The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 Returns As The World's Biggest Tower Climb

The World's Biggest Tower Climb is set to return this August as Fresh Events Asia today announced IHH Healthcare Malaysia as the Title Partner of The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118.

The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 Returns As The World's Biggest Tower Climb 

Taking place on 22 and 23 August 2026, The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 will welcome up to 9,000 participants to Merdeka 118, Malaysia's tallest building and the second tallest building in the world, for a unique bucket-list experience that combines fitness, achievement and one of the most spectacular views in Kuala Lumpur.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, the event returns in an expanded two-day format, allowing more participants than ever before to experience the journey to Level 118 via 118 floors and 2,845 steps.

“The public’s response to this year’s event has been incredible. What started as a vision to create a world-class tower climb at one of the world's most iconic buildings has quickly become one of Malaysia's most anticipated mass participation sporting events,” said Jeffrey Ross, Managing Director of Fresh Events Asia and Race Director of The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118.

“With IHH Healthcare Malaysia joining as Title Partner for the next three years, we are excited to take the event to the next level, creating an experience that inspires people of all fitness levels to challenge themselves, celebrate achievement and experience Merdeka 118 in a truly unique way,” he added.

Dr Kamal Amzan, Chief Executive Officer of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, said, “Good health is built long before someone needs a hospital. It starts with everyday choices, including staying active and challenging ourselves to move more. The Sky Race™ is a powerful reminder that progress happens one step at a time. Through this partnership, we hope to inspire more people to challenge themselves and discover that better health, like every great climb, begins with taking the first step.”

As one of the world's leading integrated healthcare providers, IHH Healthcare Malaysia's partnership with The Sky Race™ reflects its commitment to advancing health beyond the hospital setting and encouraging people to take a more active role in their well-being. 

Over the next three years, IHH Healthcare Malaysia will support the event through community engagement initiatives, health and wellness programmes, pre-event activations and on-site medical services, helping to create an experience that champions movement and healthier communities. 

Unlike traditional running events, The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 offers participants the rare opportunity to climb 118 floors and 2,845 steps to Level 118. Participants can enter either the Individual Category or Team of 3 Category, with all participants completing the full climb before descending via lift.

More than just a race, The IHH Sky Race™ has become a celebration of personal achievement, determination and community spirit. Participants range from elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts to first-time stair climbers, families, friends and corporate teams.

The event is proudly supported by EBENE as Main Partner, Oligo as Supporting Partner, and a growing family of organisations helping bring the experience to life. The Sky Race™ is also supported by Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, recognising the event's contribution to sports tourism and destination promotion, and is sanctioned by the Malaysian Towerrunning Association (MTA).

With ambitions to become one of the world's premier tower-running events, The IHH Sky Race™ | Merdeka 118 continues to position Kuala Lumpur alongside globally recognised tower climbs such as the Empire State Building Run-Up, Shanghai Tower International Vertical Marathon, Eiffel Tower Vertical Race and Taipei 101 Run Up.

Registration is now open at www.theskyrace.com