Media Highlights - HSL Samarahan Marathon Returns with 2,000 Runners, New Fitness Partner and Stronger Safety Measures
- May 14
- 2 min read
HSL Samarahan Marathon 2026 returns for its fifth edition with over 2,000 runners, a new partnership with Level Up Fitness, and enhanced safety measures.
Known as one of Malaysia’s flattest and fastest race routes, the event’s 21.1km half marathon remains the most popular category, drawing around 1,000 participants.
The 10km, 6km and 3km categories have also attracted runners from across Malaysia and overseas, including South Korea, China and several African countries.
The annual community running festival will also see the return of notable runners such as Team Haolian members and Malaysia’s female ultra trail running record holder, Sally Yap.
Here are the media highlights:
DayakDaily, May 13
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the event has grown into one of Samarahan’s key annual sporting fixtures, drawing strong participation and increasing tourism appeal to both local and international runners.
BorneoTalk, May 13
“With the theme “Leading the Way to Healthy Living”, the HSL Samarahan Marathon has grown into one of Samarahan’s major annual sports events.
“It also carries a tourism element, drawing not only local runners, but also participants from outside Malaysia. The event has the support of partners such as Citadines Kuching, and is promoted through CapitaLand’s Ascott Star Rewards platform. This gives the event international appeal, and helps position Samarahan as part of the region’s sports tourism calendar,” said Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim during the press conference.
New Sarawak Tribune, May 14
Abdul Karim said Sarawak’s running scene has continued to grow rapidly over the years, with more road races and marathon events being organised throughout the state.
“When it comes to marathons, Sarawak is one of the states organising the most events in Malaysia,” he added.
The Borneo Post, May 14
Meanwhile, HSL Realty director Yu Ji said they are planning to bring back the full marathon next year.
“For next year, we are planning to bring back the full 42km category, featuring the soon-to-be-completed Sejingkat Bridge,” he told the reporters.
Sin Chew Daily, May 14
砂旅游，创意工业和表演艺术部部长拿督斯里阿都卡林赞赏主办单位福胜利在推动本地体育文化的努力，不仅积极支持砂精英运动员，如大马女子超马记录保持者叶玉颖及Team Haolian的Andy Yeo，还成功引领接力赛（Ekiden）等运动新趋势。
See Hua Daily, May 14
砂旅游，创意工业和表演艺术部部长拿督斯里阿都卡林今日在砂议会媒体室主持新闻发布会时指出，该赛事今年已迈入第五届，是三马拉汉省年度重要的体育盛事。本届赛事在安全性上实现了‘‘质’’的飞跃。主办方借鉴了新加坡赛事的安全标准，与红新月会合作增设流动救护车与冰袋降温点，全方位应对高温下的选手健康风险。
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