[Race Review] Surviving KLSCM 2025 10KM's new Hilly Route

The last time I ran the 10km in the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon race was two years ago in 2023 and I did it...in a Pikachu onsie as part of my Run for a Reason promise. I ended with a 1:19 timing because I freaking overheated in that onsie!

So this time, I ran in the usual back to basic race attire. My Asics Novablast 5 shoes was my weapon of choice and I swapped the running vest for a pouch this time for sleeker photos (yes la I am vain like that). 

When asked what was my expected finishing time, I would err on the safer side and say 1:15 (7:30min/km pace) but targetted 1:10 (7min/km pace). I had recee-ed the route a week earlier and knew the second half of the race had hills all the way to the new finishline at Stadium Merdeka.

But I had a plan in place to help me survive the race in one piece. 

Day 2 KLSCM 2025: From Stadium Merdeka to Global Podiums

The second day of the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025 delivered electrifying performances and inspiring stories as thousands of runners conquered the Full Marathon and ASICS Half Marathon categories. From international champions to national heroes, the streets of Kuala Lumpur came alive with determination, endurance, and celebration.

 

Kenyan Sweep in Men’s Open
John Nzau Mwangangi finally clinched the Full Marathon Men’s Open title after two near misses, crossing the finish line in 02:17:28. The Kenyan athlete earned the US$15,000 (RM63,225) prize purse, with compatriots Kiprotich Kiru (02:17:45) and defending champion Vincent Kiprono (02:18:06) rounding off the podium.

Day 1 KLSCM 2025: 5km, Pantai KL 10km, and Kids Dash

The first day of the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025 set the city abuzz this morning, as more than 15,800 runners took part in the opening events. With the 5km Fun Run, Pantai KL 10km, and Kids Dash categories headlining Day 1, the marathon weekend once again lived up to its reputation as the “Hari Raya of running.”

15,800 Runners Take Over Kuala Lumpur

This year’s start line at Jalan Raja Laut created an iconic scene as nearly 15,400 participants ran through the heart of Kuala Lumpur, past historic landmarks, before finishing in the legendary Stadium Merdeka. For the Kids Dash, the track at Stadium Merdeka provided the stage for Malaysia’s youngest runners to shine.

ASICS Unites Runners KLSCM Shakeout Run and Exclusive Merchandise

ASICS Malaysia is building excitement for the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025 with its energising ASICS Shakeout Run at KLCC Park this Friday. The event will gather around 100 participants, including ASICS Running Club (ARC) members and regional guests, for a light, social run ahead of Malaysia’s biggest marathon.

Warming Up for KLSCM 2025

The Shakeout Run is designed to prepare participants physically and mentally for race weekend while creating camaraderie within the running community. The session includes a warm-up, light-paced run, and a mobility segment led by Coach Ili Kamal to help runners stay loose and race-ready.

Malaysia Hosts First-Ever International Towerrunning Event at Merdeka 118

Malaysia has made history by hosting its first major international towerrunning event on the Towerrunning World Association (TWA) circuit. The 3rd Towerrunning Asian & Oceanian Championships 2025, locally branded as The Sky Race at Merdeka 118, took place during the Merdeka Day weekend in Kuala Lumpur.

The event was held at the iconic Merdeka 118, the world’s second-tallest building, located near the historic site where Tunku Abdul Rahman declared Malaysia’s independence on 31 August 1957. Over 5,800 participants from 70 countries registered to take on the challenge of climbing 2,845 steps to Level 118 of the tower. 

The Sky Race at Merdeka 118: Conquer 118 Floors for the Best View in Kuala Lumpur

Published on 31 July 2025

Updated: 8 August 2025

This race has officially sold out. But stay tuned to their social media for a chance to win entry tickets. You can also join the waitlist in the event of any released tickets. 

Get ready to climb your way to history! Fresh Events Asia, in partnership with the Malaysia Towerrunning Association, has officially announced The Sky Race™, a first-of-its-kind vertical challenge happening on Saturday, 30 August 2025 at Merdeka 118 – the tallest building in Southeast Asia and the second tallest in the world.

Participants will take on an epic ascent of 2,845 steps across all 118 floors, ending at the exclusive Level 118, which will be open to the public for one day only. From this never-before-accessible vantage point, climbers will enjoy the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

Toyota Start Your Impossible Outrun 2025 Continues To Drive Hope Through Mobility

 Over 6,500 runners came together yesterday for the fourth edition of the Toyota Start Your Impossible (SYI) Outrun 2025, a landmark event designed to highlight Toyota's role as a pioneering mobility company committed to uplifting communities. More than a race, the Start Your Impossible (SYI) Outrun is etched on the Start Your Impossible (SYI) branding campaign, reflecting Toyota’s dedication to innovation and societal well-being.

Powerman Malaysia 2025 Celebrates 20 Years as the World’s Biggest Duathlon

The highly anticipated POWERMAN Malaysia Duathlon celebrates its 20th anniversary milestone this year, with OMODA | JAECOO returning as its presenting partner. The illustrious event takes centre stage at Dataran Putrajaya from 20 to 22 June 2025, and will see participants traverse the streets of Malaysia’s administrative capital in an intense 3-day sporting spectacle that is the World’s Biggest Duathlon. 

