SCORE Marathon 2024, presented by AIA Vitality, concluded triumphantly this weekend, celebrating the participation of a record-breaking 24,253 runners from around the globe. This remarkable turnout solidifies SCORE Marathon as the second-largest running event in Malaysia.

Held in the picturesque setting of Putrajaya, SCORE Marathon brought back the highly popular bubble run for all 5KM participants, a feature that was a huge hit last year. This fun and engaging activity added an extra layer of excitement and joy for all runners, especially among the young ones.

Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), graced the event, flagging off the 5KM fun run. His presence underscored the government’s support for mass participation in sporting events, highlighting the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles and community engagement through physical activities.

Patricia Tan, Chief Executive Officer of SCORE, shared, “I am incredibly proud of the team and all participants who made the SCORE Marathon 2024 by AIA Vitality a phenomenal success. The enthusiasm and dedication of runners were truly inspiring. As we look to the future, we hope to continue growing this incredible event, reaching new heights and inspiring more people to lead active, healthy lifestyles. Our journey doesn’t end here; it’s only the beginning of something even greater. Together, we will keep pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable experiences. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next.”

Ben Ng, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Malaysia, said, “We’re thrilled by yet another record-breaking turnout. SCORE Marathon’s impressive participation growth from 15,000 to 24,253 runners this year is a testament to its impact and popularity. The event’s successful eco-friendly initiatives not only resonate with AIA’s ESG commitment but also emphasizes our dedication to drive sustainable practices that benefit participants and the environment. Looking ahead, we’re excited about future initiatives that will further support the running scene and pursue opportunities that will empower more Malaysians to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”

Celebrating Eco-Friendly Initiatives
A highlight of this year’s marathon was its strong focus on sustainability. Partnering with Pressio, event tees were produced from 100% GRS-certified recycled fibers. This initiative saved 44.5K PET bottles, 84.38K liters of water, 10.55 tons of CO2 emissions, and 91.13K kWh of energy. Additionally, post-event, 1,150KG of plastic materials were collected and recycled, equivalent to 46,320 plastic bottles, a significant increase from previous years. SCORE Marathon also successfully reduced 62,000 single-use plastics across event tees, finisher tees, and bibs.

Finisher medals, crafted from recycled plastic, further underscored the marathon’s commitment to the environment. By diverting 1 ton of plastic from landfills and oceans, these medals were both eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. Runners loved the medals, appreciating both their beauty and their reusable nature.

One enthusiastic runner remarked, “I really appreciate the move towards sustainability with these eco-friendly medals. They are not only beautiful but also reusable. It’s great to know that I can use mine as a magnet or detach the metal part to display it at home.”

Highest Submission by a Single Corporate Award
Special congratulations to Kelab AmBank Group for winning the Corporate Entry Champion award, acknowledging their outstanding participation of 235 employees. Encouraging corporate involvement is crucial in promoting healthy lifestyles among employees, and Kelab AmBank Group has set a stellar example. It is hoped that next year, even more corporations will join in, fostering a culture of wellness and community engagement within their organizations.

Heartfelt thanks are also extended to all parties who have been part of this journey from the start, including ambassadors, running clubs, sponsors and partners. SCORE Marathon 2024 by AIA Vitality was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) Malaysia and Tourism Malaysia, certified by World Athletics in cooperation with AIMS, and official title sponsors include Pressio for apparel, Brooks for footwear, Celsius for energy drinks, ToughASIA and Arena Malaysia as media partners, N8 Sports Nutrition for energy gel, Ice Power for pain-relieving gel, ATF for sports tape, HeyJom for registration platform and Bigo LIVE for live event partnership. Additional sponsors include Chek Hup, LAC, Recogen, Skyworth, African Sea Coconut, Himalaya Candy, BOLD Physiotherapy and Halls.

“As we bid farewell to SCORE Marathon 2024, planning is already underway for SCORE Marathon 2025. We’re excited to build on this year’s success and are committed to delivering an even bigger and better event next year. Runners can certainly anticipate new features and enhanced experiences. So, stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to seeing everyone at SCORE Marathon 2025,” concluded Patricia.