Kuala lumpur: National long distance runners K. Prabudass and Muhammad Haziq Hamzah reaffirmed their status as local aces when they dominated the Malaysian Men's Open category at the 2026 SCORE Marathon by AIA Vitality at Dataran Putrajaya here today. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prabudass, the national half-marathon record holder, proved to be in a class of his own when he won the 21-kilometre half-marathon in one hour, 13 minutes and four seconds. Despite having competed in another race just two weeks ago, the 36-year-old managed to hang on for victory, leaving G. Vimal and Lai Yi Hng to finish second and third, respectively. Prabudass admitted that age and fatigue meant he had to better manage his running pace, but he was satisfied to maintain his winning form on a route he considers one of the best in Malaysia. He expressed his happiness at being part of the record 50,000 participants and mentioned his plans to assess his training level before attempting to break the national record overseas. In t he 42km full-marathon category, Haziq emerged as the top Malaysian runner when he clocked 2:44:45s, with Lim Kok Leong and Mohamad Amirul Arif Mohd Azri coming in second and third, respectively. Haziq, who had just returned from a run in Gold Coast, Australia, noted the challenges posed by the hilly route and hot weather in Putrajaya, but was relieved not to have to push too hard due to the absence of many elite runners. He stated his future focus will be preparing for the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon. Meanwhile, SCORE Sports Management CEO Patricia Tan expressed pride that this year's edition was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the 'Largest Running Event in Malaysia'. The event attracted 51,077 participants over two days, with various distance categories held. Tan highlighted the focus on enhancing participants' experience and the aim to attract more international runners to boost sports tourism in Malaysia.