Toyota Start Your Impossible Outrun 2025 Introduces New 21km Category

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) proudly announces the return of the Toyota Start Your Impossible (SYI) Outrun 2025, an inclusive charity run that goes beyond physical fitness to celebrate human resilience, unity, and compassion. Set for Sunday, 27 July 2025, at Dataran Wawasan, Putrajaya, the event continues to shape lives and inspire progress under Toyota’s global Start Your Impossible initiative with a newly introduced 21km category in line with the growing trend of half marathons in Malaysia. 

ASCIS GEL-KAYANO™ 32 Shoe Delivers Premium Stability with Plush Comfort

ASICS is proud to introduce the launch of the GEL-KAYANO™ 32 shoe, the latest evolution in its flagship stability running shoe series. Designed to elevate comfort and support, this new model features refined midsole design and an updated upper to provide an even smoother and more adaptive running experience.　

ASICS Tokyo Speed Race 2025 Sets the Pace for Global Running

In a city known for its dynamic energy and cutting-edge innovation, ASICS brought the streets of Tokyo to life with the Tokyo : Speed : Race—a high-octane showcase of speed, endurance, and athletic excellence.

With 125 elite athletes and over 2,700 amateur runners, this electrifying event wasn’t just a race—it was a celebration of human potential. Held beside the iconic Japan National Stadium, the race offered a fast, flat course perfect for chasing records. And chase records they did on 3 May 2025. 

KLSCM 2025 - Sold Out in under 4 Hours!

Oh my god, Malaysian runners. You guys are scary. 

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025 is sold out and it's all thanks to the ever growing community of runners in Malaysia! 

Public registration for the 17th edition of the marathon opened this morning at 10.00am and KLSCM 2025 reached its capacity in record time, selling out in under four hours! 

To recap how fast this is, 2017's KLSCM took 3 days to sell out and 2020 saw it selling out in 7 hours (before the Big C kicked in). But today really took the cake. 

ASICS is the official KLSCM 2025 apparel and footwear partner

In my initial toss up guess of the new brand sponsor for the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025, I speculated it was between Puma and Asics, given how strong their marketing and community efforts has been. My money was on Asics (shamelessly biased since I started using their running shoes last year) 

And it is official! 

[TL:DR] KLSCM 2025 Key Highlights

For those in need of cliff notes of KLSCM's announcements today, here you go. 

KLSCM 2025 - New Finish line at Stadium Merdeka, New Gold Sponsors and more!

Following my speculation write up last week, there is a lot of updates to unload from today's press conference so strap in, runners! 

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) is making its much-anticipated return for its 17th edition on 4 and 5 October 2025, promising runners an upgraded race experience in the heart of Malaysia’s capital city. Organised by Dirigo Events, the country’s premier distance running event is set to reach new heights with fresh developments, exciting partnerships, and a new race route.

KLSCM 2025 - New Location and Brand Sponsor Reveal?

As everyone knows, Malaysia's premier running event, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon 2025 is set to take place on 4-5 Oct 2025 in a yet to be confirmed location. For the first time in a long time, KLSCM has to change its iconic venue due to renovation works happening at Dataran Merdeka this year. 

Personally, as one who has been working closely with KLSCM for several years, I have had the privilege of speaking with the team from Dirigo. Most of the time, the delay is out of their control as they are collaborating with many crucial parties to make this happen. So cut the team a break la ya. 

Fujisan Marathon announces new 2025 race date

After so long, the Fujisan International Marathon has changed its date from the end of November to a new date for 2025. This scenic race, known for its breathtaking autumn views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, attracts runners from around the globe.

However, the new date set for 14 December, Sunday, may result in no autumn leaves and colder temperatures. This might result in the race losing its unique appeal to runners. Supposedly the change in date offers participants a unique winter marathon experience, with potentially cooler temperatures enhancing the running conditions. 

Registration is expected to open in late April 2025, giving enthusiasts plenty of time to prepare for this iconic race. You can read about my experience running the marathon in 2023. 

For more details, visit the official website. 

KLSCM 2024: Epic Battle for Full Marathon: Malaysian Category Heats Up

The 16th edition of the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2024 is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with elite athletes vying for the prestigious Full Marathon Malaysian Men’s title. Two-time champion Poo Vasanthan faces stiff competition from five-time KLSCM winner Muhaizar Mohamad and last year’s runner-up Nik Fakaruddin, along with rising stars Muhamad Haziq, Vimal Govendarajoo, and Jacob Wong Yize. 

KLSCM 2024: The Best Excuse for a Runcation

I am no stranger to the concept of a runcation. Heck, it's easier telling people you are flying off to Japan yet again for a marathon than it is telling them you are simply just flying off to Japan for the umpteen time for fun. 

For many foreigners outside of Malaysia, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) is exactly just that runcation for them. 

KLSCM has firmly established itself as the premier distance running event in Malaysia, attracting thousands of runners from all corners of the globe. As we approach the 2024 edition, taking place on the 5th and 6th of October, this celebrated race promises to be bigger and better than ever. With a record-breaking 42,000 participants expected, including local and international athletes, this marathon has become a much-anticipated annual highlight.

KLSCM 2024: The Race is on for Charity

As professional and avid runners gear up for the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2024 – Malaysia’s biggest marathon and arguably the most popular in the region – records have already been broken before the October race, in more ways than one.

Some 42,000 runners have signed up for the race this year, breaking last year’s record of 40,000 participants. At more than 12,500, the number of Full Marathon participants is also the largest ever since KLSCM’s inception, or any full-distance road-running event in Malaysia, for that matter. The sign-ups for the Half Marathon, totalling 13,770, is a record-breaking number too.