The World’s Biggest Tower Climb is set to return this August, with The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 aiming to welcome up to 9,000 participants for its largest edition yet.
Fresh Events Asia has announced IHH Healthcare Malaysia as the event’s title partner under a three-year partnership that strengthens the race’s focus on health, community wellness and active lifestyles.
Scheduled for 22 and 23 August 2026, the event will once again take place at Merdeka 118, Malaysia’s tallest building and the world’s second tallest skyscraper. Participants will tackle an ascent of 118 floors and 2,845 steps to reach Level 118, making it one of the world’s most distinctive tower-running experiences.
Following the success of its inaugural edition, organisers have expanded this year’s event into a two-day format. As a result, significantly more participants will have the opportunity to complete the climb while enjoying panoramic views across Kuala Lumpur.
Event Expands Following Strong Public Response
Jeffrey Ross, Managing Director of Fresh Events Asia and Race Director of The IHH Sky Race™, said the overwhelming response to the inaugural event demonstrated strong public interest in large-scale fitness experiences.
“What started as a vision to create a world-class tower climb at one of the world’s most iconic buildings has quickly become one of Malaysia’s most anticipated mass participation sporting events,” he said.
Ross added that the partnership with IHH Healthcare Malaysia would help elevate the event further by inspiring people of all fitness levels to challenge themselves while experiencing Merdeka 118 in a unique way.
Promoting Preventive Healthcare Through Movement
For IHH Healthcare Malaysia, the partnership aligns with its broader commitment to encouraging healthier lifestyles beyond traditional healthcare settings.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Kamal Amzan said good health begins with everyday lifestyle choices rather than only when medical treatment becomes necessary.
“Good health is built long before someone needs a hospital. It starts with everyday choices, including staying active and challenging ourselves to move more,” he said.
He added that the Sky Race™ demonstrates how meaningful progress begins one step at a time. Through the collaboration, IHH Healthcare Malaysia hopes to encourage more Malaysians to embrace physical activity and take greater ownership of their health.
Over the next three years, IHH Healthcare Malaysia will support the event through community engagement initiatives, health and wellness programmes, pre-event activities and on-site medical services. Together, these efforts aim to create an event that promotes movement, healthier communities and preventive healthcare.
A Tower Climb Open to Everyone
Unlike conventional road races, The IHH Sky Race™ challenges participants to climb 118 floors and 2,845 steps before descending via lift after reaching the summit.
Participants can compete individually or enter as part of a Team of 3, with every participant completing the full climb.
The event welcomes a broad range of participants, including elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts, first-time stair climbers, families, friends and corporate teams. Beyond competition, organisers position the event as a celebration of personal achievement, determination and community spirit.
Supporting Sports Tourism in Malaysia
The event continues to attract strong industry support.
EBENE returns as Main Partner, while Oligo joins as Supporting Partner alongside several other organisations contributing to the event.
In addition, the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, supports the event for its contribution to sports tourism and destination promotion. The Malaysian Towerrunning Association (MTA) also sanctions the competition.
Organisers aim to establish The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 as one of the world’s leading tower-running events, placing Kuala Lumpur alongside internationally recognised races such as the Empire State Building Run-Up, Shanghai Tower International Vertical Marathon, Eiffel Tower Vertical Race and Taipei 101 Run Up.
Registration for The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 is now open ahead of the August event at http://www.theskyrace.com
