SCORE’s annual marathon featured an all-new Foam Run, a vibrant twist to the classic fun run, and over RM27,600 in winners’ cash prizes

Having celebrated a decade of impact on the sporting landscape in Malaysia, SCORE now looks to expand its iconic flagship series of marathons internationally, as well as pioneer responsible and sustainable event management

SCORE Marathon 2023 by AIA Vitality 10 year celebration.

Putrajaya, 20 September 2023 — SCORE Marathon 2023 by AIA Vitality made its grand return for the 10th year at Putrajaya last Sunday, boasting a record of over 15,000 participants. Marking a major milestone, this iconic marathon saw seasoned veterans and beginners alike put their mettle to the test in over 20 categories spanning distances of 5KM to 42KM — with winners sweeping up a grand total of RM27,600 in cash prizes.

From left: Mr. James Tan, Strategic Director of SCORE, Mr. Elmie Aman Najas, CEO, AIA Public Takaful Bhd., Mr. Tan Hak Leh Regional Chief Executive, AIA Group, Mr. Heng Zee Wang, Chief Marketing Officer, AIA Bhd., Datuk Nicol David, AIA Malaysia Ambassador & Ms. Patricia Tan, CEO of SCORE during the 10KM flag off.

Patricia Tan, Chief Executive Officer of SCORE, shared: “This year’s marathon was particularly special to us because it marked a decade of inspiring runners to have fun while taking full charge of their health! Just as the theme is ‘Make Your Mark: Conquer’, we wanted to encourage more people to challenge their personal limits and empower them in being the best, most confident version of themselves. With these ten years under our belt, SCORE will continue to advocate for Malaysians to lead a more active lifestyle, while innovating new experiences to last a lifetime.”

This year, SCORE Marathon 2023 by AIA Vitality included an all-new foam run; a bubbly twist to the classic 5KM fun run. The run was not about physical endurance alone; it was also about embracing joy and creating cherished memories. As foam-filled laughter echoed through the air, uplifting, and encouraging atmosphere was created throughout the racecourse.

5KM runners enjoying the vibrant foam run.

“Reaching a decade of running excellence is an extraordinary milestone for SCORE and we are extremely proud to be part of this journey and being able to celebrate this achievement with another successful marathon event today. Witnessing the enthusiasm and determination of the participants, from seasoned to first-time runners, has been truly inspiring. The sense of camaraderie and accomplishment showcased during the marathon is a testament to AIA’s commitment of fostering a strong community that is united by a shared passion for health and wellness. We look forward to empowering more Malaysians to live with vitality and lead Healthier, Longer, Better Lives, all while embracing the joy of running,” added Heng Zee Wang, Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Malaysia.

Injecting an extra dose of motivation to the marathon, AIA Malaysia ambassador and eight-time world squash champion, Datuk Nicol David was present to flag off the 10KM run alongside AIA Malaysia Executive Committee members. Upholding her dedication to promoting youth development through sports, Nicol also took part in the 5KM run together with her team from the Nicol David Organisation which included more than 60 children, parents, and coaches. 

SCORE Marathon 2023 by AIA Vitality took a significant step into sustainability this year by providing finishers with a specially crafted eco-friendly medal. These medals were proudly made in Malaysia with a combination of metal and recycled plastic waste, which can also be repurposed into creative coasters.

With AIA Vitality as the event presenter, SCORE Marathon 2023 was endorsed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletic Association (FTKLAA). The event was supported by health and fitness fan favourites — Garmin Malaysia, N8 Sports Nutrition, LAC Malaysia, WIPRO Malaysia, Berocca, MediKrill™, Ice Power™, Himalaya Sports, African Sea Coconut, Jernih, and BÔLD Physiotherapy — with ANTA Sportswear on board as the official apparel partner and the Starling Mall as the official Race Entry Pack Collection (REPC) venue sponsor. Heyjom was the official registration partner for the marathon, facilitating smooth and efficient participant registration and management processes.

This year, the event once again proudly held the distinction of being a qualifying race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) Wanda Age Group for two years straight. SCORE Marathon 2023 by AIA Vitality offered participants an incredible opportunity to compete and earn their spot in the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group, a global marathon championship where runners across the world can compete for a world ranking.

Having made significant strides in improving the Malaysian sporting and active lifestyle scene over the past decade, SCORE now aims to bring this transformational impact more directly to the public, including local corporate offices and workplaces. Additionally, with a growing pool of SCORE ambassadors, SCORE look forward to fostering widespread participation and nurturing emerging talent. These ambassadors’ collective impact alongside SCORE’s vision resonates not only in the realm of sports but also in creating a holistic culture of well-being and vitality across Malaysia, thus shaping a healthier and more active future for all.

“Over the long term, we aim to take SCORE Marathon to the international stage — growing the brand’s global reach by expanding into more locations overseas, while opening access to a wider audience within the international running community. Furthermore, we took the first big step by implementing eco-friendly practices in this year’s event, but in the upcoming years, we aim to make a bigger mark in reducing waste and put into practice alternatives for a better tomorrow,” concluded Patricia.

For more information on SCORE’s exciting roster of upcoming events, please visit www.score.my.