HSL organises twin running events in 2026

HSL is stepping up its community fitness programme this year, introducing a new Raya Relay Race on March 29, alongside the fifth annual HSL Samarahan Marathon on May 17.

TWIN RUNNING EVENTS: Relay participants will receive exclusive marathon discount promo codes.

Prices for the Relay Race are RM150 per team of five runners. For the marathon event, entry fees range from RM55 for 3km to RM110 for the half marathon.

TEES: The 2026 HSL Samarahan Half Marathon tees for all runners.

HSL is offering cash prizes totalling RM50,000 for top teams and runners across both events. There will also be Best Dressed prizes for both. Those who sign up for the relay race will receive discount promo codes for the marathon.

CREATIVE: The Best Dressed prizes are among the highlights of the runs.

The Raya Relay Race is modelled after Japan’s popular Ekiden-style races, which are typically held at the start of the year.

“We’ve been pushing HSL to host an Ekiden for several years now,” said Andy Yeo, a member of Sarawak’s elite running group, Team Haolian.

HIGH-ENERGY: HSL, Samarahan Council and City Joggers’ Club are organising the only Ekiden in East Malaysia.

“We’re incredibly happy that HSL has taken up the suggestion. This is the only Ekiden in East Malaysia. It’s going to be super exciting. A relay is a team effort, and it’s always full of adrenaline and fun.”

Yeo is an HSL-sponsored athlete who ranks 30th in Malaysia’s marathon standings. He created the competitive category format for the Raya Relay Race, which comes with cash prizes.

“Each team has five runners, including two female runners. The first runner must be female. Each runner runs a 3km loop inside La Promenade’s gated community, with the start-finish line in front of the mall.

“The fastest team to complete the 15km circuit wins. It’s simple. So far, the feedback has been tremendous amongst Kuching’s run clubs. I hear clubs from KL and KK are joining too,” Yeo said.

For the non-competitive category (no cash prizes), no gender rules apply. “Relay Ekidens are great team-bonding opportunities.”

The Raya Relay Race will take place inside the safe confines of La Promenade’s gated community.

Kota Samarahan Municipal Council congratulated HSL for consistently organising community and fitness events.

“As the council chairman, I must thank HSL for its long-term efforts. HSL is a great corporate citizen, and its people are very genuine and dedicated when carrying out their tasks,” Abang Ismawi Abang Ali said.

“This will be HSL’s fifth running festival since 2021, and every edition gets better. My council is particularly pleased with HSL’s close collaboration with the Red Crescent in ensuring every year’s safety is improved.”

THROWBACK: HSL and Samarahan Council have been organising the marathons since 2021.

HSL marketing and communication lead Abraham Tiong said about 40 teams had signed up for the Raya Relay Race and about 1,000 for the HSL Samarahan Half Marathon.

COLLECTION: Race pack collection is at La Promenade Mall for both events. HSL’s property team will be handing out free energy gels and more at the event this year.

“Sign-ups have outpaced 2025’s. We believe our cheaper prices this year have met market demand. There are so many runs these days, and to stand out, HSL is subsidising the cost to ensure our rates is the cheapest while still offering cash prizes. Safety remains a top priority,” Tiong said.

TIONG: HSL is subsiding the event to ensure cheaper tickets, while still offering cash prizes and prioritising safety.

He added the race route would be much improved this year. “HSL thanks Samarahan Council and the Public Works Department for their full refurbishment of Jalan Tanjong Bako. The entire route has been resurfaced and streetlights repaired.”

Due to ongoing ART construction works along Samarahan Expressway, Tiong confirmed the 42km category would be excluded in 2026.

HSL is exploring options on how to bring back the full marathon in 2027. “To do the 42km next year, we could use the Tanjong Bako route, cross the Sejingkat Bridge, go to BCCK and back,” Tiong said.

The HSL Samarahan Marathon is marketed as one of the fastest and flattest marathons in the region. Besides Team Haolian, other star runners like Sally Yap, Dr Owen Tan and the Syahrullah Safri and Hazarullah Safri twins are repeat participants.

The flat route allows many to achieve their personal best, while amateurs tend to level-up to longer distance categories at HSL’s event.

ROUTES: The flat route allows many to achieve their personal best, while amateurs tend to level-up to longer distance categories at HSL’s event.

SAFE: The beautiful and safe routes include La Promenade’s tree-lined boulevard.

“There’s a huge running boom in Sarawak. Running has been growing in popularity prior to 2020, and it really gained a huge following during the pandemic,” Yap said.

LANDMARK: The start-finish lines for both Ekiden and Marathon are at HSL Tower / La Promenade Mall.

MILO: Everyone’s favourite refreshment is always a hit post run.

“Running is a great sport. Anyone can do it. All you need is willpower. It’s great HSL is one of the leading marathon organisers, and HSL is now also the only Ekiden relay organiser. More fun opportunities for us all.”

For more info and to sign up, visit lapromenademall.com.my or search #Samarathon2026 and #LaPromenadeEkidenRelay.