Xtep 2026 10KM Time Trial draws overwhelming response in Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR — Professional sportswear brand Xtep successfully staged its 2026 10KM Time Trial in Kuala Lumpur on May 9, marking the brand’s second consecutive professional 10KM running event in Malaysia.

The event attracted 1,500 selected participants from Malaysia and regions including Southeast Asia, East Asia, West Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, creating what organisers described as a highly competitive and professional race atmosphere.

According to Xtep, nearly 10,000 applications were received within a month after registration opened on Feb 14, exceeding the 1,500 available slots by more than six times.

The company said the strong response reflected growing demand among local runners for professionally organised 10KM racing events in Malaysia.

Participants also reportedly praised the event’s standardised race operations and professional race services, noting a lack of similar high-quality 10KM competitions in the country.

Following the response from runners and local running clubs, Xtep said it is considering organising another large-scale 10KM event in the second half of 2026
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The proposed event is expected to involve wider participation from across Southeast Asia, introduce a veteran category, engage more running clubs and implement a running club points ranking system.

In the competition, Kenya’s NGARE JOSEPH MWANGI emerged overall men’s champion with a time of 31 minutes and 28 seconds, while Malaysia’s YEOW NI JIA was the top Malaysian male finisher in 34 minutes and 37 seconds.

CHAN ANNE SZE recorded 44 minutes and 15 seconds to become the Malaysian women’s champion, while Kenya’s NGETICH EMILY won the international women’s category in 38 minutes and 17 seconds.

Following the race, Xtep organised a running footwear workshop at its Mid Valley Megamall outlet, where company representatives introduced several new products, including the 2000KM 5.0 series and 360X 3.0 training shoes.

Xtep said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen its running ecosystem in Southeast Asia through professional races, product innovation and community engagement.