The Sky Race is the first-ever tower run at Merdeka 118 — the second tallest building in the world. This thrilling vertical climb rewards participants with breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur and a unique way to celebrate Malaysia’s Independence Day on Saturday 30 August 2025. You will climb from Ground Floor to Level 118, enjoy the view, then take the lift down!

The Sky Race welcomes participants of all ability levels, from the age of 13 onwards. Go at your own pace, one step at a time, and be rewarded with the best finish line view that you’ll ever experience!

The event is suitable for all fitness levels, as long as you have a determined mindset! There is no cut-off time, so you can go at your own pace. But of course, the better you prepare, the easier it will be!

Anybody can do it, but of course the better you prepare, the quicker you’ll be able to make it to the top of Merdeka 118! Refer here for some training information.

Yes exactly! Participants climb the 2845 stairs up, then take the lift back down. You will have a period of time to enjoy the view at the top and to take photos before you come back down again.

99% of participants will walk the entire route. 2-steps at a time is the most efficient, but 1-step is absolutely fine. Use the handrail where possible, to reduce the load on your legs and to gain forward momentum as you

climb.

Probably not! Experienced towerrunners might run up the first few stairs, but it is advisable to walk at yourown pace. If needed, you can take plenty of short breaks before continuing. Make sure to step aside, so other stair climbers can pass.

The view from Level 118 is breathtaking – you’ll get to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur!

Other tower events have no view at all at the top, but The Sky Race gives participants an exceptional reward for their hard work.

You’ll have approximately 10-15 minutes to soak in the best view in KL before heading back down to the Event Village by lift.

Yes! We encourage you to record this memorable race and the rewarding view at the top. At the finish line and throughout the climb and event, there will be a team of professional photographers to capture the best images of participants.

The event is a ‘time-trial’ format, meaning participants will be flagged off every 10s approximately, as opposed to a mass start. Refer to the event schedule for more information on the start timings.

Each participant will wear a timing chip on their bib. The start time will be recorded as soon as you cross the start mat at the ground floor (once you enter the stairwell) and the finish time will be recorded at the finish line on Level 118. As this is a time-trial race format, you will see your time and ranking on a continuously updating leaderboard throughout the event.

The elites will take between 16-25 minutes. The majority of participants will require anything from 40-90 minutes. But don’t worry, there is no cut-off time, so you can take as long as you need, and you can rest continuously on your ascent!

Yes, there will be ample aid stations throughout the climb.

Yes, there will be qualified medical personnel at strategic points throught the climb.

Everybody should be able to finish, but if you really want to stop, then breakout points are available from which you can access an elevator down. In this scenario, you will be officially disqualified and you will not receive the finisher medal however.

No, the elevator can only be used to descend. If you want to see the top, you will have to finish all stairs.

There is an option during the ticket purchase process to apply for an elite start. Follow the steps and upload a relevant recent performance result for the chance to be flagging off in the first elite start wave.

A The Sky Race | Merdeka 118 is the official Asia Oceanian Championship of the Towerrunning World Association, and as such the cash prize money is only eligible to be won by nationals shown here and here. 

Yes, you may carry your own nutrition, but only via a hydration vest or bottles attached to your body. For safety, it is not allowed to carry a bottle (you will need your hands free for balance and to use the handrail).

Open (18+)
Junior Veteran (40-49)
Veteran (50-59)
Senior Veteran (60+)
Teams (mens, womens, mixed)

All participants will be flagged off at intervals of approximately 10s. As the stairway is narrow, walking up the stairs next to each other is not practical.

Only if you enter the Singles race and also the coporate team race, with 2 separate race entries. Participants cannot enter the Singles category more than one time.

Teams must start and finish the race together to complete it. It’s the perfect blend of teamwork and challenge. Take part with your work colleagues or your friends, and work together to reach the summit of Merdeka 118. Team categories include Teams-Men, Teams-Women, and Teams-Mixed (2M+1F or 2F+1M).

Unfortunately, changes cannot be made after registration, so please double-check your information before submitting.

Race Pack Collection will take place at Stadium Merdeka on Friday 29th August 2025, between the hours of 10:00-20:00.

Yes, we welcome spectators and there will be a live feed from the finish line to watch the finishers dramatically cross the line at Level 118!

Merdeka 118 is easily accessible via public transport (MRT and LRT) or by car.

Yes, car parking is available at Merdeka 118 itself.

We’ll have lots of action throughout the day, including F&B, games, expo partners, arts & crafts, music – plenty of action for all ages!

Yes, your bib allows full-day access to the event village.

No. Only registered participants may enter the Merdeka 118 building itself, however there will be plenty of action at The Sky Race Event Village to enjoy the festivities and cheer on the participants!