Melaka’s strong appeal over the National Day long weekend received an added sporting and economic boost as 1,500 participants from more than 45 countries converged on Encore Melaka for the 2026 Melaka International Sports Festival.
The one-day festival recorded a total footfall of about 3,000, extending commercial activity beyond the race venue to hotels, restaurants, transport, retail and tourism businesses around the state.
The eighth edition of the annual multi-sport event brought triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon together in a programme catering to athletes across various distances and race categories.
Race director Andy Foo said the festival’s ambition was to create an experience athletes would travel for and return to.
“The competition may take place over one morning, but the Melaka experience extends throughout the weekend – from the challenge and camaraderie of the race to the city’s heritage, food and culture.
“The finish line is only one part of the journey – we want athletes to leave Melaka with their medals, memorable stories and plans to return. That is what a true racecation should be,” he said.
Foo said the scale of the festival also created an economic ripple extending well beyond the event.
“When 1,500 participants arrive for an event, many bring family members and friends with them.
“That creates activity not only at the race venue, but also across hotels, homestays, restaurants, shops and visitor attractions.
“A successful international race should deliver value at every level – to the athletes, the local community and the destination hosting them,” he said.
The main highlight was the Olympic Distance category, comprising a 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run.
Juffrin Ranis emerged as the fastest overall male finisher, completing the race in 2:34:02, while Spain’s Belen Olcina Sempere topped the women’s field in 3:00:43.
For Sempere, the result marked another step in her return to competitive triathlon.
She took up the sport during her university years in Spain, competing in the Spanish National Triathlon League and eventually racing in the country’s first division before stepping away from competition while living in England.
After moving to Malaysia, she returned to racing two years ago and has since competed in around five events locally.
Melaka was her first race in the historic state and only her second standard-distance triathlon, having stepped up after completing a sprint-distance event in Desaru, Johor in May.
“I felt strong throughout the race and was particularly pleased with my performance on the bike.
“Unfortunately, my knee started hurting during the run, so I had to slow down, but I’m still extremely happy and proud to have finished as the fastest female triathlete,” said Sempere.
She praised the organisation and race-day atmosphere, particularly the support along the course in Malaysia’s heat and humidity.
“The bike route felt very safe and fast, and I loved all the turns because we could see and encourage the other triathletes.
“The volunteers were amazing too, especially with the cold water and ice during the run. With four laps to complete, being able to cool down each time made a huge difference.
“I always enjoy racing in Malaysia despite the heat and humidity, and after this experience, I’m now considering taking the next step towards middle-distance triathlon,” she added.
Beyond the Olympic Distance contests, participants competed in Super Sprint and Sprint triathlons, individual and relay duathlons, and aquathlon races involving swimming and running.
The range of disciplines and distances allowed experienced endurance athletes, newcomers and relay teams to share the same festival environment.
Melaka city mayor Datuk Shadan Othman said the festival complemented the state’s established tourism appeal while generating additional activity during an important holiday period.
“Sports tourism creates a ripple effect. Athletes do not come only to race; they stay in our hotels, dine in our restaurants, visit our attractions and bring their families with them.
“Every athlete who crosses the finish line also becomes a storyteller for our city,” he said.
First staged in 2018, the annual multi-sport event celebrated its eighth edition this year, underlining its growing position on the regional endurance- sports calendar.
