SCORE Marathon 2026 by AIA Vitality is set to make history this July with 50,000 participants expected in Putrajaya, as organisers target a Malaysia Book of Records entry and unveil new partners, technology upgrades and race innovations.
KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — SCORE Marathon 2026 by AIA Vitality is set to reach a new milestone as Malaysia’s largest running event, with organisers expecting 50,000 participants for this year’s edition in Putrajaya following overwhelming demand.
In response to the strong interest, organisers have released an additional 300 race slots, with the announcement made during a press conference at Lumi Tropicana, Petaling Jaya, ahead of what is shaping up to be the biggest edition in the event’s history.
The event was attended by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang, alongside event partners, ambassadors and members of the media.
Organisers also confirmed a submission has been made to the Malaysia Book of Records, as SCORE Marathon aims to officially be recognised as the nation’s biggest running event.
AIA Vitality, now in its fifth consecutive year as presenting sponsor, continues to anchor the event’s growth, while global sportswear giant adidas was unveiled as the event’s new Official Sportswear Partner.
This year’s race will also be held over two days for the first time at Dataran Putrajaya, with the 5km and 10km races scheduled for July 18, followed by the 21km and 42km categories on July 19.
Among the notable participants this year will be Datuk Chang himself, who is set to attempt his first half marathon after completing a 10km race last year.
The competitive field will also feature Singapore’s two-time SEA Games marathon champion Soh Rui Yong, Malaysia’s Muhaizar Mohamed, a two-time SEA Games bronze medallist, and national half marathon record holder Prabudass Krishnan.
SCORE Sports Management chief executive officer Patricia Tan said the milestone reflects not only the event’s growth, but the evolution of Malaysia’s running culture.
“Reaching 50,000 runners is a major milestone for us, but more importantly it reflects how the running culture in Malaysia has evolved,” she said.
“What we are seeing now is not just growth in numbers, but a shift in how people approach the sport — from first-time runners to those pushing for performance.”
Patricia added that technology and innovation are becoming central to the event’s ecosystem, with features including HeyJom digital race pack collection, AI-powered facial recognition for race photography, and data-driven community insights already being implemented.
Datuk Chang welcomed the event’s integration of technology while reflecting on his own running journey.
“Last year, completing a 10km race was already a personal milestone for me. This year, I am stepping up to my first half marathon at SCORE Marathon,” he said.
The 2026 edition will also introduce the SCORE Double Challenge, allowing runners to compete across two race days, alongside a new High Performance Category for podium contenders.
Originally launched in 2014 with 3,674 participants, SCORE Marathon has since welcomed more than 159,000 runners over the past decade and continues to grow its international presence.
This year’s event will also retain its World Athletics Road Race Label status for the second consecutive year, with the course officially measured to AIMS standards.
Runners from over 55 countries are expected to take part.
