Over the years, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) has grown from strength to strength, with a record 42,000 runners expected to take part this year. Runners will congregate at Dataran Merdeka on 5 and 6 October 2024.

Not only that – but this year, KLSCM will see a record 2,500 running tourists from 45 countries participating in the race, representing a 72% increase from 2023. 

A large portion of these runners are from Indonesia, with over 1,200 making their way to Kuala Lumpur, more than double the 2023 numbers.

Typically KLSCM has received between 1,500 to 1,700 running tourists from 40 to 50 countries each year. This is in addition to Malaysian runners both from within the Klang Valley as well as from the rest of the country. 

Hizkia and family. Credits: KLSCM

Said Hizkia Tri Hananto, 45, a team leader at a multinational manufacturing company in Batam, who will be coming to KL for the marathon, “Lately, running has become very popular in Indonesia, and I believe social media has been very influential in driving this increase.”

Hizkia and wife.
Credits: KLSCM

His sentiments are shared by Yudha Mega Kusumonegoro, 50, from Jakarta, who said, “Running is more popular in Indonesia now especially when social media influencers post their running activities.”

While Yudha has taken part in the previous five editions of KLSCM, this will be Hizkia’s second appearance, after taking part for the first time last year.

Yudha.
Credits: KLSCM

Shared Hizkia, “I am returning this year because I found the event to be well organised with a very lively atmosphere.”

Both Hizkia and Yudha, like most running tourists, will be coming to Kuala Lumpur (KL) together with their families and use the opportunity to do some shopping as well as visiting some tourist attractions within the city. They each plan to spend at least five days in KL.

Said Hizkia, “I prefer to come with my family, because we can enjoy a holiday at the same time. One of the main reasons for participating in KLSCM, is so that my family and I can do some shopping and traveling.” 

Dirigo Events, the owners and organisers of KLSCM, is pleased that their efforts to attract more running tourists is paying off.

Rainer Biemans
Credits: KLSCM

Said Rainer Biemans, Project Director of KLSCM and Director of Dirigo Events, “We have made a conscious effort to promote our event to an international audience using targeted social media and we are delighted with the increase in these numbers for KLSCM 2024.”

He continued, “International runners tend to spend more time on vacation when they visit KL and this translates to increased revenue from tourism. This subsequently benefits businesses in the city.”