Alliance Bank Celebrates Successful Heritage Run 2026 with Record Participation of Close To 6,300 Runners and Debuts KM to RM Challenge, Malaysia’s First Run-To-Earn Savings Challenge

Pulau Pinang, 13 July 2026 – Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad ("Alliance Bank" or the "Bank") celebrated the successful conclusion of the fourth edition of Heritage Run 2026 ("Heritage Run" or the "Run"), which drew a record participation of close to 6,300 runners. Held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, this special commemorative edition featured a refreshed format and exclusive limited-edition merchandise, reinforcing the Bank's commitment to community and sustainability while promoting Penang's rich heritage.

Held at the historic Padang Kota Lama on July 12, the Run showcased Penang's distinctive landmarks and multicultural identity, evolving beyond a heritage-inspired sporting event into a vibrant cultural tourism experience. The event was flagged off by Alliance Bank's Group Chief Financial Officer, Ronnie Royston Fernandiz.

Group Chief Executive Officer Kellee Kam expressed delight at the overwhelmingly positive response to the Run's fourth edition, saying, "The public and the people of Penang have been very supportive of this event, and we hope to carry this positive momentum forward into even greater success."

He added, "At its core, this run is about encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle while celebrating Penang's rich heritage and advancing sustainability. It strongly reflects the Bank's commitment as The Bank for Life to fostering healthier communities and driving responsible, sustainable growth."

During the Run, Alliance Bank also unveiled the KM TO RM Challenge 2026, Malaysia's first run-to-earn savings challenge, designed to reward Malaysians for staying active while cultivating healthy financial habits. Running from August to October 2026, the three-month challenge encourages participants to stay consistent in their running journey while unlocking rewards through their Alliance Bank Basic Savings Account/-i.

Speaking about the new initiative, Kellee Kam said, “Running is no longer just about fitness. It has become a lifestyle and a growing community that brings people together. At Alliance Bank, we believe the same discipline that helps people build healthier lives can also help them build healthier financial habits. Through the KM TO RM Challenge 2026, we want to encourage Malaysians to stay active, stay consistent and be rewarded for building both health and wealth.”

Meanwhile, this year's Heritage Run comprised three race categories: a 3-kilometre family walk, a 10-kilometre competitive run designed for participants to level up their personal fitness goals, and a 21-kilometre half marathon and offers up to RM24,400 in cash prizes.

To encourage participation across all age groups and foster a stronger sense of community, the Run also introduced a "Best-Dressed Family Challenge" under the 3-kilometre category, inviting Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad participants to run in their finest traditional outfits.

In the men’s 21-kilometre open category, Yeow Ni Jia, a national runner, emerged as champion, followed by Lim Kok Leong and Edmund Pang, while Nik Fakaruddin bin Ismail emerged as champion in the veteran category, with Amirullah Bambang and Leow Thai Lih finishing as first runner up and second runner up respectively.

In the women’s 21-kilometre open category, Melanie Goh See Ler took the top spot, followed by first runner up, Chew Huey Ming and second runner up Eryn Yen Ling Tan, while the veteran category saw Noor Amelia Binti Musa as champion, with Chew Lay Ling and Wong Mi-Chi finishing as first runner up and second runner up respectively. In the men’s 10-kilometre open category, Mohammad Izul Amirul Mukmim emerged as champion, followed by Mohamad Nur Radzman and Ong Wei Xiang, while Armeet Singh won as champion in the veteran category, followed by Mohd Faizul bin Muhaieddin and Tan Tong Hai. In the women’s 10-kilometre open category, champion went to Ong Ee Ling, while Heng Jia Yee and Lim Tung Ern came in first and second runner up, with Chuah Joo Khim emerging champion in the veteran category, followed by Lim Siok Har and Foo Yin Yin.

All winners were awarded finisher medals and cash prizes in recognition of their achievements. Meanwhile, Isaac Alistair, Nora Sikin, Shalina Sarip, and their families took home the Best-Dressed Family award, dazzling the crowd with a look that stood out from start to finish.

Every aspect of the race essentials was thoughtfully reimagined with sustainability in mind. From medals made of sustainably sourced bamboo to reusable canvas bags, the event memorabilia reinforced waste reduction and gave materials a second life.

These thoughtful elements were woven throughout the event. The collectible race T-shirts were uniquely designed for each category and inspired by Penang's rich cultural heritage, including the kebaya, prawn mee and manik shoes. The lanyards featured batik-inspired motifs, while the exclusive canvas bags reflected Penang's cultural identity.

Participants also enjoyed the #SupportLokal Bazaar, where Penang's homegrown entrepreneurs showcased artisanal crafts and local delicacies, helping to boost grassroots economic activity.

Set against the timeless charm of George Town's UNESCO World Heritage enclave, the refreshed Run reimagined the race experience as a vibrant cultural showcase in motion. For the first time, the 3-kilometre family walk came alive with a colourful "Best-Dressed Family" challenge, as participants donned their finest traditional attire throughout the route.

Raising the stakes, the newly introduced 10-kilometre competitive category drew returning runners eager to push boundaries and surpass their personal bests, signalling a new level of intensity and ambition. Meanwhile, the 21-kilometre half marathon continued to anchor the event, attracting seasoned runners and marathon enthusiasts from Malaysia and around the world, all converging in a city where history, culture and sport intersect.

With sustainability at the heart of Heritage Run 2026, the event also underscored the Bank's efforts to support George Town's cultural heritage, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11.4 on safeguarding the world's cultural and natural heritage.

More than just a race, Alliance Bank Heritage Run brought the Bank's ESG commitment to life by championing environmental stewardship, celebrating culture, uplifting local economies and nurturing community well-being.

Separately, members of the public who are interested in the KM TO RM Challenge 2026 can sign up by 31 July 2026 by opening an Alliance Bank Basic Savings Account/-i. Unlike conventional banking campaigns, the KM TO RM Challenge 2026 rewards consistency behaviour rather than spending. Participants will complete monthly running milestones tracked via the BiiB app and receive rewards upon successful completion of each challenge.

With only 1,200 slots available, participants who complete the full three-month challenge will qualify for the grand prize draw, featuring Garmin Forerunner watches. Those who complete at least one month of the challenge will also be eligible for a separate consolation prize draw, with rewards such as JD Sports gift cards.

For more info, please visit https://www.alliancebank.com.my/