Bring out your calendar and mark these races to try this year.
This will be an exciting year for runners with the boom of running events all around Malaysia.
ON THE ROAD
1. Twincity Marathon
WHEN : Jan 20
WHERE : Cyberjaya, Selangor
DISTANCE : Full marathon, Half Marathon, 12km, 5km, and Kids Dash
FACEBOOK : twincitymarathon
Celebrating its fifth year, the marathon has grown from 4,500 participants in 2004 to almost double that number in 2018 with 8,600 runners and it looks set to see the participation of 10,000 runners this year.
Meanwhile, the addition of Kids Dash this year caters to the very young.
2. KL Tower International Towerthon Challenge
WHEN : April 21
WHERE : Menara KL, Kuala Lumpur
DISTANCE : 800m run plus 2,058 steps
FACEBOOK : KLTowerthonOfficial
After sprinting for 800 metres from the start line, participants get to test their physical and mental endurance to conquer 2,058 steps up to Megaview Banquet Hall located 288 metres above ground level of Menara KL.
3. Perlis Marathon
WHEN : April 27
WHERE : Kangar, Perlis
DISTANCE : Full marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 5km
FACEBOOK : perlismarathon
Dubbed the “Race for the Champions”, this event is organised by the Perlis state government, and will be back for its 5th edition this year.
4. Unicef Borneo Marathon
WHEN : April 28
WHERE : Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
DISTANCE : Full marathon, half marathon, and 10km
WEBSITE : https://borneomarathon.com
A community-run event with over 1,000 volunteers, the marathon partners with Unicef Malaysia to push campaigns aimed at children’s well-being. Ranked as one of the 50 best running races in the world by Runners’ World Magazine in February 2018, this is certainly a race to look forward to.
The race is part of The Great Borneo Series run which include three major cities marathon in the island of Borneo, together with the Miri Marathon and Kuching Marathon.
5. IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge
WEBSITE : www.ijmhighwayrun.com
Besraya Highway Challenge
WHEN : Aug 24
WHERE : Loke Yew Toll Plaza
CATEGORIES : 13km and 6km
NPE Highway Challenge
WHEN : July 14
WHERE : Sunway Pyramid, Selangor
CATEGORIES : 21km and 10km
The IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge features Besraya Highway Challenge and NPE Highway Challenge. Runners get to run on fully closed highway and those who registered for both Besaraya & NPE Highway Challenge get a stand for their combination medal.
6. Kuching Marathon 2019
WHEN : Aug 18
WHERE : Kuching, Sarawak
CATEGORIES : Full marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 5km
WEBSITE : marathonkuching.com
Back for its 6th edition, the Kuching Marathon takes runners through the city’s rich cultural and unique colonial architectural buildings and landmarks.
7. PJ Half Marathon
WHEN : Aug 25
WHERE : Padang Timur, Petaling Jaya Selangor
CATEGORIES : Half marathon, 10km, and 3km
WEBSITE : www.pj-halfmarathon.com
One of the most iconic half marathons in the country. Back for its 31st year, the event will not disappoint with its undulating route for participants to tackle.
8. Larian Antarabangsa Jambatan Sultan Mahmud (LAJSM)
WHEN : Sept 14
WHERE : Pantai Batu Burok, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
CATEGORIES : Full marathon, half marathon, 12km, 8km, and 5km.
FACEBOOK : Larian Antarabangsa Jambatan Sultan Mahmud
This marathon from the East Coast is getting better year by year and sees huge participation from local and overseas runners alike. Themed as a “Vacayrun”, the state effort is to promote both sports and tourism activities through the marathon.
9. Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon
WHEN : Sept 29
WHERE : Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur
CATEGORIES : Full marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, and Kids Dash
WEBSITE : kl-marathon.com
This will be Malaysia’s premier marathon’s 11th edition. The marathon sees participation from more than 38,000 runners ranging from elite athletes to first time distance runners and boasts participation not only from Malaysia but also from over 70 countries.
There are individual categories, “Run for a Reason” charity category, Corporate Challenge, Ministries Challenge, University Challenge, and also Kids Dash.
10. Larian Hari Keputeraan Sultan Nazrin Shah
WHEN : Nov 17
WHERE : Kuala Kangsar, Perak
CATEGORIES : 15km, 10km, and 7km
FACEBOK : LHKSNS
This hugely popular run gets sold out in a matter of weeks once it opens for registration. Participants not only get to enjoy scenic Kuala Kangsar route but also the kuih-muih and coconut drinks available at water stations! There are also traditional performances and games for participants to see and try along the route.
11. Putrajaya Night Marathon
WHEN : November
WHERE : Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan
CATEGORIES : Full marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 5km
FACEBOOK : PutrajayaNightMarathon
Malaysia’s largest night marathon will be back for its 10th year. The marathon takes runners through Malaysia’s administrative capital and has grown in numbers and strength since its inception.
