Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Fresh Events Asia has appointed GO Communications to lead communications and strategic storytelling for ‘The Sky Race’ at Merdeka 118, set to be one of Malaysia’s most iconic sporting events in 2025.
Scheduled for 30 August 2025, in celebration of Malaysia’s Merdeka Day, the first-of-its-kind tower running event will see thousands of participants race up all 118 floors—2,845 steps in total—of the world’s second-tallest building. Designed as a time-trial challenge, the event aims to push the boundaries of stamina, endurance, and mental resilience.
More than just a race, The Sky Race promises a highly immersive experience. From community activations around the historic Merdeka Stadium to a finish-line celebration at the top of the towering skyscraper, organisers say participants can expect “an encounter like no other” in a festive and electrifying atmosphere.
Lending credibility and star power to the event is Malaysia’s own world champion tower runner, Soh Wai Ching, who will serve as the official event ambassador. With victories at international races such as the Empire State Building Run-Up and KL Tower International Towerthon, Wai Ching brings national pride and sporting excellence to the forefront.
Towering at 680 metres, Merdeka 118 is a landmark of modern architecture and a symbol of national identity. Recently spotlighted in the opening scene of Marvel’s Thunderbolts, the building’s cultural significance adds another layer of prestige to the race. Located next to Stadium Merdeka—where Malaysia’s independence was declared in 1957—the site was chosen for its resonance with themes of unity, heritage, and perseverance.
“The Sky Race™ at Merdeka 118 will be an iconic experience that celebrates Malaysia’s spirit of independence and unity. Just like the skyscraper itself, this event will push limits and challenge boundaries, in true celebration of ‘Merdeka’, in every sense of the word,” said Jeffrey Ross, general manager of Fresh Events Asia and race director of The Sky Race.
“We’re also excited to have GO Communications once again with us on this journey. Their ability to distil complex ideas into compelling stories is unmatched. We’ve worked with them on many large-scale events over the years, and their passion and precision never fail to impress,” Ross added.
Fresh Events Asia is known for producing high-energy, mass-participation fitness events, including The Music Run, REDLINE Fitness Games, and POWERMAN Malaysia. The Sky Race is expected to be its most ambitious project to date.
GO Communications will handle all aspects of public relations and storytelling around the event.
“To be part of a project like The Sky Race is nothing short of extraordinary. There are moments in a nation’s cultural or sporting journey that becomes so iconic that it’s etched into the hearts and minds as a symbol of pride. This is one of them. The fact that it’s happening at Merdeka 118 makes it all the more powerful. And we’re so glad to work with Jeff and his team at Fresh Events once again to tell this story to the masses,” said Peter de Kretser, CEO of GO Communications.
“For me, this event is especially meaningful. Being born on Merdeka Day, this event resonates with me at a very personal level as well. But ultimately, it is a celebration of national pride, a thrilling global sporting spectacle, and a chance to tell an epic Malaysian story,” he added.
Open to participants aged 13 and above, The Sky Race is expected to draw more than 4,000 runners. Organisers aim to make it an annual fixture in Malaysia’s sporting calendar, celebrating athleticism and national pride.
