F.A.Q.

The TMBT consists of a mix of trails, dirt / gravel roads and shorter sealed sections. The trail conditions are highly weather dependent and can be technically challenging. There are steep sections with drop-offs and sections with roots, mud and loose soil, all requiring extra care to avoid falls and injury.

The "trails" on the TMBT may be a little different than for instance Hongkong trails, which are mostly established hiking trails with firm surface, etc. Most of the trails we use on the TMBT are used by farmers or simple connections between villages/fields in the jungle, and they are at times very overgrown and hardly a trail. They also often change due to landslides, fallen trees etc. and in the wet they can get very muddy and slippery.

We strongly recommend trail shoes with a good grip. On the first half of the course there are several stream/river crossing – do expect wet feet. For the 100 km course, you may wish to have some dry socks and perhaps a in your drop-bag for the halfway point. There are sections on the second half that can be severely muddy and wet, but there are no major stream or river crossings that do not have a bridge, so you should be in for a better chance of keeping dry feet if it does not rain .

20-30% trail on the 100k does perhaps not sound of much, but the feedback we have from competitors is generally that they are more than happy to come out from the jungle trails onto a little easier surface - I don’t think we have ever had a single complaint from a participant that there is too little trail for TMBT.

The sealed roads are mainly to connect different trail sections. We want to keep the sealed road sections to a minimum and have looked at alternatives to these sections, but the trails we have been over are just too rough and steep and we deem them not safe for the race. The sealed road sections offer safety and security from these risks but for short distances. So just be aware that the percentage surface composition may not tell the full story .

Back to FAQ Index

1.2 What are the weather conditions like on the race course?

We can never predict the weather conditions, but we usually expect hot during the first part of the day, and often with heavy rain showers in the afternoon. Temperatures can vary significantly from mid 30's till down below 15 degrees celcius during night in the highlands. it is critical to hydrate sufficiently during the entire race and be prepared for heavy cold rain to avoid hypothermia.

Although in the tropics, the risk of hypothermia is very real if you are not properly prepared with the right gear. Past TMBT races have seen runners being evacuated due to hypothermia and some needing hospitalization.

What is hypothermia? Link: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothermia/basics/definition/con-20020453

Runners have also suffered heat exhaustion during the TMBT in the past, requiring emergency evacuation and treatment that required day’s of recovery. This is generally caused by insufficient hydration and a lack of awareness of the risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke under the Borneo sun.

What is heat stroke? Link: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/basics/definition/con-20032814

The mandatory kit has a requirement of the emergency blanket, a rain jacket or poncho and/or a wind breaker. We also recommend runners ensure they have sufficient protection from the sun with the use of a sun hat that also covers the back of your neck.

The use of sun block on exposed skin is strongly recommended especially if you plan on racing with a short sleeve shirt.

Back to FAQ Index

1.3 Race Course profile, map and course data

Please refer to the sub-menu "Route Profile" under "Race Info" on the main menu.

1.4 Qualifying race for the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc

The TMBT 100 km, 50 km and 30 km courses are rated under International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and are qualifying races for the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB) as well as other races that use the ITRA qualification system.

Please note ITRA and UTMB points are only awarded to runners who finish the event within the stated cut off times and complete the entire race course without missing a water station or check points, thus being official finishers of the event.

1.5 Mandatory Kit Requirements for TMBT

It is important for all competitors to understand the risks involved in competing in an ultra trail marathon in mountain areas and in remote locations and the need to ensure you have the required kit to aid you safely through any conditions, including cold and wet conditions in a situation where you may have gotten lost and/or immobilized through injury.

The mandatory kit list is considered the minimum gear to ensure runners can make it safely through any weather conditions on this race course, have the right items to aid and assist them safely at night and are also visible not only to traffic but also to search and rescue teams in the worst case.

It is noted that the mandatory equipment list is kept minimalistic to ensure safety, but does not ensure comfort in all conditions. You may consider additional items such as for instance a thin fleece for warmth at night, a rain poncho, etc. This will add a little weight to carry, but may increase your comfort and chance of completing in particular the long courses.

