Cover Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
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Runners, rejoice! After two years of cancellations and virtual runs, these marathons in Malaysia are making their long-awaited comebacks.
Beyond running a long distance in hopes of reaching the finish line before the cut-off time, there's nothing quite as euphoric as participating in a marathon. It's a great way to step out of your comfort zone and challenge your fitness, meet runners from all walks of life, and forge new friendships.
The 'enforced' camaraderie of running a marathon course alongside like-minded people is as exuberant as it's inspiring and motivational. And seeing the community gather at the finish line to cheer and provide moral support to the runners as they inch towards the rousing end of the race? Absolutely gratifying.
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This year, after two years of cancellations and virtual runs, these marathons in Malaysia are making their long-awaited comebacks. So lace up and we'll see you at the starting line.
1. Malaysian Women Marathon (MWM)
The only women's marathon in Southeast Asia and Australasia, MWM is a platform for women to come together and celebrate the strength and quiet resolute of women in developing their family, nation and the world. MWM is also tied to the cause of raising awareness around women empowerment and other associated challenges faced by women.
This year, the MCIS Life-Malaysia Women Marathon (MWM) will be holding a series of three runs between May to October at three different locations. Each run will have only 1,000 physical slots but there's also a virtual run in which sign-ups are complimentary. Distance categories include 42km (Full Marathon), 21km (Half Marathon), 10km, and 5km (fun run). Register here.
Where: May 29, 2022 | July 31, 2022 | October 2, 2022
When: Petaling Jaya, Selangor | Ipoh, Perak | Iskandar Puteri, Johor
2. Twincity Marathon
Now in its seventh edition, the Twincity Marathon will be taking Cyberjaya and Putrajaya by storm this July. Known for its moderately undulating route and generous cut-off times that allow for a chance at a fast time and a fun-filled race village, the marathon is regarded as a must-attend running event in Malaysia.
It offers a range of categories including Kids 1km, Kids 3km, 5km fun run, 21km, 21km (Half Marathon), and 42km (Full Marathon). Registrations are open now.
Where: Persiaran Flora, Cyberjaya
When: July 23 and 24, 2022
3. PJ Half Marathon
See the charming satellite district of Petaling Jaya from a different perspective this September as the PJ Half Marathon, one of Malaysia's oldest (it first flagged off over 30 years ago), will be back in September. The legendary marathon will take place at Dataran Petaling Jaya with categories that comprise 30km, 21km (Half Marathon), 10km, and 3km (fun run and wheelchair).
While the 21km was its longest distance for decades, in 2018, as a commemorative gesture to Petaling Jaya celebrating 30 years of being a city, it offered a 30km distance which sold out the fastest. For more information and to register for the race, visit their website.
Where: Dataran Petaling Jaya, Petaling Jaya
When: September 25, 2022
4. Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM)
In 2019, a whopping total of 40,000 runners, both competitive and casual, turned Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur into a sea of blue—that was the last time the event was held before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Arguably one of the top running events in Malaysia and one of the most anticipated annually, KLSCM will return in November this year in its two-day format.
KLSCM will get off to a fun start with the Kids Dash and 5km categories, along with the Friendship Run on the first day, before moving into the more heavyweight categories—the 10km, 21km (Half Marathon), and 42km (Full Marathon)—on the second day. More information and registration details to follow.
Where: Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur
When: November 12 and 13, 2022
5. Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM)
Only those with great mental strength and an unbreakable spirit can survive the PBIM and for those who have, it's a flex worth bragging about. The highly anticipated and largest annual sports event in Northern Peninsular Malaysia, the PBIM will be making a comeback with a physical run after a two-year hiatus.
Participants will once again be able to run through one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic bridges in a display of strength and unity and admire the architectural marvel up close. Race categories include 10km (Open/Junior), 21km (Half Marathon), and 42km (Full Marathon). Early bird registration has commenced until April 20 and is applicable for the first 5,000 runners regardless of category.
Where: Penang Bridge, Penang
When: December 11, 2022
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Lainey was the Digital Director of Tatler Malaysia. When not whiling away the hours watching documentaries, the latest K-drama, or reruns of Friends, she can be found indulging her wanderlust by stalking travel platforms or feeding her obsession with music. She loves animals, running, all things social media, a good conversation over coffee or soju or wine (often rambling on if nobody pulls the brakes on her), and is an avid fan of bursting-at-the-seams laughter.
