15th Edition KLSCM Kicks Off with Boost Juice 10km, 5km, and Kids Dash

The country’s premier distance running event, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2023, kicked off its 15th edition with the 5km, Boost Juice 10km and Kids Dash categories at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. More than 40,000 runners over the two days, from all parts of Malaysia and around the world.

Boost Juice 10km Flag Off @ 15th Edition KLSCM

In its present two-day format, the Half and Full Marathons will be contested on the second day in a festive weekend of running that has seen the event earn a coveted Road Race Label from World Athletics, making it the only event in the country with that status. 

Boost Juice 10km Men's Open Winner Elkanah Arusey from Kenya at the finish line

The first day began with the Boost Juice 10km where in the Men’s Open category, KLSCM debutant Elkanah Arusey from Kenya clinched the win in a time of 32:23. “Although I didn’t expect it, I planned my race strategy with the intention of winning and I’m happy with the result and my timing,” said Elkanah. “The route was flat and fast, and well organised so I hope to come back again next year and maybe take part in the Half Marathon, which is my preferred distance,” he added.

L-R Joy Chowdhury (Chief Technology & Operations Officer, Standard Chartered Malaysia), Chan Anne Sze, Njoroge Alice Kabura, Nurul Juliana Shakira and Nick Tiernan

Coming in second place was Wong Yize from Malaysia who clocked in at 34:30 and Azwan Bunjing, also from Malaysia, finished third in 35:19. In the Women’s Open category, Njoroge Alice Kabura from Kenya won the event in a time of 40:44, while Chan Ann Sze from Malaysia took second place in 42:44 and Nurul Juliana Shakira Abdul Halim, also from Malaysia, came in third clocking 43:00.

L-R Azhaf Nazheef, Chia Woon Ping (Senior Manager, Country Technology Management, Standard Chartered Malaysia) Aydan Haris, Joy Chowdhury and Wan Rafael Wan Mahazi

This was followed by the 5km category and ostensibly the highlight of the first day was the return of the Kids Dash categories.  “We are delighted to be able to bring back the 1km and 2km Kids Dash categories this year as the event has missed the infectious energy that these kids bring,” said Rainer Biemans, Project Director of KLSCM and director of Dirigo Events, the owner and organiser of KLSCM. “It’s a great day out for the whole family and truly heartwarming to see all these excited children get a taste of racing around the historic Dataran Merdeka,” he added.

The Kids Dash Boy’s 1km category was won by Aydan Haris in a time of 04:25 while Azhaf Nazheef  took second place in 04:27 and Wan Rafael Wan Mahazir finished third in 04:32. In the Kids Dash 1km Girl’s category, Nathifa Afina bagged the win in 04:51, Nureen Zahra came in second in 04:52 and Zara Amanda took third place in 04:55. In the Kids Dash 2km category, the Boys title went to Muhammad Hafiy who finished in 07:02, closely beating Wong Jun You in second place in a time of 07:04 while Muhammad Zafry Idraky took the last podium spot in 07:12. In the Kids Dash 2km Girl’s category, Farisya Amani won it in 07:14 while Adeelea Uwaesha Fysarra took second spot in 08:15 and Anissha Veluswami finished third in 08:21.

Ram on route to setting a Malaysia Book of Records entry

While no records fell on the first day, a new entry did make it into the Malaysia Book of Records when radio and TV celebrity Ram, formerly a host on THR Raaga, completed the longest distance covered while DJing non-stop when he took part in the Boost Juice 10km. The feat was achieved as part of Ram’s fundraising efforts for Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) under KLSCM’s Run For A Reason (RFAR) charity initiative.

Ram was joined by a large group of local celebrities and social media influencers as part of Boost Juice’s initiative to shed more light on his effort. "We are delighted to have played a part in supporting Ram’s fundraising endeavours and we hope his achievement spurs the public to donate generously to KLSCM’s worthwhile RFAR programme,” said Nick Tiernan, CEO and Owner of Boost Juice Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei.  

Standard Chartered Malaysia Community Runners

The 15th edition of KLSCM once again see sponsorship from Title Sponsor Standard Chartered Malaysia, along with Boost Juice, Pressio, 100 Plus, Brooks, Seiko, TudungPeople and Tiger Balm. This event is supported by venue host DBKL, along with MAF and FTKLAA, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism.

For more information and updates about the 15th Edition KLSCM Kicks Off with Boost Juice 10km, 5km, and Kids Dash; please visit:

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Website: www.kl-marathon.com