{
  "id": 4325204,
  "title": "Zahid flags off Malaysia Marathon 2026 Fun Run",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/zahid-flags-off-malaysia-marathon-2026-fun-run",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-30T02:17:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1521736/zahid-flags-malaysia-marathon-2026-fun-run"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, officially launched the Malaysia Marathon 2026 Fun Run on Saturday. The event, which saw 10,000 participants, took place at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) grounds. The programme was organized to coincide with the National Day celebrations.\n\nThe festivities commenced with the national anthem, Negaraku, followed by a performance from the Malaysian Armed Forces band. The flag-off ceremony saw Dr Zahid raising the flag, marking the start of the 5km race.\n\nAdding to the event's vibrancy was a 1km Malaysian flag parade featuring 1,000 students from Kolej Poly-tech Mara (KPTM) Bangi. The inaugural race, recognized by the World Athletics, attracted a total of 25,000 participants across four categories.\n\nThe race kicked off with Dr Tiong King Sing, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, flagging off 2,000 runners in the 42km full marathon in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The 21km and 10km categories followed, with each category starting earlier in the morning. For the first time, the KLCC grounds served as the finish line for all race categories, replacing the traditional venue, Dataran Merdeka.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today flagged off 10,000 participants in the 5km Fun Run as part of the Malaysia Marathon 2026.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia Deputy PM Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi launches 2026 Fun Run",
    "10,000 participants take part in 5km race at KLCC grounds",
    "Flag-off ceremony includes Malaysian Armed Forces band performance"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The use of KLCC grounds as the finish line for all categories marks a change from past events, which traditionally finished at Dataran Merdeka.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "Sport : Ahmad Zahid Flags Off Malaysia Marathon 2026 Fun Run",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/sport-ahmad-zahid-flags-off-malaysia-marathon-2026-fun-run",
        "published": "2026-08-30T01:25:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}