Duo Highway Challenge

Location: Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
Country: Malaysia
Website: https://www.ijmhighwayrun.com/
2025 Marathon Date: 03/08/2025
2026 Marathon Date: TBC
Winning Time 2025: 02:47:46
% Sub-3s: 0.5–1%
# Sub-3s: 10–49
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Duo Highway Challenge is a distinctive race in Malaysia, taking its name from its unique course design that incorporates stretches of two major highways. This gives the event a character unlike most city marathons, with wide open roads, sweeping flyovers and long straight sections that encourage rhythm running. The setting offers a break from the usual urban marathon scenery, appealing to runners who want something different from a traditional downtown race.

Being staged in Southeast Asia, the Duo Highway Challenge faces environmental factors that influence performance. Heat and humidity can be significant, particularly as the race takes place in August, and these conditions shape the way runners approach the marathon. Many experienced participants adjust expectations and focus on strategy, hydration and resilience rather than chasing outright speed. As a result, finishing strongly is seen as a mark of discipline and smart pacing.

Organisation is a notable strength. Road closures are extensive, with the course dedicated to runners, creating a rare opportunity to race on major highways free from traffic. Aid stations are well spaced and stocked to help athletes manage the challenging climate. The race atmosphere is less about dense crowds and more about the camaraderie of participants, with a supportive running community presence.

For sub-3 hopefuls, the Duo Highway Challenge is not the most conventional choice. The conditions mean that achieving fast times is difficult, and relatively few manage to break the three-hour barrier here. However, for runners looking to test themselves in tough conditions or to combine travel with competition, the event offers a memorable experience. Success requires preparation and adaptation, but those who meet the challenge often describe it as a rewarding test of both physical and mental strength.

The Duo Highway Challenge stands out as a marathon that blends logistical efficiency with a unique setting. While not a classic time-trial course, it provides a meaningful goal for runners seeking something different in the Southeast Asian racing calendar.