Malaysia Marathon 2026: RM50,000 Awaits National Record Breakers In 42km, 21km Events

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- A reward of RM50,000 awaits individuals who successfully break the national records in the 21 kilometre (km) and 42km events at the inaugural Malaysia Marathon 2026, scheduled to be held on August 30.

Malaysia Marathon president Eddy Casmady said the reward is offered specifically to Malaysian runners as an encouragement for local elite athletes to challenge the national records in both categories.

"This is one of the attractions for elite runners, especially Malaysians, for the 21km and 42km categories. Whoever can break the record, that is the prize.

"Actually, we want to give encouragement and motivation to those involved in the Malaysia Marathon for this first edition," he told reporters after the Malaysia Marathon 2026 Launching Ceremony here today.

Meanwhile, commenting on the inaugural organisation of the tournament, Eddy informed that the race route also received World Athletics recognition after the route measurement process was carried out and the relevant certificate was obtained.

According to him, participants, especially in the long-distance category, will face challenges as the race passes through two main highways, including a climbing route of about 900 metre.

"If we look at it, the elevation is quite high. There is a section from AKLEH to the next route of about 900m which is quite uphill, so it will provide a challenge for local and international participants,” he said.

The 2026 Malaysia Marathon will gather 25,000 participants with 2,000 runners participating in the 42km category, 8,000 for the 21km, 5,000 in the 10km event while another 10,000 will take part in the 5km leisure run.

Of that total, more than 2,300 participants are international runners including elite athletes from Japan and Nigeria.

Apart from the elite runners, the race will also feature a twist when the HONOR humanoid robot will be participating in the 10km event.

The Malaysia Marathon will start at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and end in the area around KLCC.

-- BERNAMA