12. Penang Bridge International Marathon
WHEN : Nov 24
WHERE : Penang
CATEGORIES : Full marathon, half marathon, and 10km
WEBSITE : penangmarathon.gov.my
Running on and across the third longest bridge in the world is certainly exhilarating and the marathon has been attracting runners since 1985. The race is also a popular destination running choice for many runners due to the island’s beaches, world heritage sites and most important, as the food capital of Malaysia!
FARTHER AND LONGER
If normal road races don’t challenge you anymore and you’re looking for longer races that test your limit, ultramarathons may be your cup of tea.
13. Titi Ultramarathon
WHEN : March 15-17
WHERE : Hulu Langat, Selangor
CATEGORIES : 250km, 200km, 100km, and 50km
WEBSITE : endurancenature.com.my
The toughest road ultramarathon in Malaysia, the ultra-marathon runs through natural landscape of Malay village in Batu 14, Hulu Langat and also Orang Asli villages. Titi Ultramarathon provides support to repair and buy school equipment for SMK Dusun Nanding, a school catering for students with special education needs.
HITTING THE TRAILS
If what you’re looking for is something closer to nature, there are also many trail races available.
14. King of Kg. Kemensah (KoKK)
WHEN : June 30
WHERE : Kg. Kemensah, Hulu Kelang, Selangor
CATEGORIES : 50km, 30km, 18km, 10km, 5km
WEBSITE : kokk.teampacat.com
KoKK is a trail run that caters for the beginner trail runners all the way to the hardcore trail marathoners. KoKK is part of King Run Series which also include King of Bukit Larut and King of Sungai Lembing. The trail race is one of the nearest and easiest trail race to get to in Klang Valley, with the starting line located just 800m from Zoo Negara’s Parking B zone.
15. Cameron Ultra Trail
WHEN : July 27-28
WHERE : Cameron Highlands, Pahang
CATEGORIES : 100km, 55km, 30km, and 15km
WEBSITE : www.cameronultra.com
Cameron Ultra Trail has attracted runners from all around the world due to its challenging and fascinating course with breath taking tea plantation view. The trail race tests participants’ fitness in low climate atmosphere.
A unique ballot registration method will be implemented this year due its huge responses and ultra-fast filling slots.
16. The Magnificent Merapoh Trail (TMMT)
WHEN : Aug 23-24
WHERE : Merapoh, Pahang
CATEGORIES : 100km, 70km, and 35km
FACEBOOK : runningproject
TMMT started as an effort to save Merapoh caves and preserve its natural heritage which includes many precious limestone hills and dozens of rare species of flora and fauna. The organiser still works closely and continuously with the local people of Merapoh to promote the race as part of the area’s eco-tourism effort.
Back for its 5th year, TMMT is a great option for beginner trail runners as well as the experienced runners looking to challenge themselves.
17. Borneo TMBT Ultra Trail Marathon (TMBT)
WHEN : Sept 14-15
WHERE : Kota Belud, Sabah
CATEGORIES : 100K, 50K, 30K, 50K, and 12K
WEBSITE : www.borneoultra.com
TMBT is Malaysia’s oldest ultra-trail marathon and the acronym stands for “The Most Beautiful Thing” and refers to the iconic and majestic Mount Kinabalu. The route has a reputation for being tough and challenging. For many trail runners and ultra-marathoners, TMBT is definitely a must-do race. Beginners can opt for its shorter categories while seasoned trail runners aim for the 100K.
18. Bario Trail Run
WHEN : Sept 14
WHERE : Bario, Miri, Sarawak
CATEGORIES : 21km (tbc)
FACEBOOK : bariotrailrun
Bario Trail Run is an offshoot of the Runners Wild Bario which was held for the last time in 2017. The local Bario community continues their effort and organised the Bario Trail Run in 2018 to promote the beauty of Bario Highlands, located 1,000 metres above sea level. The run also aims in creating awareness around the refurbishment and maintenance of the trail. Participants will also get to experience Kelabit community hospitality and stay in long houses.
RUN WITH THE FAMILY
19. Bangi Wonderland Nature Run
WHEN : Oct 13
WHERE : Bangi Wonderland Theme Park & Resort
CATEGORIES : 10km off road/ 3.5km fun run
WEBSITE : www.bangiwonderland.com.my
An excellent run that caters to families and individual runners alike. The 10km category is perfect for beginner runners testing their ability to run on an off-road surface.
The 3.5km category is great for families bringing their children out for a Sunday morning workout. Participants also receive either free or discounted entry passes to Bangi Wonderland Theme park as part of their race pack items.