SETIA ALAM, MALAYSIA – The Oval Lawn at Setia City Convention Centre was transformed into a sea of blue this past weekend as over 8,000 participants gathered for the eighth annual Skechers Friendship Walk. The iconic fitness and lifestyle event, a flagship initiative from Skechers, made its debut at the new venue, successfully blending athletic competition with a fun, community-focused spirit and a meaningful philanthropic cause.
Beyond the celebration of health and friendship, the event underscored a strong commitment to making every step count for a greater purpose. The Skechers Friendship Walk 2025 proudly announced a donation of RM10,000 to the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM). This contribution is aimed at supporting NCSM’s vital mission to build understanding, encourage prevention and early detection, and provide essential support services for individuals and families impacted by cancer.
A Day of Competition and Nostalgic Fun
The event catered to all fitness levels with two distinct categories: the 10KM Competitive Run for seasoned athletes and the crowd-favourite 5KM Leisure Walk for individuals, families, and friends. The day kicked off with the flag-off of the 10KM run at 7:00 AM, followed by the 5KM walk at 7:30 AM, setting the stage for a day of both athletic determination and shared camaraderie.
Adding a unique and nostalgic twist, this year’s walk introduced a “Hari Sukan” (Sports Day) theme. Participants were sorted into Blue, Red, Green, and Yellow “Rumah” (house) teams, bringing back fond memories of school sports days. The team spirit was on full display in post-walk festivities at the Skechers Race Village, where teams competed in classic games such as the 8-Legged Race, a thrilling AERO Relay Run using a Skechers running shoe as a baton, and an exhilarating Tug of War.
The event’s atmosphere was further elevated by the presence of local celebrities. Malaysian singer Jaclyn Victor, former Badminton Olympian Chan Peng Soon, and legendary professional footballer Indra Putra were all spotted at the event, joining hosts Shaun Stephen and Zooey Teo from MixFM. They were seen wearing the new Skechers Hands Free Slip-Ins® GOwalk® 8, which were highlighted as the star of the show for their effortless comfort and practicality, featuring a slip-on design and responsive cushioning.
The Race to the Podium
The highly anticipated 10KM Competitive Run drew a fiercely contested field of runners, with several impressive performances that were acknowledged at the finish line.
In the men’s category, Sanjay Manimaran powered through to claim the champion title with a stunning time of 32:55. He was followed closely by Santhosh A/L Darmendra in second place with a time of 36:22 and Ong Wei Xiang who secured third place with 36:59.
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The women’s race was equally electrifying, with Nurul Juliana Shakira Binti Abdul Halim crossing the finish line first in a breathtaking time of 40:03. She was trailed by Loh Chooi Fern and Tan Li Jun, who claimed their places on the podium with remarkable finishes of 41:57 and 42:01 respectively. The top three finishers in both categories were awarded cash prizes, Skechers vouchers, and exclusive prize bundles, while one lucky participant was crowned the winner of a year’s supply of Skechers footwear.
Overall, the Skechers Friendship Walk 2025 served as a powerful testament to how a large-scale community event can successfully combine competition, charitable giving, and a shared passion for a healthy lifestyle.
