Kuala Lumpur:Months of preparation paid off for 40,000 runners from 70 countries as they participated in the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2026. ASICS Malaysia played a significant role in the event, emphasizing performance, recovery, and community engagement during the race weekend.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, ASICS returned as the official footwear and apparel partner for the second consecutive year at KLSCM 2026, held on October 3 and 4. The brand expanded its presence with initiatives like the debut of ASICS House, dedicated Cheer Zones, and the ASICS Roving Truck. Additionally, ASICS launched the ASICS x KLSCM 2026 merchandise collection.
Boon Tib Soom Nik, ASICS Malaysia Country Manager, highlighted the unity among runners despite their individual goals. "Every runner comes to KLSCM with a different goal, but on race day, we all share the same streets and the same spirit of moving forward. This year, we wanted to create an even bigger experience around that journey," he stated.
ASICS House provided a venue for runners to recharge, featuring amenities such as cold-plunge recovery baths and a Personal Best Wall. Meanwhile, the ASICS Roving Truck, a first for KLSCM, toured Kuala Lumpur before race day and supported runners at the Cheer Zone.
On the racecourse, ASICS athlete Daren James Nair Rodney James won the Malaysian Men's category of the ASICS Half Marathon with a time of 1:13:44. In the Malaysian Women's category, Yu Hui Khiing secured second place with a time of 1:33:08, while ASICS Malaysia Female Brand Ambassador Allison Yee Phui Se took third in 1:37:00. Lee Siok Chin won the Malaysian Women's Veteran category of the Full Marathon in 3:19:07.
Reflecting on his performance, Daren noted the support from the crowd was particularly memorable along the challenging route. "The preparation went well and I was happy to see it translate into a good result. The route was challenging, but the last stretch was definitely the best part, especially with the crowd cheering us on," he said.
ASICS Malaysia also introduced its RUNKL apparel line designed by Kota Kinabalu artist and muralist Wilson Ng. The line, themed "Where the City Meets the Stride," drew inspiration from Kuala Lumpur's running community.