The IHH Sky Race™ returned for its 2026 edition with more than 8,000 participants from over 78 countries, setting a new Malaysia record for the largest participation in a tower-running event.
Held across 22 and 23 August at Menara Merdeka Maybank within the Merdeka 118 Precinct, the event challenged participants to climb 2,845 steps spanning all 118 floors of Malaysia’s tallest building and the second tallest building in the world.
This year’s expanded two-day format also marked the introduction of IHH Healthcare Malaysia as the event’s Title Partner and Official Medical Provider under a three-year partnership.
IHH Sky Race records largest participation in Malaysian tower-running event
The 2026 edition saw 7,887 participants finish the tower-running challenge, earning The IHH Sky Race a new Malaysia Book of Records title for Largest Participation in a Towerrunning Event.
The achievement builds on two records set by the event in 2025: Highest Towerrunning Race at 503 metres and Most Finishers in a Towerrunning Race/Event, with 5,602 finishers.
Main Partner EBENE also secured its own Malaysia Book of Records title for Most Participants in a Sports Recovery Session, with 1,127 participants taking part in 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™.
More than 200 medical personnel support participants
The event also placed a strong emphasis on participant safety and health, with more than 200 IHH Healthcare Malaysia medical personnel supporting the race.
Dr Kamal Amzan, Chief Executive Officer of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, said the challenge of reaching Level 118 reflected the preparation and determination required to maintain better health over time.
“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,” he said. “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.”
The ceremonial flag-off was officiated by Dr Kamal Amzan; 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 Jeffrey Ross.
Ryoji Watanabe claims men’s title as Tea Faber sets women’s course record
Japan’s Ryoji Watanabe claimed victory in the men’s category with a time of 15:38, narrowly missing the 2025 course record of 15:37 set by Malaysian tower-running champion Soh Wai Ching.
Soh finished second in 15:48, while Australia’s Mark Bourne secured third place in 16:33.
Watanabe said the unfamiliar course presented a unique challenge and that he hoped to return next year.
“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,” he said.
Soh, meanwhile, said he was pleased that his course record from the previous year remained intact.
“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,” he said.
In the women’s category, Croatia’s Tea Faber took first place in 18:07, ahead of Finland’s Laura Manninen at 18:36 and Japan’s Yuko Tateishi at 19:35.
Faber also set a new women’s course record.
“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,” she said.
From elite athletes to families and corporate teams
Participants competed in Individual and Team of 3 categories, with the field comprising elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts, first-time climbers, families, friends and corporate teams.
The diverse mix reflects the growing appeal of The IHH Sky Race beyond competitive tower running, with the event positioning itself as a celebration of personal achievement, resilience and community spirit.
The event was supported by EBENE as Main Partner and Oligo as Supporting Partner, alongside the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), which recognised the event’s contribution to sports tourism and destination promotion.
Sanctioned by the Malaysian Towerrunning Association (MTA), the event continues to position Kuala Lumpur alongside internationally recognised tower-running challenges including the Empire State Building Run-Up, Shanghai Tower International Vertical Marathon, Eiffel Tower Vertical Race and Taipei 101 Run Up.
Sky Race Village brings a festival experience to Merdeka 118
Beyond the tower climb, The IHH Sky Race 2026 offered participants and visitors a wider festival experience through the Sky Race Village at Stadium Merdeka.
Open from 20 to 23 August, the four-day activation featured food and beverage offerings, interactive games, Expo partners, arts and crafts activities and live music.
The expanded programme gave participants and spectators additional reasons to visit the Merdeka 118 Precinct beyond race day, further strengthening the event’s role as a sports and lifestyle attraction in Kuala Lumpur.
With its new Malaysia Book of Records achievement, international participation and three-year partnership with IHH Healthcare Malaysia, The IHH Sky Race™ continues to grow as one of the region’s prominent tower-running events, bringing together sport, health, tourism and community at one of Malaysia’s most recognisable landmarks.
