[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.

KLSCM 2025 Announces Official Pacer Line-Up

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025, Malaysia’s premier running event, has officially revealed its full line-up of race pacers. These dedicated KLSCM 2025 pacers will support participants in the Pantai KL 10KM, ASICS Half Marathon, and Full Marathon categories, guiding runners to achieve their personal bests while offering encouragement throughout the race.

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.　

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. 

KLSCM 2025 Returns on 4 & 5 October – Save the Date!

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025 is set to take place on 4 and 5 October 2025, marking its 17th edition as Malaysia’s premier distance running event. This highly anticipated race continues to attract runners from around the globe, offering an exhilarating experience in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

At this point (11 March 2025) the venue has yet to be confirmed as KLSCM will not be holding the event at Dataran Merdeka due to renovation works for the whole year. 

KLSCM 2024: 42,000 Runners Taking to the Streets of Kuala Lumpur

The country’s premier distance running event, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2024, kicked off its 16th edition today with its largest number of participants yet. 42,000 runners will be converging on the iconic Dataran Merdeka over two days on 5 and 6 October, with the 5km, 10km and Kids Dash categories having taken place on the first day. The blue-ribbon Full Marathon and Half Marathon categories took place on day two with intense competition expected from the top runners.

The Boost Juice 10km got the ball rolling where in the Men’s Open category, KLSCM debutant Japhet Rono from Kenya clinched the win in a time of 33:14. “This is my first time participating in the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon and although I didn’t expect it, I thank God for giving me the strength to win,” said Rono. “I look forward to participating in the next edition in 2025,” he added.

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.

Getting injured and Covid before my Marathon in Japan

Imagine you spent a whole year planning towards a massive race only to be hit by not one but two strings of bad luck - a knee injury followed by Covid all within the two months window of the marathon. 

And every runner knows those are the important parts of the training programme. 

Running 10km at KLSCM 2023 as Pikachu

Each time I ran a race in Japan and was amused by the runners dressed up as a cuddly mascot and such, I used to wonder....what is it like? Well, at the most recent Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon - Boost Juice 10KM, I found out while dressed as Pikachu. 

Right up until 15 minutes before flag off at 615am on 30 Sept 2023, I was still on the fence about wearing it for a whole 10km. But then the girl math kicked in - since I had already bought it for RM120 in Japan, went through the hassle of bringing it home, used it as my charity hook and now, brought it to the race site, why not?

KLSCM 2023 42km and 21km Highlights

The 15th edition of the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2023 unfolded with a cascade of records being shattered and unforgettable moments etched into the annals of distance running. Over 40,000 runners flocked to the historic Dataran Merdeka, transforming the weekend into a colossal celebration of running prowess and community spirit.

KLSCM 2023 Kicked off with a Record Breaker

I ran 10km at Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) in a Pikachu onesie but this one guy ran it with a DJ booth. Like what?? As if running 10km itself wasn't hard enough already.