Alliance Bank’s Heritage Run 2026 took place on July 12, 2026 at Padang Kota Lama, Penang, drawing a record turnout of nearly 6,300 participants.
The fourth and commemorative edition featured a 3km family walk, a 10km competitive run and a 21km half marathon.
The run aligned with the Visit Malaysia 2026 initiative, showcasing Penang’s distinctive landmarks and multicultural identity, evolving beyond a heritage-inspired sporting event into a vibrant cultural tourism experience.
The event promoted environmental stewardship, celebrated culture and boosted local economies, strongly aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.4 to protect and safeguard cultural and natural heritage.
During the event, Alliance Bank also unveiled the KM to RM Challenge, Malaysia’s first “run-to-earn” savings challenge designed to promote both physical health and financial wellness.
The event also featured a #SupportLokal bazaar where Penang’s homegrown entrepreneurs showcased artisanal crafts and local delicacies, and eco-friendly race essentials as part of the bank’s sustainability push.
Participants also enjoyed the #SupportLokal Bazaar, where Penang’s homegrown entrepreneurs showcased artisanal crafts and local delicacies, helping to boost grassroots economic activity.
The event was flagged off by Alliance Bank’s group chief financial officer Ronnie Royston Fernandiz.
Alliance Bank group chief executive officer Kellee Kam expressed delight at the overwhelmingly positive response to the Alliance Bank Heritage Run 2026.
“The public and the people of Penang have been very supportive of this event, and we hope to carry this positive momentum forward into even greater success,” he said in a statement.
He added, “At its core, this run is about encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle while celebrating Penang’s rich heritage and advancing sustainability. It strongly reflects the Bank’s commitment as The Bank for Lifeto fostering healthier communities and driving responsible, sustainable growth.”
The Alliance Bank KM TO RM Challenge 2026 is Malaysia’s first “Run-to-Earn” savings challenge running from August to October 2026. The three-month challenge encourages participants to stay consistent in their running journey while unlocking rewards through their Alliance Bank Basic Savings Account/-i.
On the new initiative, Kam said, “Running is no longer just about fitness. It has become a lifestyle and a growing community that brings people together. At Alliance Bank, we believe the same discipline that helps people build healthier lives can also help them build healthier financial habits. Through the KM TO RM Challenge 2026, we want to encourage Malaysians to stay active, stay consistent and be rewarded for building both health and wealth.”
Members of the public who are interested in the KM TO RM Challenge 2026 can sign up by July 31, 2026 by opening an Alliance Bank Basic Savings Account/-i.
Unlike conventional banking campaigns, the KM TO RM Challenge 2026 rewards consistency behaviour rather than spending. Participants will complete monthly running milestones tracked via the BiiB app and receive rewards upon successful completion of each challenge.
Registration is limited to 1,200 participants. Participants who complete the full three-month challenge will qualify for the grand prize draw, featuring Garmin Forerunner watches. Those who complete at least one month of the challenge will also be eligible for a separate consolation prize draw, with rewards such as JD Sports gift cards.
Meanwhile, this year’s Heritage Run offered a total of RM24,400 in cash prizes.
In the men’s 21-kilometre open category, Yeow Ni Jia, a national runner, emerged as champion, while Nik Fakaruddin Ismail emerged as champion in the veteran category.
Meanwhile, in the women’s 21-kilometre open category, Melanie Goh See Ler took the top spot, while the veteran category saw Noor Amelia Musa as champion.
In the men’s 10-kilometre open category, Mohammad Izul Amirul Mukmim emerged as champion, while Armeet Singh won as champion in the veteran category.
For the women’s 10-kilometre open category, the champion went to Ong Ee Ling, while Chuah Joo Khim emerged champion in the veteran category.
The Run also introduced a “Best-Dressed Family Challenge” under the 3-kilometre category, where participants ran in their finest traditional outfits.
All winners were awarded cash prizes and finisher medals made of sustainably sourced bamboo. The green initiative minimizes environmental impact, and aligns with Alliance Bank’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
