HSL to hold only Ekiden race in East Malaysia this March
- BT
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
KUCHING, 13 February 2026: Hock Seng Lee is stepping up its community fitness programme in 2026, by introducing a new Raya Relay Race on March 29, alongside the fifth annual HSL Samarahan Marathon on May 17.
Cash prizes totalling RM50,000 are up for grabs across both events, with Best Dressed prizes for both. Participants of the relay race will also receive discount promo codes for the marathon.
Modelled after Japan’s popular Ekiden-style races, the Raya Relay Race will have 5 runners in total, including 2 female runners. The first runner must be female, but each runner will be running a 3KM loop inside La Promenade’s gated community, with the start-finish line in front of the mall, as explained by HSL-sponsored athlete, Andy Yeo, who created the competitive category format and is a member of Sarawak’s elite running group, Team Haolian.
“We’ve been pushing HSL to host an Ekiden for several years now. We’re incredibly happy that HSL has taken up the suggestion. This is the only Ekiden in East Malaysia. It’s going to be super exciting. A relay is a team effort, and it’s always full of adrenaline and fun,” he added. “The fastest team to complete the 15km circuit wins. It’s simple. So far, the feedback has been tremendous amongst Kuching’s run clubs. I hear clubs from KL and KK are joining too.”
“As the council chairman, I must thank HSL for its long-term efforts. HSL is a great corporate citizen, and its people are very genuine and dedicated when carrying out their tasks,” Kota Samarahan Municipal Council Chairman, Abang Ismawi Abang Ali said. “This will be HSL’s fifth running festival since 2021, and every edition gets better. My council is particularly pleased with HSL’s close collaboration with the Red Crescent in ensuring every year’s safety is improved.”
HSL Marketing & Communication Lead, Abraham Tiong said about 40 teams had signed up for the Raya Relay Race and about 1,000 for the HSL Samarahan Half Marathon. “Sign-ups have outpaced 2025’s. We believe our cheaper prices this year have met market demand. There are so many runs these days, and to stand out, HSL is subsidising the cost to ensure our rates is the cheapest while still offering cash prizes. Safety remains a top priority,” Tiong said.
He added the race route would be much improved this year. “HSL thanks Samarahan Council and the Public Works Department for their full refurbishment of Jalan Tanjong Bako. The entire route has been resurfaced and streetlights repaired.”
Due to ongoing ART construction works along Samarahan Expressway, Tiong confirmed the 42km category would be excluded in 2026. “HSL is exploring options on how to bring back the full marathon in 2027. “To do the 42km next year, we could use the Tanjong Bako route, cross the Sejingkat Bridge, go to BCCK and back.”
For more info and to sign up, visit lapromenademall.com.my or search #Samarathon2026 and #LaPromenadeEkidenRelay.
