Tens of thousands of running shoes hit the tarmac in downtown Kuala Lumpur this morning as the 18th edition of the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM 2026) made its highly anticipated return to its historic home, Dataran Merdeka.
The premier road running event officially kicked off its race weekend with more than 13,300 runners taking to the city streets across the IHH 10km (over 9,800 runners) and 5km fun run (over 3,500 runners) categories.
Home Turf Victory: Muhammad Haziq & Mercy Jebiwott Dominate IHH 10km
Local running talent took centre stage in the IHH 10km Men’s Open, with Malaysia’s Muhammad Haziq Mohd Hairol Izmi powering through the course to claim the top podium spot in a blistering time of 33:54.
Haziq was chased down by Thailand’s Aekkarat Meenamai, who took second in 34:22, while Singapore’s Ahmad Arif Ibrahim rounded out the podium in third with 34:57.
In the Women’s Open category, Kenya’s Mercy Jebiwott delivered a dominant masterclass, breaking the tape in 37:00 on her event debut.
"This is my first KLSCM race. I kept my eye on the men’s leads to push forward and it helped that the weather was cool," said the 27-year-old Kenyan victor. "I felt good and look forward to running in the KLSCM again next year, maybe in the Half Marathon or Full Marathon."
Singapore’s Serena Teoh Dong Xiang secured second place with 39:41, while national runner Shayathiri Ratnam claimed bronze for Malaysia in 42:16.
| Category | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
| Men's Open | Muhammad Haziq (MAS) – 33:54 | Aekkarat Meenamai (THA) – 34:22 | Ahmad Arif Ibrahim (SGP) – 34:57 |
| Women's Open | Mercy Jebiwott (KEN) – 37:00 | Serena Teoh (SGP) – 39:41 | Shayathiri Ratnam (MAS) – 42:16 |
| Men's Veteran | Marcus Ong (SGP) – 36:02 | Lee Ching Keong (MAS) – 37:06 | Yong Khong Wei (MAS) – 38:00 |
| Women's Veteran | Chua Mei Yin (MAS) – 45:00 | Foo Yin Yin (MAS) – 46:49 | Lim Pei Ting (MAS) – 47:17 |
Veteran Class and Fun Run Vibrancy
Regional mastery continued in the IHH 10km Veteran division. Singapore’s Marcus Ong claimed the Men’s Veteran title with an impressive 36:02, holding off Malaysian contenders Lee Ching Keong (37:06) and Yong Khong Wei (38:00).
In contrast, the Women’s Veteran category saw a complete Malaysian sweep of the podium. Chua Mei Yin stormed across the finish line first in 45:00, followed by compatriots Foo Yin Yin (46:49) and Lim Pei Ting (47:17).
The morning’s competitive edge was matched by carnival-style revelry during the 5km run. Costume runners added colour to Dataran Merdeka, with participants braving the distance dressed as Tyrannosaurus Rex and popular anime and comic characters.
Photo: Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon
A World Athletics Elite Label Legacy
Now in its 18th edition, the KLSCM continues to raise the bar for distance running in the region. As the first and only race in Malaysia awarded the prestigious World Athletics Elite Label—achieved in 2025 and retained in 2026—the event brings together over 43,000 runners from across the globe competing for RM500,000 in total prize money.
Organised by Dirigo Events, the marathon weekend enjoys strong backing from title partner Standard Chartered Malaysia, as well as Gold sponsors ASICS and IHH Healthcare.
"The energy and excitement here today was palpable and we are grateful that KLSCM 2026 was able to happen," said Rainer Biemans, Project Director of KLSCM and Director of Dirigo Events. "We believe in giving runners a world-class event for them to shine in, to become the champions that they are, while improving and elevating the standards of distance running in Malaysia overall."
ASICS Malaysia Country Manager Boon Tib Soom Nik echoed the sentiment: "More than just a race, we hope KLSCM continues to inspire Malaysians to move with purpose and experience how a 'Sound Mind, Sound Body' uplifts both physical and mental well-being."
Ensuring runner safety on the tarmac, IHH Healthcare deployed extensive medical support. Regional CEO (Central) Dr Shuba Srinivasan noted that over 400 medical personnel from six Central hospitals were stationed on standby to support participants striving towards personal milestones.
Photo: Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon
High Stakes Await: Full Marathon and SEA Games 2027 Selection
The atmosphere at Dataran Merdeka is set to intensify tomorrow morning as the flagship Half Marathon and Full Marathon categories commence.
Beyond podium glory, tomorrow’s Malaysian Men’s Full Marathon carries immense national significance: the race serves as the official preliminary selection trial for the marathon squad ahead of the SEA Games 2027. With national pride, personal bests, and major games representation on the line, the city streets are primed for high-octane racing.