KUCHING, Oct 23: The sixth edition of Sarawak Adventure Challenge (SAC) will highlight the diverse communities, local economy, trails, and attractions in Beliong.
According to a press release, it waws held on Oct 23, in Beliong, Asajaya District.
The theme for this year’s event is “The Dragon’s Challenge”, a reference to the popular, fast-growing temple on the island.
Organised by local company, Draco Action Sports, and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, Performing Arts (MTCP), the SAC is a completely home-grown event and has been held annually since its inception in 2017.
The race is a one-day multi-sport event which includes mountain biking, trail running, and other activities over a distance of 50+ kilometres.
Beliong is not to be underestimated, and the sixth SAC will be a challenging race with a variety of trails passing through local communities, local attractions, orchards, and plantations, with Beliong town and its iconic temple serving as the start and finish.
Competitors will compete for attractive cash prizes and “bragging rights” by participating in a variety of mountain biking and trail running race formats and categories covering distances of 40+ kilometres for biking and 12 kilometres for running.
For this year’s event, there is no vehicle access to Beliong. Getting to this year’s event and the starting line requires a river crossing using local passenger ferries.
The organiser will be providing a free ferry coupon for participants. In addition, shuttle service between the official hotel and Beliong will be provided to encourage participation from outside Sarawak.
The stated goal of the SAC is to promote the State’s spectacular and diverse attractions by incorporating them into an adventure race.
The adventure race often features some lesser known venues in the State and provides a demonstration on the potential to develop sports and recreation tourism in these areas.
The event also promotes activity-based recreational opportunities for the local population and diverse tourism products for the domestic and foreign tourism markets.
Each year the SAC promotes a new venue using unique themes to create awareness about Sarawak’s attractions and adventure potential.
Starting in 2017 with the Fairy Cave Bau (the Lost Mines), 2018 in Singai (the Sacred Mountain), 2019 in Lundu (Mountain to Coast), 2020 in Serian (the Jade Cave), 2021 in Siniawan (The Evolution Trail) and this year in Beliong (“The Dragon’s Challenge”).
Each location with its special story and stunning attractions. Since the first year, the event has grown in popularity and has attracted participants from throughout the region including Brunei, Singapore, West Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan.
In 2021, even with travel restrictions, the event managed to attract 300+ participants.
The event is supported by the various District Offices, associated YB, penghulu(s), community headmen, and Village Development and Security Committees as well as the other supporting agencies (Royal Malaysia Police, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defense Force (APM), Health Department and People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela), and official drink sponsor, MOMA water. — DayakDaily
