Exercising is no fun and it takes a lot of effort and discipline to head out to the gym and spend an hour or two to burn some calories. However, when it’s done in a large group and everyone is running in the same direction, suddenly it is the ‘in’ activity to do.
And that is the case with runs in Malaysia — even the laziest and most unhealthy person will be willing to join their friends because then they can at least take a great Instagram photo together after sweating it out together. Here are 9 exciting and popular runs in Malaysia enthusiastic runners (and non-enthusiastic ones) would flock to!
1. Kuala Lumpur International Marathon
The Kuala Lumpur International Marathon is also often called the Standard Chartered Run and it is one of the biggest running events in Malaysia. Newbies and experienced runners can take part in this event because there are several categories for participants to choose from (5km, 10km, 21.1km, and 42.2km). This event was also awarded as the Best Tourism Event for the Kuala Lumpur Mayor’s Tourism Awards 2014. So far for this year’s event, 35,000 runners have registered.
2. Penang Bridge International Marathon
Some people say there’s no better way to see the architectural art of the Penang Bridge by participating the Penang Bridge International Marathon, or Penang Bridge Marathon. The marathon is held annually on the Penang Bridge. Since last year the event has shifted to the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (Penang Second Bridge) on the 16th of November 2014. Did you know this event is the longest bridge marathon around the globe?
3. Borneo International Marathon
This one of the largest marathon events in Malaysia held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, East Malaysia. Plus, this is one marathon that has an interesting rich history.
According to their website:
The first marathon in Sabah was held in 1984 and it was called the Daily Express Sabah Marathon. The next marathon was held 23 years later in 2008 and it was called the Borneo International Marathon (BIM). BIM was organized by Championship Sport Events Sdn. Bhd., helmed by Mr. Andrew Voon as the Race Director as well as the person instrumental in organizing the Borneo International Marathon. The first BIM had three categories, 10km, 21km and 42km and was participated by a mere 529 runners.
On June 18 2011 the running community was deeply shocked and saddened by Andrew’s sudden demise. To continue with his legacy and the event, his running group successfully registered a running club called the Kinabalu Running Club (KRC), which has undertaken the task of organizing the next Borneo International Marathons.
This year, there was a total 7,800 runners, 500 volunteers, 200 support crew and Brigadier Boys and Girls, 120 policemen, medic and marshals, 9400 litres of water, 200 bottles of sprays, 400kg bananas, 2 fire trucks spraying water involved in making the event a success.
4. The Color Run Malaysia
The Color Run is a 5km run where people pay to have colored cornstarch hurled at their bodies and faces. It’s inspired by the Hindu festival of Holi, and the run takes place everywhere across the world, such as in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and the UAE. The event arrived in Malaysia officially for the first time in August last year.
Their tag line, “The Happiest 5k on the planet”, was created after seeing the expressions of pure joy from participants. And unlike other serious marathons or runs, The Color Run places more emphasis on living a active and healthy lifestyle; therefore, they welcome participants of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds. If you’re new to running and want something easy and fun, this is a great option for you.
5. Run For Your Lives
Run For Your Lives (RFYL) is the world’s premier zombie-infested obstacle course. Participants who are interested in taking part in this exciting event can choose to either run for their lives and dodge the Zombies, or pose as Zombies themselves and hunt for runners. This year, the event was held in Penang Botanical Garden and Tripda was one of their partners.
6. Spartan Race Malaysia
If you prefer something that has more challenges instead of just constant running, then this might just be your cup of tea. There are various lengths to choose from, which are the 5+km (Sprint), 13+km (Super), and 20+km (Beast), but each course involves mud, water, and signature obstacles which are “designed to help you discover your inner Spartan”.
7. Kuching Marathon
The Kuching Marathon is held annually and the one of the purposes of this event is to bring runners from all over the world to the beautiful city of Kuching. Last year, there were more than 5,000 participants involved and this year the run will be in August. Registration is now open for the 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km runs so you can still make it!
8. Viper Challenge
Viper Challenge is predominantly filled with man-made challenges that will actually test your heart and spirit. The Viper Challenge is a course that is slightly over 20km and but this year they have just started a shorter 10km route that was held in Genting. Participants can enter individually but the organisers would encourage people to participate as a team because team work is crucial to overcome all the obstacles that are along the route.
https://youtu.be/qogus8mrDYM
9. KL Tower International Towerthon Challenge
If running horizontally is too mainstream, you could try running “vertically” instead by climbing up 2,058 steps to the top level of the KL Tower which is 288m above ground level. The KL Tower International Towerthon Challenge has been around for the past 14 years and it starts of with a 1km run uphill before the tower itself.
A lot of foreigners take part in this race because it is held in one of the most iconic buildings in the city of Kuala Lumpur. Since you can’t take a wefie at the tip of the KL Tower like these guys, this is probably the next best thing to that.
