Inaugural challenge to tackle Miri’s iconic staircase

MIRI: Bulatan Park Runner’s Club (BPRC) will stage the inaugural Lereng Bukit Trail Challenge at Lereng Bukit Staircase from 6am on July 30.

Participants will tackle either of two categories.

The elite category will require competitors to complete 10 laps of the staircase within two hours.

The 5KM category will see the men or women running a big loop from the staircase heading to Kampung Haji Waheed football field before a final lap on the staircase within an hour and a half.

A BPRC spokesperson has cautioned participants concerning the physical demands and safety, saying “the 10 laps is not as easy ... Walking up and down the stairs and such a lengthy distance is already a challenge. Thus, to make it in a run within two hours requires substantial training and a careful mind as there is a high risk of injury.”

He recommended that participants train at the staircase and be familiar with the venue.

As a form of encouragement, organisers have specially designed medals in combination with another upcoming Canada Hill Trail Challenge for the first ever ‘Twin Medal.’

They are targeting 500 participants of which 50 slots are only for Elite men and women competitors.

Medals await all finishers while cash and other prizes will be given out to the top three Elite competitors and top five 5KM runners.

Registration is open now until June 30.

Those interested in taking up the challenge to Miri’s iconic staircase may register at Share Tea (Boulevard Commercial Centre) from 11.30am to 11pm or at Bulatan Park Canteen which opens from 4.30 to 7pm. Online registration is at http:// bulatanparkrunnersclub.com/ staircase-challenge/