Kuala lumpur: The Magnificent Baling (TMB100), a prestigious trail running event, is targeting becoming a key hub for trail run in the Southeast Asia region by 2030. Organiser and Ten Senses (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Mohd Bukhari Ismail said the target was set based on the event's achievements and growing participation since its inaugural edition in 2023.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, entering its fourth edition, TMB100 has recorded a total of 4,109 participants since its introduction. The figure represents an increase of more than 100 percent, thus demonstrating the trail running community's confidence in the quality and uniqueness of the routes offered in Baling. This year's TMB100 brings together participants from 11 countries, and the five categories that will be contested are the 100 kilometers (km), 50km, 25km, 10km, and 5km. Additionally, 922 participants are competing in the 100km trail run, reflecting significant growth compared with previous editions.
The event is expected to generate an economic impact of more than RM5 million through the presence of nearly 12,000 visitors and participants who will gather in Baling for TMB100, which will be held from July 31 to August 1. It will provide direct economic spillover to small traders, local entrepreneurs, homestay operators, and the local tourism services sector. Mohd Bukhari noted that homestays in Baling are fully booked, with some participants having to stay elsewhere. Plans are being considered to introduce a concept where participants stay with local residents in Baling next year, pending feedback from stakeholders.
Meanwhile, state Tourism, Culture and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin highlighted that hosting the event in Baling would help promote the district's ecotourism. At the inaugural TMB100, only 800 runners took part, but the number has increased every year, reaching more than 4,000 this year. This growth supports efforts to develop Kedah's tourism sector, creating business opportunities for local residents.
With the support of all parties, Baling is on track to emerge as a world-class sports tourism destination, while TMB100 is set to become Southeast Asia's trail running event hub within the next four years. Mohd Salleh also mentioned that the Tour Geo D'Kedah (TGDK) cycling event, organized by the Kedah State Cycling Association, will be held in Baling from September 2-6 as part of efforts to make Kedah a hub for developing the nation's future cycling talent.