FULL MARATHON NO. 42: KUALA LUMPUR MARATHON KLSCM 2026 (MALAYSIA)

Pre-race thoughts

Prior to this, I have completed 8 full marathons and 2 half marathons at the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon. This race would be my 9th time running full marathon at KL Marathon.

Last year, the KLSCM finish venue was moved to Merdeka Stadium due to renovation at Merdeka Square. This year, both start and finish venue would be the same at Merdeka Stadium, same as all the previous years, except 2025.

Here is the 42km course map:

Race entry pack collection

REPC venue was moved to Malaysia Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), a venue with no MRT/LRT/Monorail connection. Even though the new REPC space was larger with more brands and exhibitors, I still prefer KLCC Convention Center for its convenience with MRT/LRT/Monorail connection.

Race kit collection process for 42km was smooth.

Running vest - I love the dark blue colour and cutting. Perfect fit!

Small towel - nicely designed. I doubt I will use it though because of the material.

Hall of fame - I was glad to have spotted my name on the wall. Nicely done!

Running in the heart of Kuala Lumpur (1st 13 km)

Besides Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2026, Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 - F1 Race and Le Tour de Langkawi 2026 were also held on the same weekend.

The haze coming from burning fires in Indonesia was horrible. Air Pollution Index (API) reading around Bukit Bintang area on the race day was at an unhealthy level of 158. Many runners did not start (DNS) due the poor air quality and for health reason. A runner posted on Facebook saying that running 42km with API 150 was equivalent to smoking at least 5 cigarettes. A runner friend said he didn't want to use his lung as an air filter.

It was also a hot and humid morning. Definitely not a very conducive and healthy environment to be doing outdoor activities!

I started at Pen 3. I wasn't looking for pacers to follow. With the unhealthy haze, stuffy air and runner congestions, I just wanted to ensure I ran at a comfortable pace that would allow me to keep my mouth closed throughout the race. I thought this would help to minimise the health damage, especially from haze.

Starting from Merdeka Square, we ran within the heart of Kuala Lumpur for the first 13 km passing through KL skyscrapers and iconic landmarks Bukit Bintang and the Petronas Twin Towers. If I'm not mistaken, we ran extra 3 km longer within the city centre compared to last year's route. Perhaps this route was to avoid the hilly Lake Garden and Double Hill stretch after Jalan Kuching. A good move from the organiser!

DUKE and AKLEH highways (KM 13 - KM 35)

DUKE and AKLEH highways are very challenging to run with endless road ahead, and full of hills. It really tests one's mental strength.

The moment I ran into DUKE highway at KM13, I thought I would smell some fresher air getting out from the city centre like last year. Unfortunately, I smelled very strong burning smell the moment I ran up to DUKE highway. It was so bad that as if someone was burning something in the open air nearby. For some distances, I felt suffocated from the poor air quality and felt demotivated by the haze.

I told myself I must press on to finish the race despite the haze. I continued to run with my mouth closed throughout, only breathing in and out through my nose. I also didn't bother to look at my watch to check on my pace. I just wanted to feel comfortable running without feeling out of breath (and needing to breath in more haze into my lung).

Jalan Kuching

After running about 22km on the elevated highways, I felt relief as I reached the end of the highways at KM35.

The turning into Jalan Kuching at KM35 was a moral boost, knowing that this was going to be the final stretch to the finish venue. I was also feeling grateful that this year, the route didn't require us to run through double hill, then up the hill at Lake Garden area. It was truly a blessing as I was totally exhausted by then.

The most memorable moments for replenishment was at the cendol and kuih bahulu station. I stopped and sipped the iced cold cendol served in a paper bowl slowly. I also ate a piece of the delicious kuih bahulu. It was the most refreshing, most enjoyable replenishment throughout the race. It put a smile on my tired face.

By the way, two other energy stations provided only banana and energy gel. How I wish organiser would provide more of such local delicacies, or biscuits, or cookies or other types of fruits at more energy stations, especially at the elevated highways. That would definitely help to put more smiles on runners and motivate runners.

Another memorable but painful moment for me was to see 4 hr 30 min pacers with yellow balloons running past me near PWTC area.

I couldn't keep up with them. I was running out of steam by then. I realised the pacers who overtook me might reach finish venue before 4 hours 30 min. I still didn't want to run with my mouth open for more oxygen to do more catch-ups with the pacers (not that I could catch up anyway). I insisted on keeping my mouth closed still. In the back of my mind, I was thinking, "Since I crossed the start line much later than them, perhaps I might still be able to make it within 4 hours 30 minutes net time even though I was way behind the pacers already." With such comfort in my mind, I continued to focus on my running and nose breathing.

Crossing finish line at Dataran Merdeka

There were many supporters cheering, shouting, showing inspiring signboards to runners as I ran near the finish line. ASICS even had a DJ booth at the final u-turn into Dataran Merdeka.

Some supporters even stood at one of the two lanes for runners, causing a bit of narrow path to pass through. I guess they were too excited to see their loved ones coming back. Personally, I didn't mind the cheering crowds who stood at runners' lanes. I couldn't run fast anyway. So it didn't bother me. In fact, their loud cheers motivated me to give my best running towards the finish line.

Finisher's medal, t-shirt and goodie bag

During the collection of finisher's medal, finisher t-shirt and goodies, the volunteers put more fruits and drinks into my bag, telling me that they had oversupply of fruits and drinks. Could it be due to the haze and many runners decided not to run? Anyway, I ended up with more apples and pears.

Race result

I run because I love running. I really do! I can't imagine the day I can no longer run!

Nowadays, I run for health.

Fast or slow, it's no longer matter at my age.

I still train hard.

I still sign up for full marathons.

For every full marathon race, I put in 3 months of marathon training.

I enjoy the three-month marathon training journey more than the race itself.

And I enjoy the journey during the race more than the race result itself.

Race result is only for my memory and running records nowadays.

I'm just grateful to have completed another full marathon at KLSCM 2026.

It was my 42nd full marathon since I started running my first full marathon in 2012.

Many thanks to all the professional photographers for capturing our running moments. All running photo credits go to them.

Participation History

Based on my participation history below, I have completed 9 full marathon to date (including KLSCM 2026) and 2 half marathons at KLSCM.

In order to have Golden Bib recognition, I will need to complete one more full marathon at KLSCM.

(The Golden Bib at the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) is a special recognition bib awarded to runners who have completed 10 or more Full Marathons at the event.)

Oh well, I'm not sure if that day will come - to have a golden bib. We shall see.

Nowadays, I prefer to live life in the now: taking life one step at a time; taking running one race at a time.

One thing for sure - I will continue to run because I just love running!

Why I love running

I really love running. I can truly relate to the below 110% about running: