The Chapman’s Challenge, a unique biathlon experience at YTL Hotel's Pangkor Laut Resort returns for its second year, with its race day on May 13th, exactly 72 years after Colonel Spencer Chapman escaped. The challenge was crafted to commemorate the British commando’s adventure on the island, and is an annual race comprising of a 3.8-mile run around the private island’s roadways and through the two million year-old rainforest, in addition to a half-mile swim out to the award-winning Emerald Bay before concluding at Chapman’s Bar.

Colonel Spencer Chapman spent three-and-a-half years in hiding from the occupying Japanese army during World War II in the wild jungles of Malaya. On May 13, 1945, he made his last escape from Emerald Bay at Pangkor Laut with his compatriot, Major R. Broome. They swam 50-yards out to sea in the dark of night to be rescued by the Royal Navy submarine, HMS Statesman. Christopher Spencer Chapman, our guest-of-honor and the youngest son of the late Colonel Spencer Chapman, will flag off the participants for The Chapman’s Challenge 2017.

Pangkor Laut Resort has welcomed international and local Malaysian participants last year for the inaugural race, including professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It was a memorable and inspiring weekend as groups of friends and couples spent the weekend completing the race, strengthening old bonds and forging new friendships.