AdminThe 18th edition of the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) drew a record 43,800 participants from 53 countries, reinforcing its position as one of Malaysia’s leading international distance-running events.
More than 27,000 runners took part in the second day of competition, which featured the Full Marathon and ASICS Half Marathon categories and saw participants race through Kuala Lumpur’s streets and highways past some of the city’s iconic landmarks.
The Full Marathon Men’s Open produced a closely contested finish, with Kenyan runners sweeping the podium. Ezekiel Kemboi crossed the line first in 2:21:19 to claim the US$15,000 (RM61,065) top prize, edging defending champion John Nzau Mwangangi, who finished in 2:21:27. Moses Kibet Kipsang was third in 2:21:32.
Kemboi, who last competed at KLSCM in 2023, said he trained in Eldoret, Kenya, where conditions were comparable to Malaysia.
“I did not really have a strategy for today and came to the race deciding to give it a try. It was hot and humid but I was lucky today,” he said.
Malaysian runners battle for SEA Games spots
The Malaysian Full Marathon categories carried additional significance this year as KLSCM served as the official preliminary selection event for the marathon category for the 2027 SEA Games.
Yeow Ni Jia won the Malaysian Men’s title in a local personal best of 2:33:52. Lai Yi Hng finished second in 2:34:16, while national record holder Tan Huong Leong was third in 2:39:17.
Yeow, 26, said the competitive field helped him achieve his target of breaking 2:35.
“I decided to go with the flow today. My goal was to secure a podium spot as well as make the SEA Games longlist and of course, defend the title,” he said.
In the women’s category, Esther Joy Chen Hong Li won in 3:05:22 in her first full marathon. Elaine Koon was second in 3:12:43, followed by Lai Wei Ling in 3:14:37.
The international women’s title went to Ethiopia’s Alemitu Ajema Lema in 2:39:29, ahead of Kenya’s Lucy Nthenya Ndambuki and Caroline Cheptonui Kilel.
Race combines competition with community giving
KLSCM 2026 also recorded strong participation in its Run For A Reason (RFAR) charity programme, which had raised more than RM1.1 million before race weekend. Beneficiaries included the Standard Chartered Foundation, Hospis Malaysia, Kechara Soup Kitchen, Teach For Malaysia and the Malaysian Congenital Heart Foundation.
KLSCM Project Director and Dirigo Events Director Rainer Biemans said more than 3,600 of the 43,800 participants travelled to Kuala Lumpur specifically for the event.
“We are truly appreciative of the support for KLSCM 2026 that has been shown by the running community and our sponsors and partners,” he said, adding that organisers remained committed to maintaining a world-class race.
He also highlighted the event’s medical preparedness, including the Medic-on-the-Run team and medical professionals who ran alongside participants.
Standard Chartered Malaysia Interim Chief Executive Officer Mushahid Syed said the bank was proud to support KLSCM as title sponsor for the 18th consecutive year, describing the marathon as having evolved beyond a sporting event into a platform for community inclusion and collective achievement.
KLSCM, which received the World Athletics Elite Label in 2025 and retained the distinction this year, is owned and organised by Dirigo Events and supported by sporting, government, healthcare and corporate partners.
CJMY
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