PETALING JAYA: What started as a platform to inspire Malaysians to be more active has led to a place in the Malaysian Book of Records for the Score Marathon with their record-breaking 50,000 participants in Putrajaya on Sunday (July 19).
Upon receiving its accolade as the nation's largest running event, Score Sports Management’s chief executive officer, Patricia Tan, reflected on the run’s humble beginnings, which saw only 3,674 runners in 2014.
“Receiving the record is an incredibly proud and emotional moment. Our vision was simple - to inspire Malaysians to lead active lifestyles through running. To witness its growth is truly humbling,” said Patricia.
The event, a collaboration with AIA Malaysia, saw participants from over 53 countries compete in 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km categories.
Unfortunately in the 21km run, Malaysian half marathon record holder K. Prabudass had to settle for second place after finishing behind Singapore’s two-time SEA Games marathon gold medallist Soh Rui Yong.
The 36-year-old was just 70 seconds behind the winner, with a time of 1’13:04, compared to the Singaporean’s 1’11:53.
Rounding out the podium was fellow Malaysian G. Vimal in third place with a time of 1’13:58.
Meanwhile, it was a memorable day for men’s 42km open winner Huynh Anh Khoi of Vietnam, as he finally secured the top spot after finishing second in the 2024 run.
“The second place in 2024 remains fresh, so standing on top this time feels more special.”
“I am pleased with my time too, considering the course’s challenging nature with its rolling hills,” said Huynh, who finished the race in 2’26:32.
Mohd Haziq Hamzah and Jodie Lee emerged as the fastest locals in the 42km categories earning RM2,000 and a trophy each with their respective times of 2’44:45 and 3’35:29.
Final results
Men
42km: 1. Huynh Anh Khoi (Vie) 2’26:32, 2. Martin Onsomus (Ken) 2’39:54, 3. Munjin Yu (Kor) 2’43:13.
Selected: 1 Mohd Haziq Hamzah (Mas) 2’44:45.
21km: 1. Soh Rui Yong (Sin) 1’11:53, 2. K. Prabudass (Mas) 1’13:04, 3. G. Vimal (Mas) 1’13:58
Women
42km: 1. Pham Thi Hong Le (Vie) 2’45:33, 2. Vu Khanh Linh (Vie) 3’09:21, 3. Yuri Hayashi (Jpn) 3’15:42.
Selected: 1 Jodie Lee (Mas) 3’35:29.
21km: 1. Goh Shing Ling (Sin) 1’23:12, 2. Chi-Wen Hung (NZL) 1’28:33, 3 Han Qinfei (Sin) 1’37:42.
