HSL Samarahan Marathon returns with 2,000 runners, new fitness partner and stronger safety measures

The HSL Samarahan Marathon 2026 returns for its fifth edition with more than 2,000 runners, a new partnership with Level Up Fitness, and stronger safety measures.

Known as one of Malaysia’s flattest and fastest running routes, the event’s most popular category remains the 21.1km half marathon, which has attracted about 1,000 sign-ups.

SEE YOU THERE: With the 2026 HSL Samarahan Half Marathon fast approaching, it’s time for runners to prepare, recharge, and chase new personal bests.

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.

The 10km, 6km and 3km categories have also drawn strong participation, with runners coming from across Malaysia and countries including South Korea, China and several African nations.

NOT TO BE MISSED: This annual category highlights participants’ creativity, making it challenging to choose the best costume.

CASH: The community run’s prize is sponsored by HSL. This year, a special Malaysian-only category has been introduced.

The annual community running festival will also welcome returning champions, like members of Team Haolian, which comprises some of East Malaysia’s top long-distance runners, as well as Sally Yap, Malaysia’s female ultra trail running record holder.

For the 2026 edition, HSL is partnering with Level Up, one of Malaysia’s leading fitness organisations.

“On behalf of HSL, we are delighted to welcome Level Up to this year’s HSL Marathon,” said director Yu Ji.

“Level Up is a respected name in fitness, and their involvement adds a new dimension to runners’ experience. Every year, we try to level up the organisation, runner satisfaction and, most importantly, safety.”

Level Up founder Kenny Sia described the collaboration as “a natural fit” and an extension of the longstanding relationship between HSL and Level-Up.

SIA: This marathon is a great extension of our collaboration, supporting tourism, community and active lifestyles, which align with Level-Up’s values.

“We first worked together almost 10 years ago for a clubhouse in La Promenade, and soon, we will be opening another premium clubhouse,” Sia said.

“This marathon is a great extension of our collaboration. It supports HSL’s efforts to promote tourism, community events and active lifestyles, which align closely with Level Up’s values.”

During race-pack collection on May 15 and 16, Level Up coaches will stage hands-on functional fitness tutorials and games with prizes. The activities will be held across the ground floor of La Promenade Mall, alongside a runners’ expo.

On race day, May 17, Level Up coaches will conduct warm-up sessions from 3.30am to 6am.

WARM-UP: A look back at La Promenade Fitness Weekend, featuring a warm-up session led by Sweat Factory before the run.

HSL is also working closely with co-organisers City Joggers Club and the Malaysian Red Crescent to improve safety. This year’s safety upgrades include roaming ambulances to ensure first-aiders are never far from runners anywhere along the route, as well as more cooling measures such as ice packs.

SAFE: The beautiful and safe routes include La Promenade’s tree-lined boulevard for 3km and 6km fun run category.

“We have warm-ups by Level Up, and we will also have cool-down support for runners who need it,” said event coordinator Abraham Tiong.

“Our tropical weather means that even a 4am run can be warm and humid, so ice packs are one practical way to improve runner safety.”

Tiong said the safety team has been studying best practices from races in Singapore and adapting relevant measures for the Samarahan event.

“As the event grows, we are taking more safety precautions. Since last year, we have added a full medical team, including a doctor at the start-finish line at HSL Tower, in addition to roaming ambulances,” he said.

Tiong added that the full marathon category was not included this year due to safety considerations.

“With ART construction in full swing along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, we did not feel it was safe to run the full marathon this year. Like last year, we have diverted the 21km route to the new Tanjong Bako Road,” he said.

“For next year, we are planning to bring back the full 42km category, featuring the soon-to-be-completed Sejingkat Bridge. Besides safety, we always stick to our motto of ‘Flat Route, Senang Laju’ for all our marathons. The course has to be fast and also amateur friendly.”

WEARABLE: This year’s concept features a versatile design suitable for both running and everyday wear.

This year’s event tees, finisher entitlements and medals carry a retro-game theme inspired by the Year of the Horse. The designs also look back to HSL’s first running festival in 2021, which featured a prancing tiger motif.

For more info, visit lapromenademall.com.my or search #Samarathon2026.