The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118: The World’s Biggest Tower Climb Returns

Get your calf muscles and lungs ready, runners! The ultimate vertical challenge is back and it’s bigger than ever.

Fresh Events Asia has officially announced that The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 will return this 22 and 23 August 2026. This year, the event boasts a massive upgrade with IHH Healthcare Malaysia coming on board as the Title Partner for the next three years.

If you missed out previously, now is your chance to conquer Malaysia's tallest building—and the second tallest building in the world!

Marking a massive step forward for sports tourism in Malaysia, the Official Partnership Signing Ceremony solidifying IHH Healthcare Malaysia as the Title Partner for the next three years of The Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 with Fresh Events Asia was witnessed by (Standing L-R) Mr. Roger Ong of PNB Merdeka Ventures, YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, and Mr. Zain Azrai bin Rashid of MyCEB.

What to Expect: 118 Floors of Pure Determination

Due to overwhelming demand, the event has expanded into a two-day format, allowing up to 9,000 participants to take on the bucket-list challenge.

Unlike your usual weekend road races, this is a grueling vertical battle against gravity:

• Floors: 118
• Steps: 2,845
• The Reward: A finisher medal to add to your collection, ultimate bragging rights, and breathtaking, unparalleled views of Kuala Lumpur from the peak of Merdeka 118 (and yes, thankfully, you get to take the lift back down!).

Participants can register under the Individual Category or grab two running buddies for the Team of 3 Category.

Voices from the Climb

“What started as a vision to create a world-class tower climb at one of the world's most iconic buildings has quickly become one of Malaysia's most anticipated mass participation sporting events. With IHH Healthcare Malaysia joining as Title Partner... we are excited to take the event to the next level.” — Jeffrey Ross, Managing Director of Fresh Events Asia & Race Director.

“Good health is built long before someone needs a hospital. It starts with everyday choices, including staying active and challenging ourselves to move more. The Sky Race™ is a powerful reminder that progress happens one step at a time.” — Dr Kamal Amzan, CEO of IHH Healthcare Malaysia.

Yang Berhormat Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia highlighted that high-profile events such as The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 play an important role in strengthening Malaysia's sports tourism sector by attracting both domestic and international visitors, driving economic activity for local businesses, and reinforcing the country's position as a premier destination for world-class events

As part of their three-year commitment, IHH Healthcare Malaysia will be heavily involved in pre-event wellness programmes, community engagement, and providing top-notch on-site medical services to keep all climbers safe.

Soh Wai Ching, Official Ambassador of The IHH Sky Race™ 2026 is ready to conquer Merdeka 118 at The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118, taking place on 22 and 23 August 2026.

Putting Kuala Lumpur on the Global Towerrunning Map

The event is sanctioned by the Malaysian Towerrunning Association (MTA) and supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), solidifying its status as a major sports tourism highlight.

The IHH Sky Race™ proudly stands alongside legendary global tower climbs like the Empire State Building Run-Up, Shanghai Tower International Vertical Marathon, and the Taipei 101 Run Up. The event is also proudly supported by EBENE (Main Partner) and Oligo (Supporting Partner).

This is your chance to conquer Malaysia's tallest building—and the second tallest building in the world!

Ready to test your limits? Registration is now officially open! Secure your slot before they sell out at

www.theskyrace.com.

Runwitme says:

Tower running is a completely different beast compared to flat-ground road racing. It tests your cardiovascular endurance, mental grit and lower body strength like nothing else. Having a world-class tower climb right here in downtown KL at the iconic Merdeka 118 is a massive treat for the local running community. 2,845 steps is no joke—it's going to burn, but the bragging rights (and the view) at Level 118 will be absolutely worth it. Time to incorporate some serious stair-repeats into your training regime! See you at the stairwell!