IHH Sky Race returns bigger with 9,000 climbers at Merdeka 118

The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 is set to return on Aug 22 and 23 with an expanded two-day format, as organisers target up to 9,000 participants for what is billed as the world’s biggest tower climb.

The event organiser, Fresh Events Asia, announced IHH Healthcare Malaysia as the title partner for the next three years, marking a strategic collaboration aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles while elevating the profile of one of Malaysia’s fastest-growing mass participation sporting events.

Participants will tackle the 118 floors and 2,845 steps of Merdeka 118, Malaysia’s tallest building and the world’s second tallest skyscraper, before descending via lift after reaching Level 118. The event offers both Individual and Team of Three categories, welcoming everyone from elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts to families, first-time climbers and corporate teams.

Expanded event reflects growing demand

Following the successful debut edition, organisers said the race has been expanded to accommodate significantly more participants after receiving overwhelming public interest.

Fresh Events Asia Managing Director and Race Director Jeffrey Ross said the event had quickly evolved into one of Malaysia’s most anticipated participation-based sporting events.

“The public’s response to this year’s event has been incredible. What started as a vision to create a world-class tower climb at one of the world’s most iconic buildings has quickly become one of Malaysia’s most anticipated mass participation sporting events,” he said.

Ross added that IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s commitment as title partner would help strengthen the event over the next three years.

“With IHH Healthcare Malaysia joining as Title Partner for the next three years, we are excited to take the event to the next level, creating an experience that inspires people of all fitness levels to challenge themselves, celebrate achievement and experience Merdeka 118 in a truly unique way,” he said.

Organisers also aim to position the race alongside internationally recognised tower-running events such as the Empire State Building Run-Up in New York, the Shanghai Tower International Vertical Marathon, the Eiffel Tower Vertical Race and the Taipei 101 Run Up.

Partnership promotes healthier communities

IHH Healthcare Malaysia said the collaboration aligns with its broader commitment to encouraging preventive healthcare and active living beyond hospital settings.

Chief Executive Officer Dr Kamal Amzan said maintaining good health begins with simple everyday decisions.

“Good health is built long before someone needs a hospital. It starts with everyday choices, including staying active and challenging ourselves to move more. The Sky Race™ is a powerful reminder that progress happens one step at a time. Through this partnership, we hope to inspire more people to challenge themselves and discover that better health, like every great climb, begins with taking the first step,” he said.

As title partner, IHH Healthcare Malaysia will support community engagement initiatives, health and wellness programmes, pre-event activations and on-site medical services throughout the partnership.

The event is supported by EBENE as Main Partner, Oligo as Supporting Partner, the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, and is sanctioned by the Malaysian Towerrunning Association.

Registration for The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 is now open at www.theskyrace.com.