Malaysian tower-running world champion Soh Wai Ching has smashed another national record, completing Penang Hill’s 3km Heritage Trail in 25 minutes 55.25 seconds.
The 32-year-old’s latest feat came just two days after he broke his own record for climbing Komtar’s 68 floors, making it two records in just three days.
This also marks Soh’s fifth Malaysia Book of Records achievement this year.
From 68 floors to 1,356 steps
Soh previously completed the 1,356-step Komtar climb in 7 minutes 2 seconds on Saturday before turning his attention to Penang Hill.
Despite being in peak condition, he admitted the Heritage Trail was tougher than expected, especially under the hot weather.
Soh had previously attempted the same route around five years ago, taking approximately 31 to 32 minutes. Before the latest attempt, he repeatedly watched footage of his previous run and mentally visualised the route.
He also arranged for four friends to cheer him on at different checkpoints, saying their support gave him an extra boost.
Already thinking about breaking it again
His latest time was also significantly faster than his usual training pace on Penang Hill, where his Strava personal best was around 30 minutes 34 seconds.
Soh said he may need to train on the hill at least three times a week if he wants to break the record again, as becoming more familiar with every bend and pacing could help him shave off more seconds.
The Penang Hill route has become one of his favourite training grounds, with Soh estimating that he has climbed it 20 to 30 times since first visiting Penang around 2016 or 2017.
“Bring glory to the country”
Soh, who jokingly calls himself a “Penang son-in-law” because his wife Chan Yi Chin is from George Town, said he hopes his achievement will encourage more Malaysians and tourists to experience Penang Hill on foot.
Coming during the National Day period, he said the back-to-back records carried special meaning.
“When you know you have the ability to break a record, it becomes a responsibility,” Soh said, adding that he wants to “bring glory to the country” and put the Malaysian flag on the world stage.
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