POWERMAN Malaysia 2026’s main races on Sunday (Sept 20) remain scheduled, subject to air quality conditions, while the PowerKids race has been cancelled because of unhealthy conditions in Putrajaya.
Organisers said a contingency plan could be activated based on the latest Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, visibility, weather conditions, medical assessment and advice from the relevant authorities.
“For this reason, our contingency approach is designed to reduce exposure time progressively according to the prevailing conditions, rather than moving immediately to cancellation,” they said in a statement.
Air quality, they said, will be monitored throughout the event period, with assessments every six hours.
“Official communication updates will also be issued every six hours, or earlier should there be any significant change in conditions requiring immediate action,” they added.
The race format to be used on Sunday is expected to be determined and announced by 2pm on Saturday (Sept 19) following a joint assessment by the Malaysia Triathlon Association, the medical commander, race director and organising committee.
Under the full race format, which applies when API readings are between zero and 100, the Powerman Classic comprises a 10km run, 60km bicycle ride and another 10km run.
The Powerman Short consists of a 5km run, 30km bicycle ride and another 5km run.
If API readings are between 101 and 150, the Classic would be shortened to the same 5km-30km-5km format as the Short race.
For readings of between 151 and 200, both races could be further shortened to a 3km run, 23km bicycle ride and another 3km run.
“Calling off an event of this scale is not a decision taken lightly.
“Athlete health and safety remain our priority, but we are also responsible for thousands of athletes travelling from Malaysia and overseas, together with volunteers, officials, partners, service teams and more than 1,000 event crew supporting the race,” the organisers said.
Putrajaya recorded an API reading of 174 at noon on Friday (Sept 18), placing air quality in the unhealthy category.
The PowerKids race scheduled for Saturday was cancelled after organisers said conditions around its scheduled flag-off were expected to remain within the unhealthy API range of 151 to 200.
“Given that PowerKids involves young participants, the health and wellbeing of our children must take priority.
“After reviewing the current conditions and expected exposure during the race, the decision was made that the race should not proceed,” the organisers said.
They added that the decision was made at the latest possible stage as air-quality conditions could change quickly.
“We wanted to allow sufficient time for conditions to improve before making a final call,” they said.
