Running marathons has become a trend among many adults in Malaysia. Whether it’s conquering the full 42km race, completing a half marathon or just doing a 10km “fun run”, more people are embracing the challenge of long-distance running today.
Some even go the extra mile of travelling abroad to take part in marathons and other running events.
Japan is one such destination where this marathon holiday trend is picking up pace. For many visitors, running a marathon in Japan also means the chance to discover the country, whether solo or with friends or family.
According to research conducted by Japanese apartment hotel brand Mimaru, more than 80% of guests staying at its Tokyo Shinjuku property during the Tokyo Marathon period, held earlier this year, were runners.
“Many travellers see the marathon as just one part of the journey,” said Mao Mochizuki, Mimaru’s international spokesperson, in a press statement. “While one person may be running, everyone (on the trip) is exploring Japan together.”
With races taking place across the East Asian nation, runners can experience its cities from a different perspective.
The Tokyo Marathon, for instance, winds through some of the capital’s best-known districts, while the Kyoto Marathon takes participants through centuries-old temples and shrines.
In Osaka, runners can take in the city’s lively atmosphere and famous food spots.
According to the statement, many visitors also extend their trip beyond Japan’s Golden Route (Tokyo, Kyoto and
Osaka), going into lesser-known places like Nagano, Aomori and Ehime.
Besides the Tokyo and Kyoto Marathons, the country hosts other big races throughout the year, too. Among them are the National Park Mountain Running Nikko (Nov 15) in Tochigi Prefecture; Minano Tenku Ultra Marathon (Sept 27) in Saitama Prefecture; Shonan International Marathon (Dec 6) in Kanagawa Prefecture; and Nara Marathon (Dec 12 and 13).
The growing popularity of destination marathons reflects how travel is changing. Instead of planning a holiday around attractions alone, people are choosing experiences that are more immersive and memorable.
Local scene
Malaysia is also a favourite destination among runners, with many running events held throughout the year, annually.
For example, the Score Marathon by AIA Vitality, first introduced in 2014, returns to Dataran Putrajaya this year.
The 2026 edition will be the first to be staged over two days, with the 5km and 10km races on July 18, and the half marathon and full marathon on July 19. The race is recognised by the World Athletics Road Race Label and features a certified course.
Meanwhile, this year’s Merdeka weekend will see the Malaysia Marathon being held in the capital city.
Taking place on Aug 30, it features 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km categories. The route starts at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and ends at KLCC (you have to go all around the city centre and not just in the Golden Triangle area), giving participants the chance to experience the city on car-free streets.
If you’re not running, you can cheer on the participants and join in 69th National Day celebrations as well.
Later in the year, runners can look forward to the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (Oct 3 and 4), one of the country’s biggest running events. Originally launched as the Kuala Lumpur Marathon in 1989 before Standard Chartered became the title sponsor in 2009, this event has since grown into one of the region’s top road races.
The Standard Chartered marathon is also held in other major cities around the world, including Singapore, Bangkok (Thailand), Shanghai (China), Mumbai (India) and Nairobi (Kenya).
Other races in Malaysia worth adding to your list this year include the Kuching Marathon, Bentong Monsoon Marathon and Penang Bridge International Marathon.
Sarawak’s Kuching Marathon, set to take place on Sept 27, takes participants past the city’s picturesque waterfront, heritage buildings and riverside landmarks.
If you prefer cooler weather and a break from the city, the Bentong marathon on Nov 28 lets you experience the scenic hills and forests of Janda Baik in Pahang.
To finish off the year on a runner’s high, head to the Penang marathon (Dec 13), known for its route across the iconic Penang Bridge.
