KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – In a powerful celebration of national pride and athletic endurance, Malaysia has officially staked its claim on the global tower running stage. The 3rd Towerrunning Asian & Oceanian Championships 2025, locally branded as The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118, made history by setting two new records in the Malaysia Book of Records. Held in conjunction with Merdeka Day, the event saw over 5,700 participants successfully conquer the 2,845-stair climb to the 118th floor of the world’s second-tallest building.
The monumental achievement saw the race recognised for the Highest Towerrunning Race at a staggering 503 metres, and for having the Most Finishers in a Towerrunning Race/Event, solidifying Malaysia’s position as a premier destination for vertical running sports and tourism. The event, which drew participants from over 70 countries, also brought together a unique blend of athleticism, national heritage, and community spirit.
The ceremonial flag-off was attended by Malaysia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh, and the Chief Executive Officer of PNB Merdeka Ventures, Dato’ Tengku Ab Aziz bin Tengku Mahmud. Their presence underscored the event’s significance as a national milestone and a symbol of Malaysian ambition.
A Global Stage for Local and International Heroes
The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118 proved to be more than just a physical challenge; it was a platform for showcasing remarkable human stories. Jeffrey Ross, Managing Director of Fresh Events Asia and Race Director, highlighted the overwhelming response from participants who brought their own stories of courage and determination. He positioned the event alongside other iconic tower races like the Empire State Building Run-Up and the Eiffel Tower Vertical Race.
PNB Merdeka Ventures CEO Dato’ Tengku Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud shared a similar sentiment, stating that hosting the race reinforced Malaysia’s standing on the global sporting stage. He noted that the event was a celebration of Malaysian ambition and a testament to what makes the nation extraordinary.
For the elite athletes, the race was a crucial moment in the Towerrunning World Association (TWA) circuit. Malaysian tower running champion Soh Wai Ching delivered a stunning performance, claiming victory in the Asian & Oceanian Championships male category with a time of 15:37. He was followed by Australian Mark Bourne and Taiwanese Lo Ching Chun. In the female category, Japan’s Yuko Tateishi dominated with a time of 19:59, ahead of Le Qinghua from China and Chao Jui Chuan from Taiwan.
Celebrating the Spirit of “Malaysia Boleh”
For Soh Wai Ching, winning on home turf held a special significance beyond the personal achievement. “Winning The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118 on our National Day weekend represents Malaysia’s emergence as a world-class destination for vertical running,” he said. “Standing atop Level 118, I felt immense pride for what we’ve accomplished together — elevating Malaysia’s position in the international tower running community while celebrating our heritage and national spirit.“
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The event’s broad appeal was evident in its participant demographics, with 74% of the runners being first-time tower runners. This demonstrated the race’s accessibility to a wide audience, from seasoned athletes to curious novices. The categories catered to a broad range of ages and abilities, including Open (18+), Junior Veteran (40-49), Veteran (50-59), Senior Veteran (60+), and Juniors (13-17), as well as male, female, and mixed team categories.
Beyond the competition, The Sky Race™ was a comprehensive festival experience. The concourse at Stadium Merdeka, where the historic declaration of independence took place, was transformed into a vibrant Race Village with diverse food and beverage stalls, games, and live music. This festival atmosphere was made possible with the support of key partners, including the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), and a variety of other official partners.
The event’s success highlights how sport can be a powerful vehicle for national identity and international recognition. By combining a world-class sporting event with a symbol of national achievement—Merdeka 118—Malaysia has created a memorable and meaningful celebration of its independence and its standing on the world stage.
For more information on The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118, visit https://theskyrace.com.
