Signature Events | The Chapman’s Challenge

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The Chapman’s Challenge
22-24 may 2026

The human spirit thrives when tested by nature, a truth immortalised by the story of Freddy Spencer Chapman. His legendary three-year odyssey through the Malayan jungle, as told in The Jungle is Neutral, is a masterclass in resilience, instinct and profound harmony with the wild. In 1945, his epic journey culminated in a daring swim across the waters of Emerald Bay to rendezvous with a submarine. This defining moment, set against a backdrop of ancient rainforest and pristine sea, stands as a timeless testament to the triumph of tenacity.

The Chapman’s Challenge 2026 invites you to write your own chapter in this legacy through a demanding test of endurance: a 3.8 km road run around the island, a 2.4 km trek through a primordial two-million-year-old rainforest, and a 1 km open-water swim in the historic waters of Emerald Bay, finishing at the iconic Chapman’s Bar. Guiding this journey with cutting-edge innovation, HUAWEI joins as the Official Timekeeper, ensuring every second of grit and determination is captured with precision.

SPIRIT OF THE RUN

To stand where Chapman stood, to push through jungle that has stood for two million years and swim waters that once carried a hero to safety, demands more than fitness. It demands a certain grit. A resilience of both body and spirit. For those who conquer The Chapman’s Challenge, the prize is more than a title. To celebrate the incredible achievement of our champions, the Gold Medallists in both the Men’s and Women’s individual categories will each receive a power-packed trio of Huawei’s latest technology, valued at over MYR10,000 and engineered for those who demand the best.

At its core is the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6, equipped with a distinctive dual-band GNSS positioning system that delivers enhanced accuracy even under dense rainforest canopy. With advanced health tracking capabilities and up to 21 days of battery life, it supports sustained performance long after race day, engineered for athletes who measure progress in data as well as determination.

Complementing it is the HUAWEI Mate X7, encased in ultra-durable Kunlun Glass with IP69 water resistance, a foldable device built to withstand both rugged conditions and relentless ambition. Its expansive 8-inch display and 50MP True Colour Camera capture defining moments in cinematic clarity, preserving not only the podium, but the journey across road, rainforest and open water.

The HUAWEI FreeClip 2 is built for active users. At just 5.1g per earbud with a 25% softer, skin-friendly liquid silicone C-bridge, they’re designed for all-day comfort. The charging case is 17% smaller, making it easy to carry anywhere. Let the day’s emotions find their soundtrack through 10.8mm dual-diaphragm drivers for richer bass and immersive sound. With adaptive volume that adjusts to your surroundings and up to 9 hours of playback, they’re the ideal companion from race day to rest day.

Forge your own legend. Stand where a hero once stood, and let the ancient rainforest bear witness to your triumph. Compete for a prize worthy of a champion, secure your legacy on the leaderboard, and prove that the human spirit remains untamed.

The Chapman’s Challenge awaits!

OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER

OFFICIAL RUNNING MAGAZINE

RACE PARTNERS

We are proud to extend this legacy for 2026 with three new ways to be part of the adventure.

THE CHAPMAN'S CHALLENGE:
JUNIOR EDITION

Perfect for younger competitors, The Chapman’s Challenge: Junior Edition is a tailored course for ages 11-17. This modified adventure keeps the core spirit of racing but removes the swim, offering a thrilling, ageappropriate introduction designed to build confidence, resilience, and a love for the outdoors in a supportive yet exhilarating environment.

THE CHAPMAN'S CHALLENGE:
RELAY EDITION

Land & Sea introduces a thrilling team dynamic. One partner tackles the rugged land course, while the other conquers the open-water swim segment. It’s the ultimate test of complementary strengths, demanding strategy and shared resolve to complete the iconic challenge together.
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THE CHAPMAN’S ENTHUSIAST
PACKAGE

For those who wish to share in the spirit as our dedicated cheerleaders, The Enthusiasts Package provides exclusive event access and VIP hospitality to join the celebration without competing on the course.
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Your challenge awaits. Whether you race for the podium, take on the full challenge as a junior, or champion the effort from the sidelines, your place in this historic event begins here.

Don’t miss your chance. Register now for The Chapman’s Challenge 2026 and be part of an unforgettable adventure in the heart of paradise.

PAST EVENT HIGHTLIGHTS

THE CHAPMAN'S CHALLENGE LEADERBOARD

NO.	NAME	NATIONALITY	DATE	TIME
1	Matt Pole	Australian	11.5.2019	00:45:04
2	Jason Loh	Malaysian	12.5.2018	00:46:52
3	Rikigoro Shinozuka	Malaysian	14.5.2016	00:47:18
4	Callum Meehan	New Zealander	11.5.2019	00:48:49
5	Harriet Brown	Australian	13.5.2017	00:51:17
6	Mathieu Alkharfan	French	12.5.2018	00:52:43
7	Andrea Cloarec	French	11.5.2019	00:53:08
8	Stephen Spencer Chapman	British	12.5.2018	00:53:15
9	Benjamin Lewis	British	12.5.2018	00:54:08
10	Quentin Cloarec	French	11.5.2019	00:55:13

MAKE A RESERVATION

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The Chapman’s Challenge
22-24 may 2026

SPIRIT OF THE RUN

OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER

OFFICIAL RUNNING MAGAZINE