Rising Malaysian marathoner Yeow Ni Jia stole the spotlight at the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025, powering through the city’s rolling hills to finish as the fastest Malaysian male runner with an impressive time of 02:36:13.

The 25-year-old edged out national record holder Tan Huong Leong (02:37:05) and defending six-time champion Muhaizar Mohamad (02:44:37) in a fiercely contested Full Marathon Malaysian Men’s category — a race that also served as a Category B qualification for the 2025 SEA Games.

“The course was challenging because of the rolling hills that KL is famous for. In terms of performance, I am grateful that I managed to hit the goal that I set before the race, which was to achieve a sub 02:40 timing in local weather,” said Yeow, 25. “I am looking forward to breaking my personal best in the next event but if I were to be selected for the SEA Games, I’ll be focusing on that first.”

Yeow’s breakthrough win marks a major milestone in his marathon journey and a promising sign for Malaysia’s long-distance running scene.

 

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Earlier in the morning, Tan Sri Shahril Ridzuan, Chairman of Standard Chartered Malaysia, flagged off the Full Marathon at Jalan Raja Laut alongside Mak Joon Nien, CEO of Standard Chartered Malaysia. The ASICS Half Marathon flag-off was led by Boon Tib Soom Nik, Country Manager of ASICS Malaysia, and Low Sin Ting, Associate Director of Marketing, ASICS Pte Ltd.

This year’s KLSCM drew a record 42,000 participants, including 3,300 international runners from 53 countries, cementing its status as Malaysia’s premier distance running event. The Full Marathon and ASICS Half Marathon were held this morning, while the Pantai KL 10km, 5km Fun Run, and Kids Dash took place yesterday.

In the Full Marathon Men’s Open, John Nzau Mwangangi of Kenya finally claimed victory after two consecutive runner-up finishes, clocking 02:17:28. Compatriots Kiprotich Kiru (02:17:45) and Vincent Kiprono (02:18:06) completed the Kenyan podium sweep. Meanwhile, Truphena Chepchirchir of Kenya won the Women’s Open title in 02:41:36, narrowly ahead of Ethiopia’s Almaz Negede Fekade (02:41:50).

The Full Marathon Malaysian Women’s title went to Chua Khit Yeng, who reclaimed her crown in 03:05:40, followed by defending champion Noor Amelia Musa (03:09:03) and Lee Siok Chin (03:11:07).

“KLSCM 2025 has seen overwhelming response from the running community, and we truly appreciate the support that has been shown from both the community and our partners. Out of the 42,000 participants, more than 3,300 have travelled to Kuala Lumpur specifically to take part in the event. This is a much sought-after race that runners look forward to every year and what makes this 17th edition more memorable is the fact that we have different start and finish points, and that the race has been awarded the prestigious World Athletics Elite Label,” said Rainer Biemans, Project Director of KLSCM and Director of Dirigo Events.

“Marking 150 years in Malaysia is not just a milestone for our Bank. It is a tribute to the people who have walked this journey with us. Every step of our story has been built with our clients, colleagues and communities who have placed their trust in us across generations. That is why the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon is so close to our hearts. It’s not just a race but a celebration of people coming together with passion, perseverance, and purpose. We are deeply honoured to support it once again as 2025 is a special year for the Bank and Malaysia as ASEAN Chair. We are committed to progress alongside the nation we call home,” said Mak Joon Nien, CEO of Standard Chartered Malaysia.

As part of the event’s charitable initiative, the Run For A Reason (RFAR) programme continues to inspire runners to raise funds for beneficiaries including Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, Hospis Malaysia, Kechara Soup Kitchen, and Teach For Malaysia. The campaign aims to surpass last year’s RM1 million fundraising milestone before closing on 14 October 2025.

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon remains Malaysia’s premier distance running event, sanctioned by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Malaysia Athletics, World Athletics, AIMS, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and organised by Dirigo Events.