To running enthusiasts, marathons represent the apex of the road race and a major motivator to help reach fitness goals and smash Personal Bests. Running events are commonly held in Kuala Lumpur, but these marathons outside of the capital boast exciting routes (some within primary rainforests!) and are just as interesting.
Malaysia Women Marathon
March marks the month of the international Women’s Day and the biggest running event for women in Malaysia is back again this year to empower women, celebrate female athletic talents and encourage healthier lifestyles. Breaking their 4,000 cap for the first time, the Malaysia Women Marathon will be expecting 5,500 runners, 6% of which will be male participants who are the husbands, sons, fathers, brothers or trainers to female participants. The marathon categories range from a 5km fun run to a challenging 42km full marathon. The most popular 5km fun run will see 2,300 participants while only 250 are participating in the full marathon. Malaysia Women Marathon WHERE Dataran Kemerdekaan, Shah Alam, Selangor WHEN Mar 4: 4am (42km), 5.30am (21km), 7am (10km), 7.15am (5km) TEL 03 5513 2000 mwmarathon.socxs.com
Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon
Held in verdant Sabah, the scenic Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon attracts local and international runners who enjoy the great outdoors and love to take on challenges in the thick of Mother Nature’s expanse. The adrenaline-inducing marathon takes participants through off-road terrain and jungles of the Kiulu Valley, located north of Kota Kinabalu. The routes, ranging from 12km to a whopping 100km distance, comprise muddy trails, gravel roads and short sealed road sections. The mountain climbing, steep downhill section and hanging bridge included in the routes are stamina-challenging obstacles but the view of Mount Kinabalu on a clear day makes it all worthwhile. Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon WHERE Pekan Kiulu, Sabah WHEN Mar 10: 5am-11pm (30, 50 & 100km), Mar 11: 5am-3.10pm (12km & 100km continued) TEL 010 933 4800 borneoultra.com/butm
Run Out Pahang Marathon
Dubbed the ‘Largest East Coast Marathon’, the Run Out Pahang Marathon started out as the Kuantan Run in 2013 with only 500 participants and developed into the Brooks Kuantan Half Marathon 2014 and then the Annual Kuantan Half Marathon in 2015. Established in 2016, the event in its current state was a game changer as it combined sports and tourism to promote the state’s picturesque scenery and historical landmarks. The 42km full marathon is a physically demanding (there’s a cut off time of seven hours) but rewarding one as there are cash prizes of up to RM1,600 and shoe vouchers to be won. Those who prefer to enjoy the surroundings along with family and friends can participate in the 5km fun run. Run Out Pahang Marathon WHERE Taman Gelora, Kuantan, Pahang WHEN Mar 11: 2.15am (42km), 4.15am (21km), 5.15am (5km & 10km) TEL 017 513 5017 pahangmarathon.com
Miri Marathon
Following its successful 2017 edition, the Miri Marathon Association brings back the popular Miri Marathon, one of the major city marathons in the Great Borneo Series (GBS), alongside the Kuching and Borneo International Marathons. The run continues to gather both local running aficionados and others from countries like Brunei, Singapore, Germany and South Africa. En route, participants will be enjoying the scenic view and architecture as they pass through the city centre. The full 42km category is a breath-taking one, not just due to its distance, but also the flora, fauna and landmarks covered throughout the route such as the Marina Park City and Miri Waterfront where runners can gaze at the horizon of the South China Sea. Miri Marathon WHERE Stadium Miri, Miri, Sarawak WHEN Mar 18: 2am (42km), 5am (21km), 6am (10km), 6.15am (5km) TEL 019 884 4172 mmamarathon.com
Malaysia Women Marathon
March marks the month of the international Women’s Day and the biggest running event for women in Malaysia is back again this year to empower women, celebrate female athletic talents and encourage healthier lifestyles. Breaking their 4,000 cap for the first time, the Malaysia Women Marathon will be expecting 5,500 runners, 6% of which will be male participants who are the husbands, sons, fathers, brothers or trainers to female participants. The marathon categories range from a 5km fun run to a challenging 42km full marathon. The most popular 5km fun run will see 2,300 participants while only 250 are participating in the full marathon. Malaysia Women Marathon WHERE Dataran Kemerdekaan, Shah Alam, Selangor WHEN Mar 4: 4am (42km), 5.30am (21km), 7am (10km), 7.15am (5km) TEL 03 5513 2000 mwmarathon.socxs.com
Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon
Held in verdant Sabah, the scenic Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon attracts local and international runners who enjoy the great outdoors and love to take on challenges in the thick of Mother Nature’s expanse. The adrenaline-inducing marathon takes participants through off-road terrain and jungles of the Kiulu Valley, located north of Kota Kinabalu. The routes, ranging from 12km to a whopping 100km distance, comprise muddy trails, gravel roads and short sealed road sections. The mountain climbing, steep downhill section and hanging bridge included in the routes are stamina-challenging obstacles but the view of Mount Kinabalu on a clear day makes it all worthwhile. Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon WHERE Pekan Kiulu, Sabah WHEN Mar 10: 5am-11pm (30, 50 & 100km), Mar 11: 5am-3.10pm (12km & 100km continued) TEL 010 933 4800 borneoultra.com/butm
Run Out Pahang Marathon
Dubbed the ‘Largest East Coast Marathon’, the Run Out Pahang Marathon started out as the Kuantan Run in 2013 with only 500 participants and developed into the Brooks Kuantan Half Marathon 2014 and then the Annual Kuantan Half Marathon in 2015. Established in 2016, the event in its current state was a game changer as it combined sports and tourism to promote the state’s picturesque scenery and historical landmarks. The 42km full marathon is a physically demanding (there’s a cut off time of seven hours) but rewarding one as there are cash prizes of up to RM1,600 and shoe vouchers to be won. Those who prefer to enjoy the surroundings along with family and friends can participate in the 5km fun run. Run Out Pahang Marathon WHERE Taman Gelora, Kuantan, Pahang WHEN Mar 11: 2.15am (42km), 4.15am (21km), 5.15am (5km & 10km) TEL 017 513 5017 pahangmarathon.com
Miri Marathon
Following its successful 2017 edition, the Miri Marathon Association brings back the popular Miri Marathon, one of the major city marathons in the Great Borneo Series (GBS), alongside the Kuching and Borneo International Marathons. The run continues to gather both local running aficionados and others from countries like Brunei, Singapore, Germany and South Africa. En route, participants will be enjoying the scenic view and architecture as they pass through the city centre. The full 42km category is a breath-taking one, not just due to its distance, but also the flora, fauna and landmarks covered throughout the route such as the Marina Park City and Miri Waterfront where runners can gaze at the horizon of the South China Sea. Miri Marathon WHERE Stadium Miri, Miri, Sarawak WHEN Mar 18: 2am (42km), 5am (21km), 6am (10km), 6.15am (5km) TEL 019 884 4172 mmamarathon.com