Pahang Darul Makmur, one of the biggest state in Peninsular Malaysia - known for its diversity of flora and fauna, its grueling terrain, its breathtaking waterfalls, its myriad of cultural practices and tantalizing culinary feasts offers immense potential for eco-tourism and adventure racing activities. 

The ‘rakyat’ has always been close to the hearts of the Pahang Royal Family.  The late Almarhum Sultan Sir Abu Bakar has traveled to remote areas in Pahang by sampan, trekking on foot or on elephant to meet and listen to the people.  There were fiestas at every stop to welcome the Sultan and his entourage.  The Kuala Lipis – Pekan International Rafting competition is a re-creation of the route taken by the late HRH.

This has set a tradition which till today is followed by HRH Sultan Ahmad Shah, the Sultan of Pahang.  In addition, HRH Sultan Ahmad Shah is known to enjoy nature, adventure and the outdoor.  His picture depicting him being winched from a moving navy ship to another when he was the King clearly reflects his true self.Thus an adventure race known as Sultan Ahmad Shah International Eco Challenge was inaugurated and organized for the first time in 2008 on the beautiful island of Pulau Tioman in his honor. This inaugurated event was a resounding success and HRH in his speech during the event has proclaim that he would like to see this event being organized annually.

While the event in 2008 test the endurance of the participants in running, mountain biking and canoeing, the SAS International Eco Challenge 2009 will test the running endurance of the participants over the jungle trails of both Tasik Bera and Pulau Tioman. The race route is carefully chosen to take the participants off the beaten track in this famous lake and island of Pahang. It promises grueling challenges, difficult terrains with breathtaking sights and scenery which are not usually experience by the ordinary visitors to these places.

Sultan Ahmad Shah International Eco Challenge 2009 is basically a half marathon race with the participants having to run the eco jungle trails of Tasik Bera and Pulau Tioman. The challenge is divided into the following categories:-

International Category (Men/Women) – Participants must participate in both legs of the event ie the 1st leg – Tasik Bera and the 2nd leg Pulau Tioman. The participant with the best combined score from both these legs will be declared the overall champion of SAS Eco Challenge 2009. The Iron Lady award of SAS Eco Challenge 2009 will be awarded to the highest score lady participant of the two legs.

Local Category (Men/Women) – Participants may also sign up for only 1 leg of the eco challenge ie they may sign up to run either the Tasik Bera or Pulau Tioman Leg of the Eco Challenge. The winner of each leg will be declared the “Juara Tasik Bera” or “Juara Pulau Tioman” respectively.