118 Floors, 2,845 Steps: The World’s Biggest Tower Climb Returns To Merdeka 118

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IHH Healthcare Malaysia has been named the title partner of The IHH Sky Race | Merdeka 118, a stair-climbing race up the second-tallest building in the world, organisers announced on Tuesday (7 July).

The event, organised by Fresh Events Asia, is scheduled for 22 and 23 August at Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur.

Up to 9,000 participants are expected to climb 118 floors and 2,845 steps to Level 118 of the building.

This year’s edition marks the event’s second running and its first as a two-day format, an expansion from the inaugural edition.

Participants may enter as individuals or in teams of three, with all climbers descending by lift after completing the ascent.

A Hospital Group That Wants You To Never Need One

IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s partnership with the event spans three years.

The healthcare group, which operates 18 hospitals in Malaysia under brands including Gleneagles, Pantai and Prince Court, will provide on-site medical services and run health and wellness programmes alongside the race.

Good health is built long before someone needs a hospital, said Dr Kamal Amzan, Chief Executive Officer of IHH Healthcare Malaysia.

The Sky Race is a powerful reminder that progress happens one step at a time.

The event is also supported by Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), and is sanctioned by the Malaysian Towerrunning Association (MTA).

Organisers say the Sky Race aims to rank alongside established tower climbs globally, including the Empire State Building Run-Up in New York and the Taipei 101 Run Up.

Registration is open at www.theskyrace.com.

A World-Class Field For A World-First Race

The inaugural edition, held on 30 August 2025, drew 5,858 participants from more than 70 countries and served as the host venue for the 3rd Towerrunning Asian and Oceanian Championships.

A total of 5,602 climbers completed the full ascent — a figure that earned the event two Malaysia Book of Records titles: Most Finishers in a Towerrunning Race and Highest Towerrunning Race.

On the elite side, Malaysia’s own Soh Wai Ching took the men’s title in a course record time of 15 minutes and 37 seconds, finishing ahead of Mark Bourne of Australia (15:56) and Ching Chun Lo of Chinese Taipei (16:48).

Japan’s Yuko Tateishi claimed the women’s crown in 19:59, also a course record, with Qinghua Le of China (20:20) and Jui Chuan Chao of Chinese Taipei (21:32) rounding out the podium.

Among its finishers were Saupi Safiai, the first blind participant to complete the climb, and 10-year-old Kobe Mac, who reached Level 118 in just over 31 minutes.

READ MORE: [Photos] Blind Masseur, 10-Year-Old Speedster, and Disney-Loving Retiree: The Human Stories Behind Malaysia’s Historic Tower Run

READ MORE: Selangor Honours The Man Who Put Malaysia On Top—Of The World’s Skyscrapers

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118 Floors, 2,845 Steps: The World’s Biggest Tower Climb Returns To Merdeka 118
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