The recent 2024 edition of the Chapman’s Challenge at Pangkor Laut Resort welcomed back the Chapman family, new and regular participants, as well as a special appearance by Andrew Reid, from the renowned Australian series, Bondi Rescue. Better known as Reidy, he was invited by YTL Hotels to set a promising path for all the participants. As expected, the debutante was the first to cross the finish line as a guest. “The roads were unexpectedly steep and challenging, but the breathtaking view made it a little easier,” he said.
All participants of The Chapman’s Challenge 2024 took on a thrilling 3.8km uphill road run, an exciting 2.4km jungle trek through the two-million-year-old rainforest, and an exhilarating 1km swim in the waters of Emerald Bay. Norqain—together with its official retailer, Sincere Fine Watches—returned as the official timekeeper, offering two luxury sports watches for the winners of the men’s and women’s categories.
A New Winner Emerges
This sixth edition of the challenge also saw new winners: Matt Buckley from the UK in the men’s category and Singapore’s Claire Louise Jedrek in the women’s. Buckley claimed the top prize after exactly an hour of race time. “The route was tough, especially the first uphill road run, but to make it more challenging, I’d like to double the distance”, Buckley joked as he walked away with a Norqain Adventure Sport watch valued at RM11,200, as well as a three-day, two-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui. Jedrek wasn’t too far behind with a recorded time of one hour and 11 minutes, and went home with the same prizes.
The first and second runner-ups in both categories each went home with a three-day, two-night stay at YTL Hotels’ Gaya Island Resort and Tanjong Jara Resort, collectively valued at RM9,500. The prize-giving ceremony was held over a beach barbecue dinner at Emerald Bay, presented by YTL Hotels, Norqain watches and, of course, Christopher Spencer Chapman.
A Family Reunion
Christopher is the youngest son of Colonel Frederick Spencer Chapman, a name everyone is familiar with by now. Being an active lad himself, Christopher would like to see a “slightly more challenging route for the participants” in the coming years. The race aside, his aim at Pangkor Laut Resort is a little different this year. “In England, I live quite a distance away from both my children, Stephen and Hazel,” he said. “We barely get to see each other, so this trip is more like a small family reunion.” The three could be seen enjoying their time at the resort’s fine facilities before Stephen prepared for the race.
It was no surprise to see Stephen upholding his family’s legacy and finishing in the top five. Stephen, who loves swimming in his free time, too has a few suggestions for a more challenging race. “It would be great to have a longer route for the swimming portion. Or, perhaps, swim for 1km, get out to run, and finish the race with another swim,” Stephen said. Besides his love for the outdoor challenges, he also took the opportunity to enjoy some quality time with his father and, especially, his sister Hazel.
Hazel was once an active sportswoman and had previously participated in the Chapman’s Challenge. Unfortunately, she had to sit out the past two editions to recover from a motorcycle accident injury. “After two years, I finally found a doctor who could perform surgery on my leg,” she said. “Right now, I’m walking with the support of metal braces in my leg. I hope I can be up and running again by next year.”
Although not allowed any kind of sports at present, Hazel is enjoying her time working as a film set artist. She had a smile on her face as she soaked up the Southeast Asian heat, and enjoyed some family time while anticipating the turtle release segment of this event.
A Second Chance For Marine Life
The Nature Conservation Centre, an initiative by YTL Hotels, oversees the livelihood of marine animals around Pangkor Laut Resort. Headed by Justin Juhun and his team of marine biologists, the centre nursed three Hawksbill sea turtles back to health—whose release into the sea was incorporated as part of the event. “We are always looking out for marine animals that need our medical help,” said Justin, who is determined to prevent sea turtles from facing extinction.
As Christopher puts it, the Chapman’s Challenge is not only a race but also a get-together for families, as well as an event to build friendships, and to give hope to marine lives. “It’s everything my father would have wanted,” he said.
Photography: Anna-Rina
