Malaysia has seen an increasing number of interesting and noteworthy running events, this is quite understandable mainly due to it's abundance of natural greenery and trails which make it a good environment for staging running events, whether it's marathon, trail run or fun run. As a tourist, I love the excitement of exploring the different running trails in Malaysia.

But today, we are focusing on the most exciting marathons in Malaysia. Some, like the Watergate 16 Hours Ultra-Marathon, has already taken place and was a tremendous success. Others are still open for registration as a participant and will test your mental and physical stamina for prizes, money or glory locally in Malaysia.

Malaysia Women Marathon 2016

Photo credit: MWM

When: 6 March, 2016, Saturday
Location: Dataran Kemerdekaan, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Type: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K

The 4th annual Malaysia Women’s Marathon (MWM) is being held along a new route this year. It also includes a 10k and a 5k fun run for women or girls who choose not to run the full or half marathon distances. In the months prior to the event women can train together at joint clinics that will be held by several running coaches.

This year’s featured speaker will be Stephanie Case, a runner who has used running and outdoor adventures as a means of woman’s empowerment throughout the world.

First, second, and third place finishers and Malaysian runners will receive a cash prize and a trophy and top ten finishers will receive a special product voucher to select a prize.

Borneo International Marathon 2016

Photo credit: Borneo International Marathon

When: 1 May, 2016, Sunday
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Type: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K for adults and 10K for schoolchildren

The first marathon in Sabah was run in 1984. It was not re-run until 2008, the year of the first Borneo International Marathon.

The Borneo International Marathon has three levels: a full marathon, a half marathon and a 10K run so runners can choose at which level they wish to compete. If you run the full marathon or other races you will receive a finisher’s medal, running t-shirt, certificate and a goodie bag.

Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2016

Photo credit: SCMKL

When: 7 August 2016, Sunday
Location: Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Type: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 3K Kids Dash and 1K Kids Dash

Cancelled due to haze last year, there are different programmes individual runners can choose to participate in this year Standard Chartered KL Marathon. There are full, half, 10k and 5K runs for adults, or you can choose to "Run for a Reason" at those same distances but to raise money for your desired charity. Children are encouraged to participate in one of the two non-competitive Kids Dash races of 1 or 3 kilometers.

There are also group programmes. Malaysian corporations can run in the 10K and raise money for charity. Ministries and Universities can also participate in separate 10K races and will be ranked based on their top three finishers.

There are several categories in the different races where you can compete for prize money. The top three runners in each will also win a gold, silver or bronze medal respectively.

Kuching Marathon 2016

Photo credit: Kuching Marathon

When: 14 August 2016, Sunday
Location: Kuching. Sarawak, Malaysia
Type: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K

If you are one of the first 1500 registrants you will get a personalized vest with your name on the back at the Kuching Marathon 2016. There are going to be four levels of competition for the event, (Half, Full, 10K and 5K) and more details on the race itself will be released soon. Last year's run was a very multicultural road race through the streets of Kuching featuring 5,000 total runners from all over the world.

ASICS Penang Bridge International Marathon 2016

Photo credit: ASICS Penang Bridge International Marathon

When: 27 November 2016, Sunday
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Type: Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K Run

The Penang Bridge International Marathon is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events on the island of Penang each year and has been held annually since 1985. It is backed by the Penang State Tourism Department, and last year it featured 28,000 runners in three events.

It is unique among the world's marathons because it is held on the Old Penang Bridge, the third longest bridge in the world. As a result it attracts both professional and amateur runners who come for the experience. This year's time has not been set, but it usually starts pre-dawn so the participants can see the sunrise over the water.

Details on the exact prizes and competitions are still being finalized, but last year there were cash prizes for the top finishers in each category and all runners who finished within the time limit received a finisher's t-shirt.

Marathons in Malaysia

So, after reading through these marathons do you feel ready to pound the pavement and compete against some of South Asia's best runners? Never forget, even exhausted, you will always feel better competing in the race than sitting on the sidelines, wishing that you had. Have we missed any of your favourite Malaysian marathons? Let us know in the comments below.

How many marathons do you take part in a year? Do you think running a full marathon every month is hazardous to your health?