More than 8,000 participants from 78 countries tackled 2,845 steps at Merdeka 118 as the event set a new Malaysia Book of Records mark.
KUALA LUMPUR: The IHH Sky Race™ set a new Malaysia Book of Records title for the Largest Participation in a Towerrunning Event after attracting 7,797 finishers from more than 78 countries at Menara Merdeka Maybank, Merdeka 118 Precinct, from Aug 20 to 23.
More than 8,000 participants took part in the expanded two-day event on Aug 22 and 23, tackling 2,845 steps across all 118 floors of Malaysia’s tallest building and the world’s second-tallest. The event also marked the first year of IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s three-year partnership as title partner and official medical provider.
The latest record builds on two marks set by the event in 2025 — the Highest Towerrunning Race at 503 metres and the Most Finishers in a Towerrunning Race/Event with 5,602 finishers. Main partner EBENE also secured a Malaysia Book of Records title for the Most Participants in a Sports Recovery Session, with 1,127 participants.
Japan’s Ryoji Watanabe claimed the men’s title in 15 minutes 38 seconds, narrowly missing Malaysian champion Soh Wai Ching’s course record of 15:37 set last year. Soh finished second in 15:48, while Australia’s Mark Bourne was third in 16:33.
Croatia’s Tea Faber won the women’s category in 18:07, setting a new women’s course record. Finland’s Laura Manninen finished second in 18:36, while Japan’s Yuko Tateishi took third in 19:35.
The race featured Individual and Team of 3 categories, attracting elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts, first-time climbers, families, friends and corporate teams. Race director Jeffrey Ross said the record reflected the event’s rapid growth and its emergence as one of the region’s leading tower-running events.
With more than 200 IHH Healthcare Malaysia medical personnel supporting the race, the event also promoted health and fitness alongside competition. The four-day Sky Race Village at Stadium Merdeka further expanded the experience with food, interactive activities, arts and crafts, Expo partners and live entertainment.
