KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 — Malaysian runner Muhammad Haziq Mohd Hairol Izmi claimed the men’s 10km title as the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) returned to Dataran Merdeka today, with more than 15,000 runners taking to the capital’s streets on the opening day.

Muhammad Haziq clocked 33 minutes 54 seconds to win the IHH 10km Men’s Open, finishing 28 seconds ahead of Thailand’s Aekkarat Meenamai, who crossed the line in 34:22.

Singapore’s Ahmad Arif Ibrahim completed the podium in 34:57.

Kenya’s Mercy Jebiwott took the Women’s Open crown in 37:00, ahead of Singapore’s Serena Teoh Dong Xiang, who finished in 39:41. Malaysia’s Shayathiri Ratnam was third in 42:16. 

Organisers said more than 11,500 runners competed in the 10km event, while another 4,400 took part in the 5km as the race returned to Dataran Merdeka for its 18th edition. 

For Muhammad Haziq, victory came on his first appearance at the event.

“This is my first KLSCM race. I kept my eye on the men’s leads to push forward and it helped that the weather was cool,” the 27-year-old said in a statement issued by the organisers.

“I felt good and look forward to running in the KLSCM again next year, maybe in the Half Marathon or Full Marathon.” 

Singapore’s Marcus Ong won the Men’s Veteran category in 36:02, followed by Malaysians Lee Ching Keong in 37:06 and Yong Khong Wei in 38:00.

Malaysia swept the Women’s Veteran podium, with Chua Mei Yin winning in 45:00 ahead of Foo Yin Yin, who recorded 46:49, and Lim Pei Ting in 47:17.

The non-competitive 5km provided a lighter side to the morning, with runners turning up in costumes ranging from a Tyrannosaurus Rex to comic and anime-inspired characters.

KLSCM project director Rainer Biemans said the return to Dataran Merdeka had added to the atmosphere.

“I think I speak on behalf of many runners when I say we are all happy and excited to return to Dataran Merdeka,” he said.

“The energy and excitement here today was palpable and we are grateful that KLSCM 2026 was able to happen.”

Attention now turns to tomorrow’s Half Marathon and Full Marathon, with added significance in the Malaysian men’s race.

KLSCM will serve as the official preliminary selection event for Malaysia’s marathon places at the 2027 SEA Games, according to the organisers. 

This year’s event is expected to attract more than 43,000 runners from Malaysia and over 70 countries across the weekend, with RM500,000 in prize money on offer. 

The race was awarded the World Athletics Elite Label for the first time in 2025 and retained the designation this year.