(Kuala Lumpur, 17th) Malaysia’s tower running star Soh Wai Ching believes that the country boasts several landmark skyscrapers that could serve as venues for tower running events, a sport that blends health, competition, and landmark experiences. He regards it as a potential project to boost sports tourism.
In an exclusive interview with Bernama, he said that landmark skyscrapers are attractive in themselves, and when combined with tower running, can draw local and international participants, thereby driving tourism and consumption in the surrounding areas.
He pointed out that previously the Kuala Lumpur Tower had already hosted tower running competitions, and the Merdeka 118 skyscraper will welcome its first "The Sky Race" on August 30th, while two other famous landmarks, the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) and the Petronas Twin Towers, have yet to hold similar events.
“The key lies in the appeal of the respective skyscraper. Merdeka 118 is the second tallest building in the world. Previously, my foreign friends kept asking when a race would be held there, and they were all eager to participate.”
The number of registrations for “The Sky Race” has already surpassed the original target of 5,000, with more than 5,500 slots taken.
Soh Wai Ching revealed that next year’s 4th Tower Running World Championships is very likely to be held at Merdeka 118. Although hosting the world championships requires bidding, the Malaysia Tower Running Association has received verbal approval, but the final decision depends on the outcome and effectiveness of “The Sky Race.”
As the ambassador and world champion of “The Sky Race,” Soh Wai Ching has set a goal to finish the race within 16 minutes, hoping to use his performance to strive for the championship. He pledged to give his all, vowing not to let foreigners win this competition.
“The next day is National Day. My main goal is to win and bring glory to the country. Furthermore, as it’s a home ground and the race is at Merdeka 118, winning the championship is an extremely important task for me; everything will depend on my performance on the day.”
Soh Wai Ching also said that the potential for nationwide promotion of tower running is equally huge: Almost every state has a landmark skyscraper that could host an event. For example, Komtar in Penang, Wisma Sanyan in Sibu, Sarawak, and Menara Kuantan 188 in Pahang; in the future, a national series could be created.
He envisions incorporating each landmark building into the event map, so that after completing a race in a certain state, participants would obtain that state’s map piece, and by collecting all of them, complete the map of Malaysia. He believes this is a very good way to promote Malaysia.
“After each participant completes a stair climb, they can take a photo with the building and share it on social media, allowing more people to learn about Malaysia’s famous skyscrapers and landmarks, and increasing awareness.”
In an exclusive interview with Bernama, he said that landmark skyscrapers are attractive in themselves, and when combined with tower running, can draw local and international participants, thereby driving tourism and consumption in the surrounding areas.
He pointed out that previously the Kuala Lumpur Tower had already hosted tower running competitions, and the Merdeka 118 skyscraper will welcome its first "The Sky Race" on August 30th, while two other famous landmarks, the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) and the Petronas Twin Towers, have yet to hold similar events.
“The key lies in the appeal of the respective skyscraper. Merdeka 118 is the second tallest building in the world. Previously, my foreign friends kept asking when a race would be held there, and they were all eager to participate.”
The number of registrations for “The Sky Race” has already surpassed the original target of 5,000, with more than 5,500 slots taken.
Soh Wai Ching revealed that next year’s 4th Tower Running World Championships is very likely to be held at Merdeka 118. Although hosting the world championships requires bidding, the Malaysia Tower Running Association has received verbal approval, but the final decision depends on the outcome and effectiveness of “The Sky Race.”
As the ambassador and world champion of “The Sky Race,” Soh Wai Ching has set a goal to finish the race within 16 minutes, hoping to use his performance to strive for the championship. He pledged to give his all, vowing not to let foreigners win this competition.
“The next day is National Day. My main goal is to win and bring glory to the country. Furthermore, as it’s a home ground and the race is at Merdeka 118, winning the championship is an extremely important task for me; everything will depend on my performance on the day.”
Soh Wai Ching also said that the potential for nationwide promotion of tower running is equally huge: Almost every state has a landmark skyscraper that could host an event. For example, Komtar in Penang, Wisma Sanyan in Sibu, Sarawak, and Menara Kuantan 188 in Pahang; in the future, a national series could be created.
He envisions incorporating each landmark building into the event map, so that after completing a race in a certain state, participants would obtain that state’s map piece, and by collecting all of them, complete the map of Malaysia. He believes this is a very good way to promote Malaysia.
“After each participant completes a stair climb, they can take a photo with the building and share it on social media, allowing more people to learn about Malaysia’s famous skyscrapers and landmarks, and increasing awareness.”