We note that in case of retirement from the race, you may have to wait an extended period of time for transport off the course. There will be shelter at the aid stations, but generally no other comfort apart from the possibility of hot drinks.

Please refer to Mandatory Kit List under Race Info

Back to FAQ Index

1.6 Water Stations/Check Points/Observation Points

Water stations are set up along the TMBT race course, generally spaced in the order of 10km apart on average. The organizing team takes into consideration elevation gains, safe locations to set up water stations and check points as well as access to water to be able to set up water tanks with filtered and cleaned water for drinking to accommodate the number of runners on the race course at any one time.

Borneo Ultra Trails avoid using plastic water bottles for our events to reduce any littering - you must bring a bladder or drinking bottles to be able to carry a minimum of 1.5 L of water. We note that the 1.5 litres is a minimum. For longer sections, 1.5 liters will not be sufficient to fulfill the needs of the majority of runners, and we recommend the ability to carry up to 3 litres of water and a careful study of the course profile to understand where you should carry more water. Water from the tanks with filtered water is strictly for drinking and may not be used to cool off with as we will then likely run out of water for the back of the pack.

Although we are passing multiple streams and bamboo pipes with water, it is generally not recommended to use this for drinking directly without filtration or sterilization. It is, however, well suited for cooling off under hot conditions.

We do also not provide cups at water stations. If you want access to hot drinks / soups etc. you must bring your own reusable cup.

Runners are, however, free to purchase soft drinks/snacks and food from shops and stalls along the route, ensuring a small payback to the local community. We encourage you to carry small change along.

To view the distances between each check point and water station, please refer to the race course data for your category under "Course Profile" located under the "Race Info" on the main menu bar.

Back to FAQ Index

1.7 Disposing of rubbish on the race course

Please dispose of your rubbish such as used gel packets or other items at designated Water Stations. We will have rubbish bags available and will dispose of the rubbish at the appropriate rubbish sites after the event.

Please do not throw rubbish on the race course as this is forbidden and if caught, can lead to severe time penalties.

1.8 Drop Bag/Finish Bag Logistics

100k runners will have the option of passing the organizing team one (1) backpack for the finish line and one (1) drop bag backpackfor the half way point of the race. For 2018, the halfway and finish locations are expected to be at the same location, and it is recommended to have one combined half-way and finisher bag.

All other categories will have the option of passing the organization team one (1) bag for the finish line of your respective categories.

Each bag/item should be able to be zipped or sealed and must have the organization baggage tag attached securely when handing the items to us.

We cannot accept plastic bags as finish or drop bag items.

All backpacks should weigh no more than 10kg.

Where to pass us your drop bag/finish bags:

The drop-bags / finisher bags must be brought to the start area and deposited at the designated vans for transport when arriving at the

Back to FAQ Index

1.9 Race Updates

Runners will receive email updates from the organization from time to time by category as the information may only be relevant to one category and not all or a general email may be sent to all categories if the update is relevant to all.

Otherwise, we feel whatever information that needs to be shared with runners can be done so via our website, via email updates and information available via our website.

Runners are responsible for checking email updates and to stay informed by checking the Official TMBT dropbox Folder at all times for email updates.

We will post a copy of any updates sent out in the dropbox folder for you to read in the event your email does block updates sent and you can always stay updated.

1.10 TMBT START Location

The official start area for TMBT 2018 is at Kampung Lingkubang, just off the Kota Belud-Ranau highway. The start is relatively remote with very limited local accommodation and public transport. Optional transport is provided from Kota Kinabalu to the start line. This needs to be booked on the Racematix registration page.

All runners will need to disembark buses at a designated stop, and cross a hanging bridge in order to get to the Start line. The start line is approximately 200 meters from the hanging bridge. The bridge crossing is a potential bottleneck, and all runners are strongly encouraged to line up and cross the bridge speedily to ensure a continuous flow.

Final registration at the start line is carried out in the hall - remember that you are only officially a participant in the race after registering at the start area.

