KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Fresh Events Asia, in collaboration with the Malaysia Towerrunning Association, announced The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118, a groundbreaking vertical challenge set to take place on Saturday, August 30, 2025. This event offers a unique opportunity for participants to climb all 118 floors and ascend 2,845 stairs of Southeast Asia’s tallest building, culminating at Level 118 – a floor that will be exclusively open to the public for this single day.
Merdeka 118 stands proudly as the second tallest building in the world at 678.9 meters (2,227 feet) and boasts 118 floors. The event marks an unprecedented chance to access the building’s summit, offering what organizers describe as the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
Jeffrey Ross, General Manager and Race Director of The Sky Race, highlighted the event’s unique appeal: “This isn’t just a race; it’s a gateway to an unparalleled experience. The Sky Race at Merdeka 118 provides a singular chance to access Level 118 of the most iconic building in Malaysia, where you’ll be rewarded with the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Whether you’re an elite athlete, a passionate fitness enthusiast, or someone eager to tick off a remarkable bucket-list item, this event is designed for all.”
Dato’ Tengku Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud, CEO of PNB Merdeka Ventures, emphasized the broader significance of the event. “Merdeka 118 was never just about building the tallest tower—it was about creating meaningful experiences that bring people together and celebrate the spirit of Malaysia. We are honoured to open the doors of Merdeka 118 for this historic event, and proud to provide the stage for Malaysia to shine on the global sporting map.” The building itself, whose name “Merdeka” means “independence” in Malay, is intrinsically linked to Malaysia’s journey, situated adjacent to historic landmarks like Stadium Merdeka.
A Symbolic Ascent for National Pride
Timed perfectly with the Merdeka Day weekend, The Sky Race at Merdeka 118 serves as a profound tribute to national pride and progress. As participants climb to the summit of the world’s second tallest building, they will symbolically and physically elevate the spirit of independence. This momentous climb is positioned as more than just a physical challenge; it offers an opportunity to connect with Malaysia’s journey of growth and achievement.
The ultimate reward for participants awaits at the top: an unforgettable photo opportunity from Level 118, with the magnificent Kuala Lumpur skyline serving as a backdrop. The event is designed to be inclusive, with no cut-off time, allowing participants to ascend at their own pace, one step at a time, ensuring that the experience is accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.
World-Class Ambassador and Expert Organisers
Adding to the prestige of The Sky Race, Soh Wai Ching, the tower running World Champion, has been named the official ambassador for the event. Soh, a Malaysian athlete who has achieved global recognition including multiple wins at the Empire State Building Run-Up and holding Guinness World Records for stair climbing, will bring his world-class energy and expertise. He will also lead pre-event training sessions, providing invaluable insights and motivation to participants. The event’s sanctioning by the Malaysia Towerrunning Association further solidifies its standing within the international tower-running community, ensuring a professionally organized and recognized competition. This event will also serve as the 3rd Towerrunning Asian & Oceanian Championships 2025, drawing elite runners from the region.
The first-of-its-kind vertical challenge is organized by Fresh Events Asia, an acclaimed events team responsible for successful large-scale fitness events such as The Music Run, POWERMAN Malaysia, and REDLINE Fitness Games. Their proven track record in delivering seamless and high-energy experiences aims to guarantee a memorable and well-executed event from registration to the finish line.
Paving the Way for Global Recognition
The Sky Race at Merdeka 118 has ambitions to join the ranks of globally renowned tower races, such as the Empire State Building Run-Up, Shanghai Tower International Vertical Marathon, Eiffel Tower Vertical Race, and the Taipei 101 Run. This inaugural event is poised to become one of the world’s premier tower races, marking the beginning of a new legacy in competitive vertical challenges. The event is expecting approximately 5,000 participants from over 30 countries.
Registration is now open for The Sky Race at Merdeka 118, with tickets priced at RM159 for single entry and RM449 for a team of three participants. Each participant will receive a run pack including an exclusive running T-shirt, sweatband, drawstring bag, a finisher medal (with optional engraving at additional cost), and exclusive access to the Event Village and Expo. Finishers will also receive an E-certificate and timing results after the Race. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top five finishers in both the Men’s and Women’s categories.
Also Read: REDLINE Fitness Games by NISSAN Returns for Third Edition
The Sky Race is strongly supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. Additionally, the event has partnered with Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK), a trusted non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of children and youth in Malaysia, serving as its charity partner.
This represents an unparalleled chance to gain exclusive access to Level 118 of Merdeka 118, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a unique view of Kuala Lumpur and be part of a truly iconic Merdeka Day event.
For more information about The Sky Race, interested individuals can visit https://theskyrace.com/.
