Malaysia’s road running scene came alive in Putrajaya as national marathoner Yeow Ni Jia and Taiwan’s Chi-Wen Hung topped their respective half marathon categories at the Garmin Run Asia Series 2025, capping off a high-energy morning that drew more than 13,000 participants.

While the massive turnout captured attention, it was Ni Jia’s commanding run that gave local fans plenty to cheer for. Fresh from his victory at the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon, the SEA Games-bound national athlete continued his winning form by clocking 1:14:24 to claim the Men’s Open 21KM title.

“I am satisfied with my performance today at Garmin Run Asia Series 2025, hitting my local personal best,” said Ni Jia. “Year after year, the exciting atmosphere from the run and running alongside thousands of participants really motivated me to go further.”

In the Women’s Open, Taiwan’s Chi-Wen Hung crossed the line first in 1:27:57, followed closely by Vietnam’s Khanh Linh Vu (1:28:34) and Malaysia’s Noor Amelia Musa (1:31:15). The veteran divisions also saw impressive finishes, with two-time SEA Games marathon medallist Muhaizar Mohamad taking the Men’s Veteran 21KM title in 1:20:12, while Tiffany Lee Siok Chin secured the Women’s Veteran crown in 1:34:05.

In the 10KM categories, Ruveshwaran Balachandran clocked 34:42 to lead the Men’s Open, while Nurul Juliana Shakira Abdul Halim triumphed in the Women’s Open with 43:13.

For Garmin, the event’s success went beyond competition. “Garmin Run Asia Series has become more than just a race, it’s a celebration of growth, every runner’s determination to take charge of their health and strengthening the local running community. Every year, we witness inspiring stories of runners who overcome challenges and redefine what’s possible for themselves. It is wonderful to witness the community stand together to help one another reach the finish line. The ‘From Zero to Hero’ spirit lives within each participant who shows up, and Garmin is proud to support their journey with technology that empowers progress,” shared Scoppen Lin, Assistant General Manager of Garmin Asia.

At the end of the run, top-performing runners were rewarded with prizes worth over RM192,000 in cash and kind from Garmin’s official partners and sponsors, a fitting conclusion to a morning that celebrated both athletic excellence and community spirit.

Beyond the competition, the Putrajaya edition embodied the From Zero to Hero theme that has become Garmin’s signature across Asia. It brought together elite athletes and first-timers alike, each sharing the same goal — to move with purpose and push their personal limits.

The Garmin Run Asia Series 2025 once again underscored how far Malaysia’s running culture has evolved: passionate, inclusive, and ready for the next challenge.