Location of actual start area: 6 degrees 08’52.41” N 116 degrees 26’39.83” E

Back to FAQ Index

1.10A TMBT 2018 Tentative Start Times

100k: 6.00am

50k: 6.00am

30k: 8.00am

12K: 8.00am

1.11 How to get to the START line via Tamparuli/Ranau Highway using the Kota Belud Bypass Road

Note: the road leading down to Lingkubang from the main Tamparuli/Ranau highway is steep, and may be slippery in wet conditions. All drivers should use extreme caution when driving down this route to the start area.

-To get to Lingkubang by vehicle, take the highway from Kota Kinabalu to Ranau.
-At the Tamparuli round-about on the highway with the large pineapple in the middle, set your meter to ‘0’ and proceed on the highway to Ranau for 25.3 kilometers.
-You will see a green signage on the left side of the road stating ‘Kota Belud’ and an arrow indicating turn ‘left’ a kilometre or two from the actual junction.
- Re-set your car meter to ‘0’ at the turn off and drive down 8.8 kilometers, give or take 500 meters. You should not reach the village of ‘Taginambur.’ If you have, it means you have by passed the drop off point for some reason or another and need to turn around and go back the direction you have come from.
-Proceed downhill on a highway that is steep in some sections and requires care. There is also midway on your drive down hill a major landslide on your right side that has just been cleared so look out for this. “ between "...500 meters" and "you should not reach the village of Taginambur.
-Do not carry your finish bags or drop bags across the river via the hanging bridge to the soccer field which is the starting point of the race. All bags must be deposited at the 2 vans parked a long the side of the road next to the hanging bridge in question.
-All runners need to disembark their vehicles and proceed on foot across a hanging bridge to the opposite bank and make their way 100 meters to the soccer field next to the school and main hall.
-The soccer field is the starting point for the race.

Back to FAQ Index

1.13 Are there accommodation options at the START venue?

No. It is a remote village area on the western side of Mount Kinabalu on the Kota Belud-Ranau highway.

Back to FAQ Index

1.14 TMBT 2018 Finish Lines

100k: Mount Kinabalu Heritage Resort & Spa, Kundasang

30k & 50k: Pekan Nabalu Village, Kota Belud

12k: Tambatuan Village, Kota Belud

1.15 Food/Shower at the finish

100k: There will be a shared room for shower options for competitors with no room booking. There will be a finisher meal.

30k/50k: A primitive (cold) shower facility will be set up to allow competitors to clean up. There will be several meal options based on a coupon system.

12k: There will be a shared shower facility, or the possibility of a refreshing river dip. There are limited local food options available.

Back to FAQ Index

1.16 Bus Service

The cost is RM50 per person per way (or RM100 for a return journey).

100k-The departure time is 3:30am

50k-The departure time is 3.30am

30k-The departure time is 5.00am

12k-The departure time is 5.00am

The departure / dropoff points available are:

1) Mega D'Aru Hotel in Tanjung Aru

2) Downtown Kota Kinabalu (opposite Hyatt Regency)

3) Avangio Hotel at Metrotown

1.17 What is the journey time from Kota Kinabalu to the Start Line?

The journey from Kota Kinabalu to the start line takes in the order of 1 hour 45 minutes.

Back to FAQ Index

1.18 Third Party Registrations

All runners must register in person and must submit their identification (passport or Malaysian MYKARD) for inspection at the registration center. We do not allow third party registrations for issues of liability.

1.19 Registration Itinerary

There are three stages to the full registration to take part in the race:

1) Signing up for the TMBT

Official entries close when slots have filled up or about 2 months before the event to allow for production of t-shirts and medals. You are only officially registered when payment has been confirmed.

2) Race Kit Collections

In the week leading up to the race the race pack must be collected - details of venue and time will be announced.

Terms of Registration
1) All runners must sign the waiver and indemnity forms and must produce legal ID or a passport.

2) All runners must also bring with them 1 photocopy of their MYKad or Passport for our records.

3) Registration at Race Start

On the morning of the race, all participants must sign in at the race start to be an official competitor.

Back to FAQ Index

1.20 Mandatory Kit Inspection

Unlike previous years, there may not for 2018 be mandatory kit inspection at the race pack collection. There will, however, but random kit inspection along the route and at the finish line, and missing kit will lead to time penalties or disqualification in severe cases.

