MORE than 260 international runners from 34 countries are expected to take part in the Petaling Jaya Half Marathon 2026 tomorrow.
They will be among some 10,000 participants targeted for the 36th edition of the race, which will be flagged off at Laman MBPJ in Petaling Jaya.
Among the nternational participants expected are from Australia, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
The race will feature five categories – 30km, 21km, 10km, 5km fun run and 1km costume-themed fun run.
The first flag-off is scheduled for 3.30am.
Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohd Yazid Sairi said the event had grown beyond being just a running competition.
“It has become a platform that brings together the community and participants from both home and abroad.
“We want them to not only come to run, but also take home experiences and memories of Petaling Jaya.
“The sponsors’ support helps to make the race a success, enhance the participants’ experience and strengthen the city’s sports ecosystem,” he said during a press conference at MBPJ headquarters in Jalan Yong Shook Lin, Petaling Jaya.
Mohd Yazid said the race had also become part of Petaling Jaya’s identity by encouraging a healthy lifestyle, strengthening community ties and promoting the city as a sporting event destination.
Also present were Petaling Jaya deputy mayor Sharinaz Samsudin, MBPJ Community Development Department deputy director Ku Mustafa Ku Mohamad, Selangor Para Athletics Association (POPS) honorary secretary Mohan Govinda Samy and Puncak Ventures SRA Sdn Bhd director Zainudin Lot.
The event is organised by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and Puncak Ventures SRA in collaboration with POPS, with support from Youth and Sports Ministry.
Sponsors and partners include F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd through 100Plus and Ice Mountain, Vrtic, N8, 361°, RULe, ATF Sport Taping, Pacemakers Malaysia, Mamee and Kao Malaysia.
Meanwhile, MBPJ has advised participants to plan their journeys in advance, follow traffic and safety instructions from the authorities and use parking areas around PJ New Town, also known as PJ State, to help reduce congestion.
In a social media post, MBPJ said Jalan Yong Shook Lin in front of Laman MBPJ would be closed from 6pm today until noon tomorrow.
Road diversions will begin at IJM Land heading towards Jalan RU7/1, Jalan Taman 7/6 and Menara Choy Fook On.
The city council also advised motorists heading to Section 14 and Sea Park to utilise Jalan Barat, while those heading to Petaling Jaya city centre should use Jalan 222.
