The IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge 2024, held on Sunday, successfully attracted 10,000 participants and secured a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR). The event earned recognition for two significant achievements: ‘First Full Marathon on a Highway’ and ‘Longest Marathon Course on a Closed Highway.’
The event, organised by IJM Corporation Berhad (IJM), was marked by its prestigious recognition, solidifying its reputation for the future. The marathon saw IJM’s subsidiaries, New Pantai Expressway (NPE) and Sungai Besi Expressway (BESRAYA), collaborating with EC Pixels Asia, the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), and local police to ensure smooth and safe conditions throughout the race.
This sixth edition of the challenge introduced a full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers, bringing an added layer of challenge and excitement for participants. For the first time, the NPE and BESRAYA highways were combined to create a unique and exhilarating running experience, with participants starting and ending at Sunway Pyramid.
The event also expanded its offerings with a junior category, providing a 1.5 km race to inspire younger runners. Alongside the full marathon, other categories included distances of 21 km, 10 km, 5 km, and the Junior 1.5 km.
Throughout the race, participants were treated to scenic city views, enhancing the race experience and motivating them to achieve their best personal records.
The event drew a diverse group of runners, with 80% of participants being local Malaysians and 20% international runners. The range of categories attracted both seasoned marathoners and newcomers to the running scene, ensuring an inclusive and dynamic competition.
The marathon was officially flagged off by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. IJM and Allianz Malaysia Berhad, committed to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all participants, created an impactful and memorable event for the entire running community.