JOE Gray from the United States came out tops in the Salomon Action Asia Malaysia Trail Run yesterday.
The Scott Sports runner, clocked one hour 21 minutes and 56 seconds in the men's 18 Kilometer race to finish ahead of Kenya's Daniel Kiprotich Kogo and Jason Robinson from England.
Gray, who hails from Colorado was so amazed by the lush green forest in which the runners had to run through in Janda Baik.
"It's magical. I've never seen trails this beautiful before. The forest is unique and the sounds inside are like music to me.
"I've never been to this part of the world before, so this is definitely something very special. A very good experience for me," said Gray.
Malaysia's Mei Yee Yip finished first in the women's elite category, with a time of 2:33:38s. Kenya's Genevive Njoku came in second while Nur Eriezamurni Tumpang, also from Malaysia came in third.
Race Results
Men's 18km
1. Joe Gray (USA) – Scott Sports (01:21:56)
2. Daniel Kiprotich Kogo (Ken) – (01:42:32)
3. Jason Robinson (Eng) – (01:47:25)
4. Weng Tak Yip (01:49:41)
5. Maz Obata (Jpn) – (01:51:45)
Men's 10km
1. Heidilee Mohammad Malaysia (00:41:16)
2. Muhammad Asdi Weding (00:50 33)
3. Mohd Nor Azuan Md Nor (00:56:26)
4. Amiruddin Nasir (01:02:50)
5. Bj Teoh (01:05:13)
Women's 18km
1. Mei Yee Yip (02:33:38)
2. Genevive Njoku (Ken) – (02:44:08)
3. Nur Eriezamurni Tumpang (03:16:16)
4. Kah Yee Chau (03:20:52)
5. Pui Fun Wong (03:22:44)
Women's 10km
1. Melissa Lim – Salomon (01:06:31)
2. Colleen Rosanna Augustin (01:09:10)
3. Marion Demeure Velazquez – France (01:10:55)
4. Mei Yan Looi (01:11:26)
5. Bee Lian Seah (01:12:47)