The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118 sets Two Malaysia Records In Conjunction with Malaysia’s Independence Day

Last weekend, Malaysia has officially hosted its first ever major international tower running event in the Towerrunning World Association (TWA) circuit! The 3rd Towerrunning Asian & Oceanian Championships 2025 – known locally as The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118.

The event was held in conjunction with Merdeka Day, in the very vicinity where Tunku Abdul Rahman declared independence on 31 August 1957. The event saw over 5,800 participants from 70 countries successfully registered in conquering the 2,845-stairs challenge to Level 118 of the world's second-tallest building during the Merdeka Day weekend.

The first edition of The Sky Race™ was graced by YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports, who led the flag-off for the Elite Male and Female categories on Saturday, 30th August 2025 at Merdeka 118. 

Malaysia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh was present for the ceremonial flag-off, accompanied by Dato' Tengku Ab Aziz bin Tengku Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of PNB Merdeka Ventures.

Mr. Jeffrey Ross (third from left), Managing Director of Fresh Events Asia and Race Director of The Sky Race™, together with En. Shahril Anuar Ismail (far right), General Manager of Fresh Events Asia, receiving the Malaysia Book of Records certificate Most Finishers in a Towerrunning Race/Event with 5,700 participants (provisional tally).

The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118 event has also made history with a spectacular double achievement for the Malaysia Book of Records in two categories: Highest Towerrunning Race at 503-metres and Most Finishers in a Towerrunning Race/Event with 5,700 participants.

The Merdeka 118, tallest building in South East Asia!

Jeffrey Ross, Managing Director of Fresh Events Asia and Race Director of The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118 said, "The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118 marks a significant milestone for Malaysia's sporting landscape. Each participant brought their own story of courage and determination to tackle the world's second-tallest building, and the response has been overwhelming, not only locally but also globally. It's remarkable to see how this event has captured international attention and positioned Malaysia alongside legendary tower races like the Empire State Building Run-Up, Shanghai Tower International Vertical Marathon, Eiffel Tower Vertical Race, and Taipei 101 Run. The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118 has brought together camaraderie and sportsmanship, all while showcasing the breathtaking panoramic view of the KL Skyline as participants conquered 2,845 stairs to reach this exclusive finish line at Level 118 of the majestic Merdeka 118 building."

Participants heading over to the start line inside the Merdeka 118 building

“We are honoured to open the doors of Merdeka 118 for this historic event and proud to provide the stage for Malaysia to shine internationally. The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118 is more than a test of endurance, it is a celebration of Malaysian ambition and a showcase of what makes our nation extraordinary. By hosting this world-class event at Merdeka 118, we are not only highlighting an architectural icon but also reinforcing Malaysia’s standing on the global sporting stage,” said Dato’ Tengku Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud, CEO of PNB Merdeka Ventures.

Asian & Oceanian Championships Male category winners

The historic dual record achievement saw Malaysian tower runner Soh Wai Ching claim victory in the Asian & Oceanian Championships male category with an impressive time of 15:37, followed by Australian Mark Bourne in second place at 15:56 and Taiwanese Lo Ching Chun securing third with 16:46.

Asian & Oceanian Championships Female category winners

In the female category, Yuko Tateishi from Japan dominated with a finishing time of 19:59, ahead of second place Le Qinghua of People’s Republic of China at 20:20 and Chao Jui Chuan from Taiwan coming in third at 21:32. Their achievements marked not just personal victories, but Malaysia's definitive arrival as a premier destination for vertical running sports and tourism.

The view at the top of Merdeka 118 made it all worth!

The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118 attracted participants across six competitive categories; including Open (18+), Junior Veteran (40-49), Veteran (50-59), Senior Veteran (60+), and Juniors (13-17), plus Team categories for men, women, and mixed teams of three. Notably, 74% of participants were first-time tower runners, demonstrating the event's broad international appeal and accessibility.

For Asian Champion Soh Wai Ching, the victory held special significance beyond 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."

Beyond the competitive racing, The Sky Race™ also delivered a comprehensive festival experience. The Race Village at the Stadium Merdeka concourse featured diverse food and beverage offerings, interactive games, Expo partners, arts and crafts activities, and live music throughout the day, supported by key partner Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, and Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Can you spot my name?

The event is also supported by Beyond Massage as the Official Recovery Partner, Terra Green Malaysia as the Official ESG Partner; Joy Orchid Studio as the Official Florist Partner; Primedic (Nano Medic Care Sdn Bhd) as the Official AED Supplier; and Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB) and Oligo as the Official Supporting Partner.

If you would like to know more details on The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118, you can head over to their official website at https://theskyrace.com.

.: Peace Out ✌🏻:.