You are ultimately responsible for your safety and success and failure during the event. Follow the mandatory kit guidelines for your category and listen to the advice given my the race directors as they know what you require for this type of terrain and race course which is incredibly isolated and technical.

1.21 Reflective Vest for TMBT

A reflective vest that is visible at night when light shines on the vest from a reasonable distance.

This is mainly a safety precaution to ensure runners are clearly visible to motorist, but also to ensure that if a search and rescue is necessary, the search team will have a better chance of identifying individuals and runners on the course especially in the dark or during adverse weather.

Back to FAQ Index

1.22 Pre-Race/Post-Race Accomodations

The race pack collection on Friday before the race will be at our partner hotel, the Avangio, at Metro Town. This will also be one of the pickup and dropoff locations. The other pickup / dropoff locations are at the Megah D'Aru hotel in Tanjung Aru (close to the airport) and in the old town centre close to the Hyatt Hotel with numerous options for accommodation within easy walking distance.

Transport back from the 100 km finish area will be at intervals as buses fill up reasonably. Please note that there will not be bus transfers back to Kota Kinabalu from the 100 km finish area during the night after about 11 pm. This is for safety reasons based on past experience. The first bus in the morning is expected to be around 7 am.

For people who expect to complete the 100 km course during the night, we recommend to book a room either at the finish venue at the Kinabalu Heritage Resort & Spa or another facility in the Kundasang area. The finish line is in the highlands, and waiting through the night is less than comfortable. We will assist with transport to accommodation in the area, but please ensure that you can get in during the night (i.e. many smaller facilities will not have 24 hour reception).

Back to FAQ Index

1.23 Food Stations

The main food stations will be at the halfway station and finish line for the 100k runners, and at the finish line for the 30k and 50k categories. In addition, there will be fruits, snacks, cup noodles, soups and hot drinks at selected stations along the route. Please note that you will need to bring your own cup for hot drinks - we do not provide cups.

Bring small cash to purchase soft drinks/isotonic drinks and maybe even have a quick noodle soup or rice dish at selected villages on the race course.

1.24 Race Course Marking Tape

Yes, TMBT is a course guided race with the use of both red/white day marking tape and red/white night markers with reflective strips that is visible to headlamps in the dark.

The marking tape will be spread out over the race course every about 50 - 100 meters apart. We will also utilize signage at junctions to assist you along the race course. We will use a combination of normal and reflective marking tape on the race course for the night sections of the race course.

Back to FAQ Index

1.25 Finisher Medals & Results

Finishers medals will be allocated to all competitors who enter the race within the normal registration period and complete their category and race course for the 12k, 30k, 50k and 100k within the stipulated cut off times.

Official finisher tee’s are issued to all 30k, 50k and 100k runners who join the race within the normal registration period and finish the race within the stipulated cut off times.

For potential late registrations, finisher medals and finisher tees may not be available as these are ordered well in advance of the race. Extra shirts and medals will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis for late registrations.

Remember, you must both start and finish the full race course in order to be an official finisher. There are no prizes or awards for finishing half a distance or not finishing the distance you registered for.

The tentative race results may be viewed at www.racematix.com as the event progresses and as runner’s finish the event as the data from the finish line is uploaded to the results server. There may at times be a lag due to poor GPRS/Data coverage in the area but by en-large, the results should be uploaded within a reasonable time frame.

Final results are only approved and released within 7 days of the finish of the event once all results are verified, any appeals filed are discussed and any protests (if any) are reviewed.

1.26 Designated sleeping areas 100k

We do not allocate sleeping areas on the race course but suggest if there is a need to do so at a Water Station (WS) or a designated shelter along the route. Please avoid sleeping on the side of village roads or in someone’s house without permission.

Back to FAQ Index

1.27 River Crossings

The race course will include several stream and river crossings on the first part of the course. The water level at the main river crossing generally varies from knee level to waist level depending on the level of the day and the height of an individual. There will be a guide rope and marshals at the main river crossing. If the river is deemed too high for safe crossing, or is rising during the event, competitors will be re-directed to bypass the river crossing.

