SCORE Marathon 2026 Targets 50,000 Participants

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) -- The SCORE Marathon 2026 by AIA Vitality is set to reach a new milestone as Malaysia’s largest running event, with 50,000 participants expected to take part in its upcoming edition in Putrajaya this July 18 and 19.

SCORE Sports Management Chief Executive Officer Patricia Tan said strong demand has led to the release of an additional 300 race slots. 

She said the event, which continues to gain traction among runners of all levels, is also aiming for recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records as the country’s largest running event.

"The milestone of 50,000 runners is a significant moment for us, but more importantly, it reflects how running culture in Malaysia has evolved.

“What we are witnessing is not just an increase in participation, but a shift in how people approach the sport, from first-time runners to those pursuing performance goals,” she said at the SCORE Marathon 2026 by AIA Vitality Press Conference held at Lumi Tropicana here, today.

Meanwhile, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Chang Lih Kang is also set to draw attention as he prepares to make his half marathon debut.

“Last year, completing a 10km run was already a personal achievement for me. This year, I want to challenge myself by taking part in the half marathon at the SCORE Marathon,” he said.

The event, scheduled to take place at Dataran Putrajaya on July 18 and 19, will feature four main categories: 5 kilometres (km), 10km, half marathon (21km) and full marathon (42km).

Adding to the excitement, this edition will feature a strong lineup of regional elite runners, including Malaysia’s national half marathon record holder K. Prabudass and Singapore’s Soh Rui Yong.

Prabudass, who will be making his debut at the SCORE Marathon, expressed his excitement despite still working his way back to peak form following an injury.

“This will be my first time competing in the SCORE Marathon, so I’m really excited and looking forward to it, especially since I’ll be running alongside my friend Soh Rui Yong from Singapore,” he said.

He noted that the hilly Putrajaya route requires careful preparation and is not ideal for record-breaking attempts, but he still has personal targets in mind.

“We cannot expect to break national records on this course because it is hilly, so I will probably aim for my season’s best time,” he added.

-- BERNAMA