myself that no race is ever won in the first kilometre. Almost instantly, a determined group surged past me during the gruelling 30 per cent incline section. My heart rate spiked to 170 beats per minute, but surprisingly, I still felt good, drawing on all those tips shared by friends about staying positive and smiling through the pain. This was it—the true test of this adventure challenge had begun.
A personal battle against the clock
Above The Chapman’s Challenge unfolds in three distinct stages: an initial 3.8km journey over roads, a 2.6km trail leading to the stunning Emerald Bay where the final, exhilarating 1km open-water swim takes place
The Chapman’s Challenge unfolds in three distinct stages: an initial 3.8km journey over roads, a 2.6km trail leading to the stunning Emerald Bay where the final, exhilarating 1km open-water swim takes place
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I entered the jungle portion of the course in fourth place, only to be immediately overtaken. “Think positively,” I coached myself, “and conserve energy for the looming climb.” The initial part of the trail running section was surprisingly flat, allowing for a good rhythm, until the dreaded stairs suddenly appeared. They hit me hard. I then had the extreme displeasure of hearing, and then feeling, heavy breathing right down my neck. By the time I reached the top of that punishing climb, I’d sadly lost my fifth spot. Gutted but not broken, years of experience kicked in, helping me find another gear. I navigated the technical downhill efficiently, making up crucial time. My focus sharpened, and by the bottom, fifth place was secured once more. With another surge of effort, the breathtaking sight of Emerald Bay finally appeared before me.
It had been 42 minutes since the race started, and I knew breaking the hour mark was going to be a fierce fight. Just then, a welcome sight: my son and daughter blew me a few kisses, providing exactly the boost of energy I needed to plunge into the water for the open water swimming leg. I took a quick second to scan the calm sea and immediately spotted a swimmer ahead. In a race, some prefer being chased to chasing, but right then, I wanted nothing more than to reel him in. Focusing on my breathing and stroke technique, I caught him after about 400m, securing fourth place. I kept my focus, breathing steadily, taking long, powerful strokes. “Keep going,” I urged myself. As I entered the final stretch I saw him, a figure in front of me, a prey unaware it was about to be caught. I swam as fast as I possibly could. About 50m before the shore, where the water was getting truly shallow, I was in third place. Bursting out of the water and dashing across the line, a wide smile spread across my face.
The final, breathtaking push to the podium
Above Steve Chapman, despite his incredible effort, came in second place with a time of 55 minutes and 34 seconds, only to be narrowly beaten by his close friend
Steve Chapman, despite his incredible effort, came in second place with a time of 55 minutes and 34 seconds, only to be narrowly beaten by his close friend
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And speaking of close finishes, Steve Chapman, despite his incredible effort, came in second place with a time of 55 minutes and 34 seconds, only to be narrowly beaten by his close friend who crossed the line in 55 minutes and 15 seconds. That’s a heartbreaking three seconds away from having his name etched onto the all-time top 10 leaderboard! In the rush of adrenaline from fighting for that third position, I wasn’t even paying attention to the clock, only to see a satisfactory 60 minutes and six seconds next to my name. Yes, satisfactory, as those extra and unwanted six seconds will be among the very reasons I’ll come back next year.
The other reasons? It’s truly amazing to race with your family around you, on such an incredible property, with a level of service and beauty rarely matched. The YTL Hotels’ Pangkor Laut Resort truly is a private island sanctuary, offering an unparalleled escape that rejuvenates the mind and body.
So, are you ready to test your own limits at The Chapman’s Challenge? Can you break the hour? Can you make it into the top 10? Or do you simply want to be part of the finishers and experience this extraordinary event for yourself? Start training soon and join us in 2026 from May 22 to 24, for what will be not only an amazing race but a truly memorable weekend in paradise!
