KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon 2025 (KLSCM 2025) etched a new chapter in Malaysian running history, not only by crowning two determined local champions but also by officially becoming a World Athletics Elite Label Race—the first and only distance running event in the country to be accorded that prestigious status.
The 17th edition of the KLSCM saw a record number of 42,000 registered participants, including over 3,300 international runners from 53 countries. The races, which included the Full Marathon and ASICS Half Marathon, saw close to 25,200 runners pounding the pavement across the capital city to finish at the historic Stadium Merdeka.
For the Malaysian running community, the focus was firmly on the domestic categories, which delivered exhilarating finishes and career-defining results.
Malaysian Champions Secure Crucial Victories
The Full Marathon Malaysian Men’s category was intensely fought, with the added incentive of being a Category B qualification for the upcoming 2025 SEA Games. In a hotly anticipated contest, Yeow Ni Jia surged ahead in the final stretch to claim the crown with a superb time of 02:36:13. He bested national record holder Tan Huong Leong, who finished second (02:37:05), and six-time KLSCM champion Muhaizar Mohamad, who placed third (02:44:37).
Yeow, 25, expressed relief and satisfaction with his performance. “The course was challenging because of the rolling hills that KL is famous for. In terms of performance, I am grateful that I managed to hit the goal that I set before the race, which was to achieve a sub 02:40 timing in local weather,” he said. Yeow now looks forward to a potential SEA Games selection, which would see him shift his focus to regional competition.
In the Full Marathon Malaysian Women’s category, Chua Khit Yeng, 34, successfully reclaimed the title with a strong finish of 03:05:40. She was closely followed by defending champion Noor Amelia Musa (03:09:03) and Lee Siok Chin (03:11:07). Chua was pleasantly surprised by the victory. “I came in today focused on setting a good time – my goal was not to win but to fight the clock. Winning the race was a nice surprise because I have been losing to Amelia by a few seconds in our other races this year,” she noted.
Kenyan Dominance in World Athletics Elite Label Race
The new Elite Label status ensured a highly competitive international field, which saw a clean sweep by Kenyan athletes in the Men’s Open race.
John Nzau Mwangangi from Kenya finally claimed the Men’s Open title after finishing second in his last two KLSCM races. Mwangangi broke the tape in a time of 02:17:28, securing the top prize of US$15,000 (RM63,225.00). The 35-year-old attributed his win to a change in strategy after analysing his previous mistakes in the final kilometre, a strategy honed by training in the hot and hilly conditions of Machakos, Kenya. His compatriots Kiprotich Kiru (02:17:45) and defending champion Vincent Kiprono (02:18:06) rounded out the Kenyan podium.
The Women’s Open crown was taken by Truphena Chepchirchir of Kenya, who finished in 02:41:36. Chepchirchir was also prepared for the local climate, stating, “I expected hills, heat and humidity so I would run up the steep hills behind my home in Eldoret, Kenya under the noon sun.” Almaz Negede Fekade of Ethiopia finished second (02:41:50), with Kenya’s Joyline Chemutai taking third (02:42:34).
Record Scale and Purpose-Driven Running
Rainer Biemans, Project Director of KLSCM and Director of Dirigo Events, highlighted the event’s success and its new elite standing. “KLSCM 2025 has seen overwhelming response from the running community… what makes this 17th edition more memorable is the fact that the race has been awarded the prestigious World Athletics Elite Label,” he said.
Also Read: Phuket Gears Up for 31st Laguna Phuket Triathlon, Welcoming Global Athletes to Asia’s Legendary Race
Beyond the running, the Run For A Reason (RFAR) initiative remains at the heart of the KLSCM. RFAR gives runners the opportunity to raise funds for its beneficiary charities: Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, Hospis Malaysia, Kechara Soup Kitchen, and Teach for Malaysia. Biemans urged the community to continue supporting the cause. “We are grateful to everyone for helping the RFAR raise RM1 million in funds last year and we hope everyone will rally together once again to breach that mark. There is still time to donate as we will only close our fundraising on October 14.”
Mak Joon Nien, CEO of Standard Chartered Malaysia, also tied the event to the bank’s significant milestone. “Marking 150 years in Malaysia is not just a milestone for our Bank… The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon is so close to our hearts. It’s not just a race but a celebration of people coming together with passion, perseverance, and purpose.”
