HSL Samarahan Marathon returns for 5th edition

During the press conference for the upcoming HSL Samarahan Marathon, held earlier today at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly in Kuching. (Front, from left: Yu Ji, Morshidi Fredrick, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Datuk Sebastian Ting, Dzulkornain bin Masron and Kenny Sia.)

KUCHING, 13 May 2026: The 2026 HSL Samarahan Marathon is back for its 5th edition with over 2,000 runners, a new partnership with Level Up Fitness and stronger safety measures, as announced today during a press conference in Kuching by the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Happening this May 17, 2026 at the La Promenade Mall, the race will feature the 21.1KM half marathon as well as the 10KM, 6KM and 3KM categories. The full marathon category will not be happening this year due to the ongoing ART construction works along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway. 

“With the theme “Leading the Way to Healthy Living”, the HSL Samarahan Marathon has grown into one of Samarahan’s major annual sports events. It also carries a tourism element, drawing not only local runners, but also participants from outside Malaysia. The event has the support of partners such as Citadines Kuching, and is promoted through CapitaLand’s Ascott Star Rewards platform. This gives the event international appeal, and helps position Samarahan as part of the region’s sports tourism calendar,” said Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim during the press conference earlier today. 

Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim holding up the retro-game theme inspired medal finishers will get at this year’s HSL Samarahan Marathon.

The HSL Samarahan Marathon has drawn strong participation so far, with runners from across Malaysia and even South Korea, China and several African nations. The race will also welcome returning champions like members of Team Haolian, including Malaysia’s female ultra trail running record holder, Sally Yap.

“We are delighted to welcome Level Up Fitness to this year’s marathon. Level Up is a respected name in fitness, and their involvement adds a new dimension to runners’ experience,” added HSL Realty Director, Yu Ji. During race-pack collection on May 15 and 16, Level Up coaches will stage hands-on functional fitness tutorials and games with prizes. The activities will be held across the ground floor of La Promenade Mall, alongside a runners’ expo. On race day, May 17, Level Up coaches will conduct warm-up sessions from 3.30am to 6am.

HSL is also working closely with co-organisers City Jogger’s Club and the Malaysian Red Crescent to improve safety. This year’s safety upgrades include roaming ambulances to ensure first-aiders are never far from runners anywhere along the route, as well as more cooling measures such as ice packs.

“For next year, we are planning to bring back the full 42km category, featuring the soon-to-be-completed Sejingkat Bridge. Besides safety, we always stick to our motto of ‘Flat Route, Senang Laju’ for all our marathons. The course has to be fast and also amateur friendly,” shared HSL Marathon Event Coordinator, Abraham Tiong. This year’s event tees, finisher entitlements and medals carry a retro-game theme inspired by the Year of the Horse. 

Also present at today’s press conference, MTCP Deputy Ministers, Datuk Sebastian Ting and Datuk Snowdan Lawan, MTCP Permanent Secretary, Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Dzulkornain bin Masron, Founder of Level Up Fitness, Kenny Sia and President of City Joggers Club, Elizabeth Wong. 

For more info, visit https://www.lapromenademall.com.my/ or search #Samarathon2026.

The 2026 HSL Samarahan Marathon will feature the 21.1KM half marathon as well as the 10KM, 6KM and 3KM categories. Stay tuned for the full marathon, happening next year!