Record-breaking crowds storm Menara Merdeka 118 for IHH Sky Race
KUALA LUMPUR, August 24 — More than 8,000 athletes stormed the 118 floors of Menara Merdeka 118 over the weekend,...
More than 8,000 athletes descended upon the 118-story Menara Merdeka 118 on August 22, 2026, for the second annual IHH Sky Race. The event, billed as Malaysia's premier tower running competition, drew participants from 78 countries and secured a place in the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest participation in a tower running event.
With 7,797 finishers, the race significantly surpassed last year's record of 5,602 participants. Japanese runner Ryoji Watanabe claimed victory with a time of 15 minutes and 38 seconds, narrowly missing the course record by a second. Malaysia's Soh Wai Ching took second place with a 15-minute, 48-second finish. Australian Mark Bourne rounded out the podium in third place.
Despite his loss, Soh expressed satisfaction in maintaining his course record from the previous year. The race also showcased emerging talent, with Croatian runner Tea Faber shattering the women's open record and 14-year-old Adam Amjad setting a new junior boy record. Race director Jeffrey Ross highlighted the expanded two-day format, which allowed for a record-breaking 200 medical personnel to be on hand to ensure athlete safety.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
