Kuala Lumpur reached a new sporting milestone as the IHH Sky Race 2026 attracted more than 8,000 participants from over 78 countries to Menara Merdeka Maybank at the Merdeka 118 Precinct.
Held across 22 and 23 August, the event challenged participants to climb 2,845 steps across 118 floors. More importantly for Malaysia’s growing sports-event scene, this year’s race secured a new Malaysia Book of Records title for the Largest Participation in a Towerrunning Event.
More Than 7,700 Finish the Merdeka 118 Challenge
A total of 7,797 participants completed the race, surpassing the event’s previous participation achievement. In 2025, the event recorded 5,602 finishers and earned records for the Highest Towerrunning Race at 503 metres and Most Finishers in a Towerrunning Race/Event.
The expanded two-day format helped accommodate the larger turnout. Participants ranged from elite athletes and experienced runners to families, corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts and first-time tower climbers.
Main Partner EBENE also secured a separate Malaysia Book of Records title for the Most Participants in a Sports Recovery Session, involving 1,127 people.
International Athletes Take on Kuala Lumpur
Japan’s Ryoji Watanabe won the men’s category in 15 minutes and 38 seconds. His performance came within one second of the course record set by Malaysian tower-running champion Soh Wai Ching, who finished second this year in 15:48.
Australia’s Mark Bourne took third place with a time of 16:33.
In the women’s competition, Croatia’s Tea Faber won in 18:07 and established a new women’s course record. Finland’s Laura Manninen followed at 18:36, while Japan’s Yuko Tateishi finished third in 19:35.
The international field highlights how a homegrown sporting event can bring athletes and visitors from different markets into Kuala Lumpur.
Building Malaysia’s Position in Sports Tourism
The scale of the event also carries value beyond competitive sport. With participants arriving from more than 78 countries, the race creates another platform for Malaysia to promote Kuala Lumpur through sports tourism.
The event was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) and sanctioned by the Malaysian Towerrunning Association. Organisers are positioning the Kuala Lumpur race alongside established international tower-running events in cities including New York, Shanghai, Paris and Taipei.
For Malaysia, events of this kind can bring together sport, tourism and destination branding. International participants and their travelling companions can contribute to demand for accommodation, transport, dining and other visitor services during their stay.
This sports-business and tourism angle also makes the story relevant to RiseAsia’s focus on economic and industry development.
Health and Community Become Part of the Race
The 2026 edition also marked the start of a three-year partnership with IHH Healthcare Malaysia as Title Partner and Official Medical Provider.
More than 200 IHH Healthcare Malaysia medical personnel supported participants during the event. According to IHH Healthcare Malaysia CEO Dr Kamal Amzan, the race reflected the role of preparation and consistency in building better health.
Away from the staircase, organisers expanded the experience through the Sky Race Village at Stadium Merdeka. Running from 20 to 23 August, it featured food and beverage offerings, interactive games, partner exhibitions, arts and crafts, and live music.
The wider programme helped turn the competition into a community event rather than limiting participation to registered runners.
A Growing Platform for Kuala Lumpur
Towerrunning makes unusual use of the urban environment. Instead of purpose-built tracks or stadiums, the sport transforms skyscrapers into competitive venues.
That gives Kuala Lumpur an opportunity to showcase one of its most recognisable modern landmarks while building a sporting event with international appeal.
With participation increasing and a three-year healthcare partnership now in place, the IHH Sky Race has room to develop into a recurring fixture within Malaysia’s sports tourism calendar. Its 2026 record suggests there is already strong interest from both Malaysian and international participants.
