Putrajaya, 24 June 2026 – A record 10,000 participants, a 25% increase from last year descended on Anjung Floria, Putrajaya last Sunday as the ninth edition of the Skechers Friendship Walk and Run 2026 concluded in a landmark celebration of fitness, friendship, and community impact.
Organised by Skechers, the Comfort Technology CompanyTM and a global leader in lifestyle and performance footwear, this year’s event marked a significant milestone with the introduction of the 21KM Half Marathon category, offering participants a more challenging route for the first time. As thousands crossed the finish line, Skechers also presented a contribution of RM10,000 to MAKNA, the National Cancer Council of Malaysia.
Three Categories, One Community
Held on 21 June at Anjung Floria, Putrajaya, the event featured three race categories designed to accommodate a wide range of fitness levels and goals. Making its debut this year, the 21KM Half Marathon Individual Run offered seasoned runners the challenge they had been looking for, while the 10KM Competitive Individual Run continued to draw participants seeking a strong personal test of endurance and speed. The 5KM Leisure Walk, open to individuals, families, and friends,
provided a more relaxed and inclusive route for participants of all ages to enjoy the morning together.
A Record Turnout, A Milestone Moment
“Seeing participation grow from 8,000 last year to 10,000 this year is a testament to the community that has rallied behind this event since its early days,” said Zann Lee, Managing Director of Skechers Southeast Asia.
“The introduction of the 21KM Half Marathon this year reflects our commitment to growing alongside our participants, offering greater challenges as their ambitions grow. We are proud that the Skechers Friendship Walk and Run 2026 has become a meaningful fixture in the Malaysian fitness calendar. “
Even before the first flag-off, Anjung Floria was already awash in a sea of Skechers blue as participants gathered in anticipation. The 21KM Half Marathon and 10KM Competitive Run were officially flagged off by Skechers’ management team — Zann Lee, Managing Director of Skechers Southeast Asia; Diana Wong, Senior Marketing Manager of Skechers Malaysia; Mellissa Moo Yoong, Senior Finance Manager of Skechers Malaysia and Ram Tang Kok Siang, Director of Franchise & Wholesale Channels of Skechers Malaysia —
Throughout the event, participants experienced the spotlighted collections of this year’s Skechers Friendship Walk and Run: the Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins ® : Max Cushioning ® Glide-Step ® and the Skechers AERO Razor. Powered by Skechers’ innovative footwear technologies, both collections are designed to deliver exceptional comfort and performance, whether for a leisurely walk or a long-distance run, letting every step feel effortless.
Adding to the celebration, the Skechers photo wall made a return this year, displaying the names of all participants across all three categories, a tribute to the collective spirit behind the Skechers Friendship Walk and Run, and a celebration of the community that made this ninth edition possible.
Stepping Together for a Greater Cause
Beyond celebrating fitness and friendship, the Skechers Friendship Walk and Run continues to champion meaningful social impact. This year, Skechers is proud to partner with MAKNA, the National Cancer Council of Malaysia, contributing RM10,000 to support underprivileged cancer patients and their families, with the hope that the event helps raise awareness of MAKNA’s work and encourages more people to support the cause.
In a meaningful moment on stage, Ms Mellissa Moo Yoong, Senior Finance Manager of Skechers Malaysia, presented a mock cheque of RM10,000 to Mr Ravi Varman A/L Arron, Asst. Head of Division (Project) of MAKNA, on behalf of the Skechers Malaysia management team, underscoring the brand’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.
“For many of the patients and families that MAKNA supports, the journey through cancer treatment is not only physically and emotionally demanding but also a significant financial burden,” said Mr Ravi Varman.
“This contribution from Skechers will help us extend our reach, whether through subsidising treatment costs, providing welfare aid, or simply ensuring that patients have one less thing to worry about as they focus on recovery. We are truly grateful for this partnership and for everyone who showed up today in support of this cause.”
Cool Down, Celebrate, and Keep the Energy Going
As participants made their way back to the Race Village, the stage became a focal point for community celebration. The Windrunners led dynamic stretching sessions to help the 21KM and 10KM runners recover, turning the cool-down into a guided moment of care.
The Zumba team then brought the energy right back with the Move & Groove session, with hundreds of participants dancing and moving together in unison. Families and friends gathered to cheer each other on, making the stage activities as much a highlight of the day as the race itself.
A Glorious Triumph That Inspired Everyone
The competitive categories drew strong fields of runners across both distances, with participants pushing their limits and delivering impressive performances from start to finish.
21KM Half Marathon Individual Run
In the men’s Open category, Mohamad Nur Radzman claimed the champion title with a finishing time of 01-15:45, while Muhammad Asyraf and Ahmad Sayuti took 1st and 2nd Runner Up respectively. In the women’s Open category, Chew Jia Qi crossed the finish line first with a time of 01:30:42, followed by Chan Anne Sze and Tea Su Hua in the runner-up positions. The Veteran categories saw equally strong performances, with Muhamad Haniff B.M.Z (Men’s) and Tiffany Lee Siok Chin (Women’s) emerging as champions in their respective fields.
10KM Competitive Individual Run
The 10KM drew fierce competition across both Open and Veteran categories. In the men’s Open category, Prabudass Krishnan took the top spot with a time of 0:32:58, followed by Muhammad Haikal and Isaac Tan Zhen Wei. In the women’s Open category, Nurul Juliana Shakira led the field with a finish time of 0:40-25, with Corinne Gunn Huey Min and Howe Shan Rou completing the podium. The Veteran categories were equally competitive, with Suresh Sanggeetha (Men’s) and Chua Mei Yin (Women’s) taking champion honours.
Champions across both the 21KM and 10KM categories, in all Open and Veteran Men’s and Women’s divisions, each took home RM1,000 cash and a RM1,000 Skechers cash voucher, a hamper from Greens, and exclusive goodies from Vichy Dercos, OSIM, and N8 Sports Nutrition. Additionally, 1st place winners received a one-year supply of meals from O’Brien’s Irish Sandwich Café. 1st Runner Up received RM800 cash and a RM1,000 Skechers cash voucher, while 2nd Runner Up walked away with RM600 cash and a RM1,000 Skechers cash voucher.
For the lucky draw placements, 4th to 5th place winners each received one pair of Skechers shoes and a Skechers Shoe Bag, while 6th to 10th place winners each took home a piece of Skechers apparel and a Skechers Shoe Bag.
The Highlight of the Day
The day’s celebrations culminated with the announcement of the grand lucky draw winner, Yap Meng Siong, who walked away with a year’s supply of Skechers footwear, bringing the ninth edition of the Skechers Friendship Walk and Run Malaysia to a memorable close.