There is something fitting about unveiling a new running collection in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, especially when that collection is inspired by the city, Malaysian identity and the runners who will soon take to its streets.
Today, I joined ASICS Malaysia at TRX City Park for the unveiling of the ASICS x KLSCM 2026 Collection and the official presentation of this year's 42-member Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) Pacer Squad.
The event brought together two things that have become increasingly intertwined in Malaysia's running scene: a growing passion for running and a strong sense of community.
And this year's collection takes that idea quite literally.
ASICS KLSCM 2026: Where Malaysian Identity Meets Running
The centrepiece of the collection is the ASICS NOVABLAST 6 Exclusive Footwear, created around the concept of "Unity in Motion" by local creative Wilson Ng.
At first glance, the shoe's off-white upper and clean white sole provide a relatively understated base. But look closer and the Malaysian influence becomes much more apparent.
The design incorporates red, blue and yellow accents inspired by the Malaysian flag, representing courage, unity and prosperity, while white represents purity. An abstract "KL" imprint also appears on the sock liner, bringing a subtle Kuala Lumpur reference into the design.
What makes the concept particularly fitting for KLSCM is the idea behind the neutral canvas. The shoe is designed to represent common ground between runners of different backgrounds, abilities and paces. That feels particularly relevant for a marathon, where the starting line brings together first-time runners, seasoned marathoners, recreational joggers and those chasing a new personal best.
The ASICS x KLSCM 2026 Apparel Collection Is Very Malaysian
The Malaysian influence doesn't stop with the footwear. The ASICS x KLSCM 2026 Apparel Collection is divided into two design stories, both of which offer distinctly local takes on running.
RUNKL City Edition
The RUNKL City Edition, themed "Where the City Meets the Stride", takes inspiration from Kuala Lumpur itself. Skyscrapers are reimagined as visual pace markers, while the city's streets become the visual representation of the marathon route. It is an interesting interpretation of what runners experience during KLSCM: the city isn't simply the backdrop to the race. Kuala Lumpur is part of the running experience itself.
RUNKL Local Food Edition
The second design story, RUNKL Local Food Edition, takes a much more playful approach. "The Flavours That Run With Us" incorporates artistic motifs inspired by Malaysian favourites including satay, kopi and nasi lemak into functional running apparel.
For a Malaysian running collection, it is difficult to get more local than that. The full ASICS x KLSCM 2026 apparel lineup is available at ASICS retail stores nationwide from 5 September, with two exclusive cotton tees reserved for sale at the KLSCM Expo.
Meet the 42 KLSCM 2026 Pacers
The other major highlight of the event was the presentation of the 42 official KLSCM 2026 pacers. The pacer squad will support runners across all three race categories: IHH 10KM, ASICS Half Marathon and Standard Chartered Full Marathon
For anyone who has run a marathon or longer-distance race, pacers can be an invaluable part of race-day strategy. Rather than constantly checking a watch to calculate whether you're on track, runners can use the pacer group as a moving reference point towards their target finish time.
This year's pacers went through an assessment process before being selected, with the aim of helping runners stay on pace while providing encouragement and camaraderie throughout the race.
The 42KM pacers cover finish-time targets ranging from 3:45 to 7:15, while the 21KM pacers cover 2:00, 2:30 and 3:00 targets. The 10KM pacers include 1:00, 1:15, 1:30 and 2:00 pace groups.
So whether you're aiming for a personal best or simply hoping to make it across the finish line, there is a pace group designed to support different goals.
The pacers aren't just being given a uniform and sent onto the course. Their official race-day kit includes lightweight, breathable and highly visible ASICS apparel designed to provide comfort and visibility while pacing runners. They will also be equipped with performance footwear including the ASICS NOVABLAST 6 and ASICS SONICBLAST 2.
The NOVABLAST 6 is positioned as a lightweight, responsive shoe with a bouncy ride designed to help runners maintain momentum across different distances.
The SONICBLAST 2, meanwhile, is designed for runners looking for a more propulsive feel, with responsive cushioning and a lightweight construction intended to support faster-paced running. For runners considering their next pair of race-day shoes, the SONICBLAST 2 is one to keep an eye on. The shoe will be available at ASICS stores nationwide and on the ASICS website from 18 September 2026, priced at RM829.
More Than Just a KLSCM Running Collection
What stood out about the ASICS KLSCM 2026 launch is that the collection isn't solely about creating another race-themed shoe or apparel range. There is a deliberate focus on the wider running community. ASICS Malaysia describes the collection as part of its effort to make running more approachable, while highlighting the role that pacers, running communities and accessible guidance play in encouraging more people to take up the sport.
It also reflects how running in Malaysia has evolved beyond being simply a form of exercise. For many runners, races such as KLSCM are as much about the people around them as they are about finishing times.
ASICS x KLSCM 2026: Where to Get the Collection
The ASICS x KLSCM 2026 Collection officially launched on 5 September 2026 and is available at ASICS retail stores nationwide. The collection includes the exclusive NOVABLAST 6 "Unity in Motion", as well as the RUNKL City Edition and RUNKL Local Food Edition apparel. For runners preparing for KLSCM 2026, the collection offers something beyond race-day gear: a chance to carry a little bit of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysian identity with you on every kilometre.
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