KUALA LUMPUR, August 24 — More than 8,000 athletes stormed the 118 floors of Menara Merdeka 118 over the weekend, as the IHH Sky Race returned for its second year to cement its status as Malaysia’s premier tower running event.

The two-day spectacle drew participants from 78 countries and secured a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records for the Largest Participation in a Tower Running Event. With 7,797 finishers crossing the line, the race comfortably eclipsed last year’s milestone of 5,602.

The competition was fiercest in the men’s category. Japanese tower runner Ryoji Watanabe claimed victory with a blistering time of 15 minutes and 38 seconds. He missed breaking the 2025 course record by a mere second, falling just short of the 15 minutes and 37 seconds mark set by Malaysia’s Soh Wai Ching.

Soh secured second place, conquering the 2,845 steps in 15 minutes and 48 seconds, while Australian Mark Bourne followed in third at 16 minutes and 33 seconds.

“This win was a bittersweet one for me as it was evident that Wai Ching was not in top condition,” said Watanabe, who viewed the Malaysian as his primary rival.

“This tower’s course is quite interesting and not something that I have experienced before, so it took a while to get my bearings. I want to challenge the course again next year, so I will definitely be back.”

Despite the loss, Soh found a silver lining in the survival of his record.

“I gave my best today, and while I am disappointed that I could not manage to get the win this year, I am glad that my course record from last year still stands. I will certainly come back next year to improve my time.”

The event also served as a showcase for emerging talent and international dominance. Croatian runner Tea Faber, 37, decimated the Women’s Open record, finishing in 18 minutes and 7 seconds to beat the previous best of 19 minutes and 59 seconds.

Local youth also shone on the day. Fourteen-year-old Adam Amjad clocked 18 minutes and 36 seconds to set a new Junior Boy record, while 12-year-old Rhea Assyifa Rosli crushed the Junior Girl record, finishing in 24 minutes and 15 seconds, far surpassing the previous mark of 32 minutes and 35 seconds.

Race director Jeffrey Ross confirmed that approximately 200 medical personnel were stationed across checkpoints in the world's second tallest building to manage cramps and fainting spells, ensuring all athletes were safely cared for.

“This year’s expanded two-day format allowed us to welcome more participants than ever before, and the response has exceeded our expectations,” said Ross, who is also the managing director of Fresh Events Asia.

“Achieving the Malaysia Book of Records title for Largest Participation in a Tower Running Event is a proud milestone for the team, and a clear sign that The IHH Sky Race has become one of the region’s biggest and most significant tower-running events.”

Beyond the vertical sprint, the event transformed Stadium Merdeka into the Sky Race Village from August 20 to 23. The hub offered a festival atmosphere with live music, interactive games, and a variety of food and beverage stalls.

The race was flagged off on Saturday morning by a distinguished delegation, including IHH Healthcare Malaysia CEO Dr Kamal Amzan, PNB Group Chairman Raja Tan Sri Arshad Raja Tun Uda, PNB Merdeka Ventures CEO Datuk Izwan Ibrahim, and IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s Regional CEO and Corporate Clinical Services Dr Shuba Srinivasan.

Sanctioned by the Malaysian Towerrunning Association (MTA), the event was powered by title partner IHH Healthcare Malaysia, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), EBENE, and Oligo.