Over 8,000 Participants from more than 78 Countries Conquer 118 Floors and 2,845 Steps as Malaysia Secures New Towerrunning Record

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 August 2026 - The IHH Sky Race™ has returned bigger and stronger this year, bringing together over 8,000 participants from more than 78 countries across its expanded two-day format on 22 and 23 August 2026. Held at Menara Merdeka Maybank within Merdeka 118 Precinct, Malaysia's tallest building and the second tallest in the world, the event saw participants take on its 2,845 steps spanning all 118 floors. This year's edition also introduces IHH Healthcare Malaysia as the Title Partner and Official Medical Provider under a three year partnership.

The ceremonial flag-off was officiated by Dr Kamal Amzan, Chief Executive Officer of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, YM Raja Tan Sri Dato' Seri Arshad bin Raja Tun Uda, Group Chairman of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), Datuk Ir. Ts. (Dr.) Izwan Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer of PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, Dr Shuba Srinivasan, Regional CEO (Central) & Corporate Clinical Services IHH Healthcare Malaysia and Mr. Jeffrey Ross, Managing Director of Fresh Events Asia and Race Director of The IHH Sky Race™.

The event also set a new Malaysia Book of Records title for Largest Participation in a Towerrunning Event with 7,797 finishers, building on the two records set in 2025 for Highest Towerrunning Race at 503-metres and Most Finishers in a Towerrunning Race/Event with 5,602 finishers. Additionally, Main Partner EBENE secured its own Malaysia Book of Records title for Most Participants in a Sports Recovery Session, with 1,127 participants taking part in the recovery activities on race day.

"This year's expanded two-day format allowed us to welcome more participants than ever before, and the response has exceeded our expectations. Achieving the Malaysia Book of Records title for Largest Participation in a Towerrunning Event is a proud milestone for the team, and a clear sign that The IHH Sky Race™ has become one of the region's biggest and most significant tower-running events," said Jeffrey Ross, Managing Director of Fresh Events Asia and Race Director of The IHH Sky Race™.

Dr Kamal Amzan, Chief Executive Officer of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, said, “The finish line was at Level 118, but the climb began much earlier, with the preparation and resolve each participant brought to the race. Better health is built in much the same way, through choices sustained over time. That was what this weekend brought to life. With more than 200 IHH Healthcare Malaysia medical personnel supporting the event, we made sure participants could take on the challenge safely while encouraging that same commitment to health well beyond race day.”

 

Ryoji Watanabe from Japan claimed victory this year, finishing the men's category in 15:38, narrowly missing the 2025 course record of 15:37 set by Malaysian tower running champion Soh Wai Ching. He was followed by Soh Wai Ching in second place at 15:48, and Mark Bourne of Australia secured third with 16:33. In the women's category, Tea Faber of Croatia finished first with a time of 18:07, ahead of Laura Manninen of Finland with 18:36, and Yuko Tateishi of Japan coming in third with 19:35.

“This win was a bittersweet one for me as it was evident that Wai Ching was not in top condition. This tower’s course is quite interesting and not something that I have experienced before, so it took a while to get my bearings. I want to challenge the course again next year, so I will definitely be back,” said Ryoji Watanabe.

"I gave my best today, and while I am disappointed that I could not manage to get the win this year, I am glad that my course record from last year still stands. I will certainly come back next year to improve my time,” Soh Wai Ching expressed.

Women’s Champion, Tea Faber was also pleased with her win, “I’m really happy with how the race went today. I enjoyed the course and managed to set a comfortable pace throughout the race. Setting a new women’s course record makes the result even more special, and I would love to come back and race again next year to defend my title.”

Participants competed across the Individual and Team of 3 categories which included elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts, first-time climbers, families, friends and corporate teams. The diverse mix of participants reflected the event's growing appeal as more than just a race. It has become a celebration of personal achievement, resilience and community spirit.

The IHH Sky Race™ was proudly supported by EBENE as their Main Partner and Oligo as their Supporting Partner, alongside by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), in recognition of the event's contribution to sports tourism and destination promotion. Sanctioned by the Malaysian Towerrunning Association (MTA), and with IHH Healthcare Malaysia on board as Title Partner and Official Medical Provider for the next three years, the event continues to position Kuala Lumpur alongside globally recognised tower climbs such as the Empire State Building Run-Up, Shanghai Tower International Vertical Marathon, Eiffel Tower Vertical Race and Taipei 101 Run Up.

Beyond the climb itself, this year's edition also delivered a full festival experience through the Sky Race Village at Stadium Merdeka, open from 20 to 23 August 2026, featuring food and beverage

offerings, interactive games, Expo partners, arts and crafts activities and live music throughout the four-day run, giving participants and spectators alike a reason to visit well beyond race day itself. For more information on The IHH Sky Race™, please visit www.theskyrace.com