1.28 DNF/WITHDRAWING ON THE RACE COURSE

Except for medical emergencies, withdrawal must be at one of the water stations, and you must clearly inform the timing officials at the station, and surrender your timing chip. If you withdraw on the race course, you will be transported at intervals to the finish line as our transports fill up. However, for the 30k, 50k and 100k categories, please bear in mind you WILL BE in remote locations and you may need to wait for transport to transfer you back to the finish line. The wait time can be long depending on the situation during the race.

Back to FAQ Index

1.29 Trekking poles?

Please be aware that trekking poles have sharp ends and always be aware there may be runners behind you who could get badly injured if you are reckless with the use of your trekking pole(s). Always ensure you keep the sharp tipped end of your pole facing down at all times.

1.30 Music + Headphones during TMBT

You may utilize a walkman, iphone or music player but you must use headphones. You must switch off the device when using a public road or highway or when you are at a check point.

1.31 Your Mobile Phone is an Emergency Device

You should carry a mobile phone at all times but ensure it is stored in some form of zip lock plastic bag to ensure it is protected from heavy rain or river crossings.

Your mobile phone is your emergency communication device between you and the organization so always ensure:

1) Sufficient battery is available for the entire duration of the event

2) Your ringer should be set to HIGH/Maximum and you should be able to hear your phone ring at ALL TIMES in the event of an emergency and the need for the organization to contact you.

3) Switch off your data and conserve your phone batteries if possible.

Back to FAQ Index

1.32 Lost on the race course

Firstly, keep calm, and back track to the last marker you saw visibly. Take a good look around at the area in front of you as you may have carried on running past a junction without realizing it or mistakenly taken a wrong turn.

If you still cannot locate a marker and believe you are lost, you may:

1) Contact the race organization via SMS first. Inform them of your BIB number, your location (i.e. between CP5 and CP6). Inform them of any important thing important that can help them identify your location or identify how or where you have gone wrong (i.e passed village hut with blue roof 20 minutes ago). Wait for a response via SMS or they will contact you.

2) Try to explain to them where you last saw the previous marker and how long ago that was (i.e 5/10/15 minutes ago while you ran/walked). They will talk you through the steps you need to do/take to get back on the correct path.

3) The most important thing is not to panic. The other most important thing is to follow the instructions given to you by the race organization if they decide they need to proceed with more urgent steps to assist you.

People do get lost. But more often than not, they backtrack and locate the previous markers and then realize they made a mistake and get back on the correct trail. The most important thing is if you do not see a marker after 5-10 minutes, you should be alarmed and backtrack.

Back to FAQ Index

1.33 Runner Protocols

All runners must ensure they have their timing chip wrist bands on at the start line before the start of the event. No timing chip wrist band means you will not be an official runner in the event Always ensure your race bib is facing forward and visible to marshalls as you arrive at a check point. Do not place your race bib on the side of your hips, or on your back or tucked away in your jacket. Runners found without their race bib numbers may be penalized or disqualified. Always ensure you are at the start line at least 30 minutes before the start of your category. Ensure you bring food/drink to consume on your journey to the start line or at the start line if you are worried about the early morning start. You must ensure you start the event with your mandatory kit. Any runner found running without mandatory kit will be penalized heavily for missing items. Runners caught running without any kit will be disqualified and removed from the race course. No pacers or ‘ghost runners’ are allowed on the course. Runners are NOT ALLOWED to receive any assistance from non competitors on the race course at ANY POINT along the race course for all categories. Friends and family may watch you on the race course at designated check points but may NOT provide food, drink or assistance such as replacement shoes or gear. This is an advantage over other runners and is not allowed. If you are the registered runner, you are the person who should be starting. We do not allow or condone unofficial bib swaps without the approval of the organization. If you choose to do an illegal bib swap, you are not only breaking your agreement with the organization but also not the person who should be racing which also means we are not liable to assist, support or provide any finisher items to such person(s) caught.

Back to FAQ Index

1.34 TMBT Cut Off Time

Please refer to the course data for your category under the 'course profiles'

Back to FAQ Index