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Abang Ismawi (fifth right) with Yu (on his left), City Joggers’ Club (CJC) members, and Team Haolian representatives during the unveiling of the newly design merchandise for both twin events at HSL headquarters on Feb 13, 2026.Advertisement
By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Feb 13: From festive cheer to fitness pursuits, Hock Seng Lee (HSL) will debut its Ekiden Raya Relay Race on March 29, followed by the fifth edition of the HSL Samarahan Half Marathon on May 17, targeting a combined turnout of 3,000 runners.
HSL director Yu Ji said the twin events, offering total cash prizes of RM50,000, mark the company’s biggest community sports initiative at La Promenade Mall.
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“As of today, we already have 900 registered runners even before the official announcement. For the Raya Relay Race, about 40 teams have signed up so far, which is very encouraging,” he said at a press conference at HSL headquarters today.
Inspired by Japan’s Ekiden format—a Japanese long-distance, multi-stage relay race, typically held on roads, that emphasises teamwork and endurance—the Ekiden Raya Relay Race is the only relay of its kind in East Malaysia. It will be held within the gated La Promenade community, providing a safe and well-managed race environment.
East Malaysia’s first Ekiden-style race is now in Kuching, in collaboration with MPKS and City Jogger;s Club (CJC).In the competitive category, each team comprises five runners, including two women, with the opening leg run by a female participant. Each runner completes a 3km loop, bringing the total distance to 15km, with the fastest team crowned champion.
The entry fee is RM150 per team. A non-competitive category is also available, focusing on fun and team bonding, with no gender requirements or cash prizes. Relay participants will receive discount promo codes for the May half marathon.
The fifth HSL Samarahan Half Marathon will feature race categories from 3km to 21km, with entry fees ranging from RM55 to RM110.
Ongoing ART construction along the Samarahan Expressway has led to the cancellation of this year’s 42km full marathon, though HSL plans to revive the category once construction is completed.
T-shirts and medals for HSL Samarahan Half Marathon 2026.Yu said the target of 3,000 participants, noting that registrations have already surpassed last year’s pace.
“We continue to see strong international participation from Kenya, Singapore, South Korea, India and Indonesia, particularly Pontianak, as well as runners from China, Japan, the United States and Europe,” he said.
“Sign-ups have outpaced 2025’s. We believe our more affordable pricing meets market demand while still offering attractive cash prizes. Safety remains our top priority.”
He added that the race route has been significantly improved following the full resurfacing of Jalan Tanjong Bako and repairs to street lighting.
Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Abang Ismawi Abang Ali congratulated HSL for its continued commitment to organising community-focused sporting events.
“We are pleased with HSL’s close cooperation with safety agencies and veterans to ensure the event runs smoothly. MPKS will continue to support this programme,” he said.
He also highlighted Kota Samarahan’s role as an education and healthcare hub, with strong participation expected from students and institutions, including the Institut Kemajuan Desa (INFRA) Sarawak Branch Campus.
Known as one of the region’s fastest and flattest routes, the HSL Samarahan Half Marathon continues to attract elite and amateur runners alike, many of whom have clocked personal bests on the Samarahan course.
With festive celebrations, a team relay and a fast half marathon on the calendar, HSL’s 2026 running events are set to further energise Samarahan’s growing running community. — DayakDaily
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