SHAH ALAM, Sept 7 — A total of 1,200 individuals, including Japanese residents in Malaysia, participated in the Alumni of Look East Policy Society (Aleps) Ekiden Half Marathon 2025 (AEHM’25) at Dataran Kemerdekaan here today.
The second edition of the Japanese-style relay maintained the format of four runners per team completing a 21km distance using the special Tasuki sashes, which must be handed over at designated exchange zones until the finish line.
This year, a new 5km Fun Run category was introduced, alongside six main categories based on gender and age group, providing a more inclusive opportunity for public participation.
“Aleps is confident that AEHM’25 can promote a healthy lifestyle, strengthen community ties, and reinforce Malaysia–Japan friendship in line with the spirit of the Look East Policy,” the organisation said in a statement.
The race was flagged off by Aleps president Isrami Ismail, while the prize-giving ceremony was officiated by Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.
Also present were Batu Pahat MP and AEHM’25 patron Onn Abu Bakar, and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Japanese Embassy in Malaysia, Nihei Daisuke.
In addition to the marathon, the event featured the Sakura-Hibiscus Festival, showcasing cultural performances, Malaysian–Japanese cuisine, and healthy lifestyle exhibitions.
Media Selangor, one of the event's main sponsors, is the official media partner.
