KUALA LUMPUR — New Balance athlete Esther Joy Chen has recorded a landmark performance at the 2026 Nagoya City Marathon, marking her transition into the upper echelons of regional distance running. Securing third place overall, Chen finished with a time of 1:19:27, a result that significantly alters the record books for Malaysian women’s half marathon history.
The performance represents a major leap in form for the endurance athlete, who shaved more than five minutes off her previous personal best of 1:24:52, set at the same event two years ago. Most notably, Chen’s time of 1:19:27 surpasses the recognized Malaysian national record of 1:24:44, positioning her as one of the fastest Malaysian women to ever compete in the distance.
A Regional Statement for New Balance
The race in Nagoya served as a showcase for Southeast Asian talent under the New Balance banner. Alongside Chen’s podium finish, Singaporean athlete Nicole Low claimed first place overall with a time of 1:17:41. Low’s performance was equally historic, shaving over a minute off her previous best and establishing her as the second-fastest Singaporean woman in the history of the half marathon.
The dual success of Chen and Low underscores a growing depth in regional distance running. For Chen, the result is the culmination of a disciplined training block focused on resilience and tactical execution.
Transitioning Back to Triathlon
Despite her record-breaking success on the road, Chen indicated that her long-term focus is shifting back toward multisport competition. She expressed that while running remains a vital chapter of her career, her primary objective is now qualification for the Asian Games in triathlon.
“This half marathon training block has been such a special part of my running journey,” said Esther Joy Chen. “A year ago, I might have doubted myself, but standing at the start line in Nagoya I felt a mix of nerves, excitement, and confidence. The goal has always been to return to triathlon… the main focus now is working toward Asian Games qualification.“
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New Balance continues to emphasize its commitment to athletes who redefine regional standards. The achievements in Nagoya highlight the brand’s strategy of supporting high-potential talent in Malaysia and Singapore as they compete on the global stage. Chen is expected to return to consistent training in the pool as she prepares for the upcoming triathlon season, while occasionally appearing in select marquee running events.
