Petaling Jaya Emerges as Urban Trail Running Hub and Premier Recreational Destination

PETALING JAYA, 11 Aug 2025 — The lush green trails of Bukit Gasing echoed once again with the footsteps of hundreds of local and international endurance runners today, as the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) hosted the MBPJ Selangor Trail Endurance Series – Series II at Taman Jaya. The event not only celebrated the city’s rich natural heritage but also reinforced Petaling Jaya’s status as a premier destination for international recreational sports.

The flag-off ceremony was officiated by the Mayor of Petaling Jaya, YBrs. Tuan Haji Mohamad Zahri bin Haji Samingon, at 7:00 AM. This marks the second instalment in the trail series, with the final and culminating Series III set to take place on 2 November 2025 at Taman Eko Rimba, Kota Damansara—officially closing the 2025 trail running calendar.

A total of 273 participants took on the challenge this round, comprising 95 runners in the 5-Hour Endurance category and 178 in the Fast Trail category.

The presence of runners from countries including the Philippines, United States, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Russia, Japan, and Singapore alongside local participants underscored the event’s growing global appeal. The event also delivered economic benefits to the local community, boosting business for homestays, small traders, and the tourism sector.

More than a test of physical endurance, the trail run served as a platform to promote Bukit Gasing’s trails as a unique ecotourism attraction in Petaling Jaya.

The event also aimed to raise environmental awareness by immersing participants in natural ecosystems—aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Adding to the festive atmosphere, a host of side activities catered to visitors of all ages. These included Pound and Zumba fitness sessions, a mini landscape building competition, free health screenings, plant and agriculture product sales, food trucks, colouring contests, zipline and tree climbing adventures, upcycled crafts, recycling games, and various other fun-filled family activities.

During the same event, MBPJ Deputy Secretary (Management) Tuan Mohd Fauzi bin Maarop officially launched Taman Jaya as one of the city’s major recreational attractions. The park’s recent upgrades include deepening the flood retention pond, installing protective gabion walls, and building safer, user-friendly pedestrian walkways.

A new highlight at Taman Jaya is the splash pool area—a family recreation space where children can enjoy water play while enhancing their physical coordination in a relaxed, social setting. The facility is also expected to foster stronger community bonds through increased public interaction.

The strategic partnership between MBPJ and All-Trail Projects in organizing this trail series demonstrates how the synergy between extreme sports and recreational infrastructure development can support Petaling Jaya’s aspirations to become a healthy, inclusive, and sustainable city for both locals and visitors.