Nakawan Ultra 3.0 2026

Nakawan Ultra 3.0 is the third edition of a biennial trail-running event based at Bukit Ayer in Perlis, close to Malaysia's northern border with Thailand. The race is built around the Nakawan Range, described by the organiser as Malaysia's longest limestone range, and combines forest trail, village roads, paddy-field country, limestone hills and short road sections. The 2026 edition continues the event's "runcation" concept, pairing a serious trail challenge with travel in Perlis.

Official 2026 route graphics show the longest course at about 51.0 km with roughly 2,230 metres of elevation gain. The 30K route is shown at about 31.1 km with roughly 1,380 metres of gain, while the 10K route is about 10.2 km with roughly 330 metres. The organiser's current route material also displays UTMB Index branding for the longer courses, and current ITRA-linked trace material is available for the event.

Race-day starts are staggered across the morning. The 50K starts first and carries a 15-hour limit, followed by the 30K with an 8-hour limit and the 10K later in the morning. The organiser publishes a 13:30 cut-off for the 10K alongside a stated 3.5-hour limit, so runners should follow any final race-week clarification if those figures are updated.

This is a self-supported-style trail event with mandatory equipment checks. Depending on distance, required items include identification, a working mobile phone, reusable cup, bowl and spoon, basic first aid, hydration capacity, whistle and gloves, with additional safety equipment such as an emergency blanket, headlamp and blinker required for the 50K. Gear checks may occur before, during and after the race.

The organiser says the 2026 participation target was reached ahead of schedule, that more than 60% of entrants chose the 50K, and that runners from more than eight countries are expected. Entry numbers are deliberately limited because of the environmental sensitivity of the Nakawan Range. MEP Ventures Sdn Bhd organises the event with the Perlis State Forestry Department, placing the race firmly within Perlis' sports-tourism programme for Visit Perlis and Visit Malaysia 2026.