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Thousands Hit the Highway for Malaysia's Duo Highway Challenge
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Malaysia /Energy & Infrastructure

Thousands Hit the Highway for Malaysia's Duo Highway Challenge

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Over 15,000 local and international runners from 22 countries participated in the eighth IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge 2026.
  • The event offered a unique experience by closing two major Klang Valley highways, the Pantai Baru Expressway (NPE) and Sungai Besi Expressway (BESRAYA), to traffic.
  • The challenge aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and community engagement by utilizing highway infrastructure for sports and recreation.

More than 15,000 runners from 22 countries converged in Malaysia for the eighth IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge 2026, an event that transformed two major Klang Valley expressways into a vibrant racecourse. Participants experienced the rare opportunity to run on the Pantai Baru Expressway (NPE) and the Sungai Besi Expressway (BESRAYA), which were completely closed to traffic for the event.

This unique running challenge, jointly organized by IJM Corporation Berhad and Allianz Malaysia Berhad, received support from the Deputy Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Maslan. He lauded the initiative as a creative way to leverage infrastructure for recreational and sporting activities, encouraging public participation in healthy lifestyles.

The initiative taken by IJM and Allianz Malaysia is worthy of emulation because it activates the use of two major expressways in the Klang Valley that are temporarily closed to the public.

โ€” Deputy Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Maslanpraising the event's creative use of highway infrastructure

"The initiative taken by IJM and Allianz Malaysia is worthy of emulation because it activates the use of two major expressways in the Klang Valley that are temporarily closed to the public," he stated. The event underscores the potential of underutilized infrastructure for community well-being.

The event proves that highways not only function as transportation routes but can also be utilized as spaces that encourage active lifestyles and strengthen community relations.

โ€” Datuk Lee Chun Fai, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of IJM Corporation Berhaddescribing the broader impact of the highway challenge

Datuk Lee Chun Fai, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of IJM Corporation Berhad, highlighted the event's growth over eight editions into a platform that unites the community through a shared passion for running. He emphasized that highways can serve not only as transportation routes but also as spaces that foster active living and strengthen community bonds. Looking ahead, IJM remains committed to enhancing the event's standards through innovation and operational excellence.

Sean Wang, CEO of Allianz Malaysia Berhad, echoed this sentiment, noting the partnership's commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and community building. Both organizers expressed hopes for the event's continued growth and its role as an engaging community sports platform as it approaches its 10th edition.

Towards the 10th edition, we remain committed to raising the standards of organization through innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence to ensure the best experience for all parties.

โ€” Datuk Lee Chun Fai, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of IJM Corporation Berhadoutlining future plans for the event
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.