KUALA LUMPUR: More than 13,000 runners took over the closed highways of New Pantai Expressway (NPE) and Lebuhraya Sungai Besi (Besraya) earlier today for the IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge 2025.
Malaysians made up 80 per cent of the participants, with the remaining 20 per cent hailing from about 30 countries.
The seventh edition of the running event featured multiple a 42.195km full marathon, 21km half marathon, and 10km and 5km runs.
Organised in collaboration with IJM Corporation Bhd and Allianz Malaysia Bhd, this year’s edition also introduced several sustainability initiatives, namely a bottle collection and recycling effort; sustainable race apparel and paperless race experience.
Over 16,000 plastic bottles used during the race were collected and sent to an authorised recycling facility, ensuring zero plastic waste.
Paper cups were also separated and collected for recycling. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with Trash4Cash and with the support of 286 volunteers at the water stations.
This year’s race apparel was made from biodegradable, high-performance recycled fabrics, a first for the event, combining eco-consciousness with athletic function.
The event also adopted digital registration, race packs details and e-certificates to reduce paper consumption while improving convenience for participants
IJM Corporation Bhd group chief executive officer and managing director Datuk Lee Chun Fai said the event challenged them each year to raise the bar, not just in terms of race distance, but also in how they activate their highways for the community.
“Now, World Athletics-certified and with strong support from our partners, the event delivers a race that meets international standards while staying rooted in the local spirit.
“From recycled race apparel to paperless race experiences, we are proud to see how the event has become a platform for healthier living, environmental responsibility and shared momentum year after year,” he said.
Allianz Malaysia Bhd chief executive officer Sean Wang said” “We are proud to continue our support for the IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge, an event that epitomises the essence of healthy living and sustainable lifestyles.
“This year’s edition has not only clearly reflected those values but also fostered positive change within the community as well as on the environment.”
Race director and managing director of EC Pixels Asia Eugene Chan said: “Seeing 13,000 runners cross the finish line is a powerful testament to our vision.
“This event isn’t just about personal achievement, it’s about creating impact through sport and sustainability.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
