Kuala lumpur: Yeow Ni Jia and Michelle Chua Khit Yeng emerged as the top Malaysian finishers in their respective categories at the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025 at Merdeka Stadium here today. Ni Jia clocked 2 hours 36 minutes and 13 seconds to top the Malaysian men’s Open category, followed by Tan Huong Leong and Muhaizar Mohamad. In the Malaysian women’s Open category, Michelle crossed the finish line in 3 hours 5 minutes and 40 seconds, ahead of Noor Amelia Musa and Lee Siok Chin.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ni Jia expressed satisfaction with his performance despite the challenging route and humid weather. He mentioned that the course, with its rolling hills, tested his endurance, but he was pleased to meet his race targets. He also noted that this year’s route felt more demanding compared to the previous year, particularly towards the end of the race at Merdeka Stadium.

Meanwhile, Kenyan runners dominated the men’s Open category, with John Nzau Mwangangi winning in 2 hours 17 minutes and 28 seconds, followed by Kiprotich Kirui and Vincent Kiprono. In the women’s Open category, Truphena Chepchirchir of Kenya secured the top spot, closely followed by Ethiopia’s Almaz Negede Fekade and Kenya’s Joyline Chemutai.

As champions, Ni Jia and Michelle each received a medal and a cash prize of RM20,000, while Mwangangi and Chepchirchir each took home a medal and a cash prize of USD15,000 (RM63,090).