Kuala Lumpur, Sunday – Vincent Kiprono from Kenya secured a remarkable victory in his marathon debut at the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon 2024 (KLSCM), crossing the finish line with a time of 02:18:16. Kiprono’s maiden marathon performance earned him the top spot and a USD15,000 prize in Malaysia’s most prestigious distance running event. His victory is even more impressive given this was his first trip outside of Kenya.
“I didn’t expect to win, but I was determined to do my best,” Kiprono said, expressing delight at his triumph. Despite concerns over the humid Malaysian climate, Kiprono remained unfazed and powered through to finish ahead of fellow Kenyans John Nzau Mwangangi and Kiprop Tonui, who placed second and third respectively. The close race saw Mwangangi finish in 02:18:22, with Tonui just behind at 02:18:25.
The women’s open category was similarly dominated by Kenyan athletes, with defending champion Beatrice Jelagat Cherop retaining her title. Cherop finished with a time of 02:33:45, followed by compatriots Sheila Jepkosgei Chesang and Truphena Chepchirchir in second and third place. Cherop, satisfied with her victory, reflected, “Although my time wasn’t as fast as last year, I’m happy with the win and hope to improve next year.”
The 16th edition of the KLSCM saw a record 42,000 runners participate across various categories, with a strong international presence as over 2,500 athletes from 45 countries descended on Dataran Merdeka for the event. In addition to the competitive races, the marathon featured categories such as the Kids Dash, 5km fun run, and the Boost Juice 10km run, making it a weekend-long celebration of fitness and community.
Malaysian Runners Shine
In the Full Marathon Malaysian Men’s category, Muhaizar Mohamad clinched his sixth KLSCM title with a time of 02:41:17, edging out rising star Muhamad Haziq and third-placed Yeow Ni Jia in a dramatic finish. This year’s victory was especially significant for Muhaizar, a retired army commando, who said, “I retired from the army this year, and winning KLSCM was my retirement present to myself. I focused on my training, and it paid off.”
Noor Amelia reclaimed her title in the Full Marathon Malaysian Women’s category, crossing the finish line in 03:09:44. She beat defending champion Michelle Chua Khit Yeng, who finished second, and Yap Yee Ling, who came in third. Amelia expressed surprise at her performance, saying, “I didn’t expect to finish much faster than in previous years, so I’m thrilled.”
A Global Running Festival
Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh, officially flagged off the Full Marathon, accompanied by Mak Joon Nien, CEO of Standard Chartered Malaysia, and Datuk Yvonne Chia, Chairman of Standard Chartered Malaysia. Yeoh praised the event’s impact on the local sports industry, highlighting the RM500,000 funding support provided through the Sports Matching Grant. “KLSCM is a high-impact event that brings together participants from across the world, benefiting Malaysia’s sports industry,” Yeoh said.
The event also upheld its status as a sustainable race and maintained its Road Race Label certification by World Athletics, a testament to its growing reputation on the international marathon circuit.
In keeping with the spirit of community, the marathon’s charity initiative, “Run For A Reason,” raised funds for selected beneficiaries, including Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, Hospis Malaysia, Kechara Soup Kitchen, and Teach for Malaysia. Participants were encouraged to contribute until the campaign’s close on October 14, 2024.
Also Read: Epic Showdown at KLSCM 2024: Malaysia’s Top Marathoners Set for a Thrilling Race
Looking Forward
With its largest participation yet and a record-breaking weekend, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon continues to solidify its place as Malaysia’s premier distance running event. As Director of KLSCM Rainer Biemans noted, “The 16th edition has been our biggest yet, proving that KLSCM is a race runners from all over the world look forward to every year.”
The marathon concluded with inspiring performances from both local and international athletes, leaving participants and spectators eager for the 2025 edition.
Winners of the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon 2024
Full Marathon Men’s Open
| Position | Name | Country | Time |
| 1st | Vincent Kiprono | Kenya | 02:18:16 |
| 2nd | John Nzau Mwangangi | Kenya | 02:18:22 |
| 3rd | Kiprop Tonui | Kenya | 02:18:25 |
Full Marathon Women’s Open
| Position | Name | Country | Time |
| 1st | Beatrice Jelagat Cherop | Kenya | 02:33:45 |
| 2nd | Sheila Jepkosgei Chesang | Kenya | 02:37:15 |
| 3rd | Truphena Chepchirchir | Kenya | 02:39:46 |
Full Marathon Malaysian Men
| Position | Name | Country | Time |
| 1st | Muhaizar Mohamad | Malaysia | 02:41:17 |
| 2nd | Muhamad Haziq | Malaysia | 02:41:38 |
| 3rd | Yeow Ni Jia | Malaysia | 02:41:39 |
Full Marathon Malaysian Women
| Position | Name | Country | Time |
| 1st | Noor Amelia | Malaysia | 03:09:44 |
| 2nd | Michelle Chua Kit Yeng | Malaysia | 03:16:37 |
| 3rd | Yap Yee Ling | Malaysia | 03:17:47 |
Full Marathon Veteran Men
| Position | Name | Country | Time |
| 1st | Martinonesmus | Kenya | 02:30:16 |
| 2nd | Benson Olenakeri Oloisunga | Kenya | 02:43:53 |
| 3rd | Dennis Isika | Kenya | 02:54:35 |
Full Marathon Veteran Women
| Position | Name | Country | Time |
| 1st | Monica Watetu Ndiritu | Kenya | 03:08:35 |
| 2nd | Caroline Cherono | Kenya | 03:09:30 |
| 3rd | Asuka Takeda | Japan | 03:25:41 |
Half Marathon Men Open
| Position | Name | Country | Time |
| 1st | Emmanuel Kipronoh | Kenya | 01:08:43 |
| 2nd | Lengen Lolkurraru | Kenya | 01:09:00 |
| 3rd | Amos Kipkemoi Chesang | Kenya | 01:09:55 |
Half Marathon Women Open
| Position | Name | Country | Time |
| 1st | Lucy Nthenya Ndambuki | Kenya | 01:15:08 |
| 2nd | Eunice Nyawira Muchiri | Kenya | 01:15:17 |
| 3rd | Ziporah Wanjiru Kingori | Kenya | 01:20:31 |
Half Marathon Malaysian Men
| Position | Name | Country | Time |
| 1st | Sanjay Manimaran | Malaysia | 01:11:50 |
| 2nd | Prabudass Krishnan | Malaysia | 01:13:50 |
| 3rd | Hazman Akmal | Malaysia | 01:14:42 |
Half Marathon Malaysian Women
| Position | Name | Country | Time |
| 1st | Tan Lay Wah | Malaysia | 01:29:47 |
| 2nd | Corrine Gunn Huey Min | Malaysia | 01:33:32 |
| 3rd | Yu Hui Khiing | Malaysia | 01:34:37 |
