KL Wellness City partners with Challenge Malaysia 2026, targeting 800 participants for October triathlon event
KL Wellness City (KLWC) has officially partnered with Challenge Malaysia for the 2026 edition of the international triathlon race, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for endurance sports and wellness tourism.
The partnership was announced on January 26, 2026, at the KL Wellness City Gallery, with Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, officiating as Guest of Honour.
KLWC Team to Compete Internationally
Demonstrating hands-on commitment to the partnership, a team from KL Wellness City led by Datuk Seri Dr. Vincent Tiew will participate in Challenge Malaysia on October 18, 2026. Additionally, Tiew and five athlete team members will represent KLWC at Challenge Taiwan on April 25, 2026, in Taitung.
At Challenge Taiwan, three athletes will tackle the long-distance race (3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run), while three others will compete in the middle-distance category (1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21.1km half marathon).
“Our partnership with Challenge Malaysia reflects KL Wellness City’s commitment to promoting active lifestyles and holistic wellness beyond healthcare facilities,” said Tiew, Executive Director of KL Wellness City.
“By supporting endurance sports and participating in the race ourselves, we aim to inspire communities to embrace healthier, more active living while positioning Malaysia as a destination for wellness and sports tourism.”
Challenge Malaysia 2026: Targeting Growth
Challenge Malaysia, established in 2023, has quickly become a premier endurance event in Southeast Asia. The 2025 edition attracted over 550 participants from local and international markets. For 2026, organisers are targeting 800 participants, signaling significant growth for the event.
Yeang Lim Hooi Yen, representing Challenge Malaysia, emphasized the partnership’s significance: “Challenge Malaysia continues to gain strong traction as a premier endurance race in Southeast Asia, and our partnership with KL Wellness City marks an important step in strengthening the connection between sport, wellness, and sustainable sports tourism.”
Race Details and Categories
Challenge Malaysia takes place in Forest City, less than 45 minutes from Johor Bahru city centre. The event offers multiple race categories for participants of all ages and abilities:
- Middle Distance: 1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21km run (9 age groups)
- Sprint Distance: 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run (3 age groups)
- Olympic Distance: 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run (9 age groups)
- Kids Triathlon: Swim 100m/200m, bike 4km/8km, run 1km/2km (ages 7-15)
The middle-distance race features a 1.9km swim off the main beach, a 90km bike course through cityscapes, ocean views, and mangrove jungles, and a 21km half marathon through Forest City’s futuristic streets, culminating at a vibrant tropical beachfront race hub.
Strategic Partnership Support
The launch event featured strong support from KL Wellness City’s strategic partners, including Kinohimitsu Malaysia, Vivo Malaysia, Vanilla Crepe, O’Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe, Nisa Bakti Gourmet, COWA, Famous Amos Malaysia, Sweat Spa, SQL by EIST, Anemos, Warrior Plunge, Danai Wellness Spa, Avomilk, and Daily Bekal.
About Challenge Family
Challenge Family, founded 23 years ago by Herbert Walchshofer, hosts 31 races worldwide, focusing on delivering “the race of a lifetime” to athletes of all ages and abilities. The organisation has pioneered a new era of long-distance triathlon, creating unforgettable experiences for competitors and supporters.
Registration Information
Interested participants can register by emailing info@challenge-malaysia.com or visiting www.challenge-malaysia.com for complete registration details.
For more information about KL Wellness City, visit http://klwellnesscity.com/
