A total of 15,000 runners from over 26 countries took part in the third edition of Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR), held in conjunction with Malaysia Day 2025 celebration.
Organised by Malaysia Marathon Official Sdn Bhd, the event held in front of the Petronas Twin Towers on Sept 20 drew over 30,000 visitors joining the festivities throughout the day.
MSMR founder and Malaysia Marathon president Eddy Casmady said the event has grown beyond its origins as a themed run to become an international community festival.
“Although this is the first year we have introduced MSMR across three editions, we are very proud to see it has evolved into an international community festival that promotes our culture and heritage, not just a run,” he said.
He added that MSMR has become a meaningful platform in support of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), positioning the festival as a symbol of Malaysia’s cultural diversity and unity.
The event was officiated by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Siong, together with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa and Kuala Lumpur mayor Dato’ Seri TPr Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) supported the event with Jetour Malaysia as main sponsor and official car partner.
This year’s MSMR featured three key events, including the EKI JETOUR X BSC Relay Run with a unique sarong relay on Sept 9; the 5km Speed Run (5K Malaysia Speed) for Malaysian citizens on Sept 20 and a 5km Fun Run open to everyone, including international tourists also on Sept 20.
A standout element of MSMR is the widespread use of the sarong, a traditional piece of clothing that transcends generations and backgrounds.
Runners and families alike donned the sarong with pride, creating a striking sea of colour and cultural pride.
“It’s moving to witness thousands coming together, united by a single cultural element – the sarong, in Malaysia Day 2025 celebration. It’s more than just a traditional garment; it’s a shared identity,” said Eddy.
First introduced in Kuala Lumpur on February 2025, MSMR attracted 11,000 participants while the Sarawak Edition in Matang, Kuching, drew over 5,500 runners and 20,000 visitors.
