What do Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, nasi lemak and 42 pacers have in common?

They’re all making their way into this year’s Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM).

With KLSCM 2026 approaching, ASICS Malaysia has unveiled its official 42-member KLSCM Pacer Squad, together with a new KLSCM collection that puts a distinctly Malaysian spin on running gear.

The collection was launched on 5 September at TRX City Park, with the highlight being an exclusive ASICS NOVABLAST™ 6 colourway designed around the theme “Unity in Motion”.

And yes, it comes with plenty of Malaysian flair.

A NOVABLAST 6 with a Malaysian twist

At first glance, the new NOVABLAST 6 looks fairly clean, with its off-white upper and white sole.

Look a little closer, though, and the Malaysian influence becomes much more obvious.

Designed by local creative Wilson Ng, the “Unity in Motion” colourway uses the colours of the Malaysian flag throughout the shoe — red, blue, yellow and white.

The idea is that the neutral base represents the common ground shared by runners, regardless of their background, pace or experience, while the brighter accents bring in that unmistakable Malaysian identity.

There’s even an abstract “KL” design on the sock liner, inspired by the national colours.

It’s a nice balance between making the shoe feel like a special KLSCM edition without turning it into something you’d only want to wear on race day.

The NOVABLAST 6 itself is built around a lightweight construction and responsive cushioning, with the energetic, bouncy ride the model is known for.

And this year, it will be the shoe of choice for some of the runners who have one of the most important jobs on race day: keeping everyone else on pace.

Meet the 42 runners helping KLSCM runners chase their goals

ASICS has also introduced the 42 official KLSCM pacers, covering the 10KM, 21KM Half Marathon and 42KM Full Marathon.

For anyone who has ever used a pacer during a marathon, you’ll know they’re about much more than carrying a pace flag.

When the kilometres start piling up and your legs aren’t quite as enthusiastic as they were at the start, having someone ahead of you maintaining a consistent pace can be a huge psychological boost.

The KLSCM pacers have gone through an assessment process before being selected, and their job on race day will be to help runners stay on track towards their target finish times — whether that means chasing a personal best or simply trying to make it to the finish.

As KLSCM Director of Dirigo Events Rainer Biemans explained, the organisers wanted pacers who could empower, encourage and guide runners throughout the race.

That community aspect is becoming an increasingly important part of running culture in Malaysia, where more people are taking up running not just as a sport, but as part of their lifestyle.

Kuala Lumpur meets Malaysian food

The Malaysian influence continues into the ASICS x KLSCM 2026 Apparel Collection, which comes in two very different design stories.

The RUNKL City Edition, themed “Where the City Meets the Stride”, takes inspiration from Kuala Lumpur itself.

The city’s skyscrapers are transformed into visual pace markers, while its streets become the backdrop for the marathon experience.

Then there’s the one that is perhaps even more unmistakably Malaysian: the RUNKL Local Food Edition.

Instead of skyscrapers, this collection celebrates some of the country’s favourite foods, incorporating artistic motifs inspired by satay, kopi and nasi lemak into the running gear.

Because apparently even your running shirt can now make you hungry.

Trying out the SONICBLAST 2

The launch wasn’t just about looking at the new collection either.

Following the unveiling, attendees took part in a Rise and Shine trial run around TRX City Park, getting an early opportunity to try the ASICS SONICBLAST™ 2.

The SONICBLAST 2 is designed for runners looking for a more propulsive, energetic ride, making it another option for the KLSCM pacers alongside the NOVABLAST 6.

The new shoe will officially be available in Malaysia from 18 September, priced at RM829.

Running together

Ultimately, what stood out about the KLSCM collection is that it goes beyond simply putting a marathon logo on a shoe or shirt.

The pacers represent the people who help runners get through race day. The NOVABLAST 6 brings together Malaysian colours and local design. And the apparel takes inspiration from the city and food that are such a big part of the KLSCM experience.

It all comes back to the same idea behind this year’s collection: Unity in Motion.

Because while every runner may have a different goal — a PB, a Boston qualifying time, a first marathon or simply a memorable day out — come race day, everyone is heading in the same direction.

The ASICS x KLSCM 2026 Collection is available from 5 September at ASICS retail stores nationwide, with two exclusive cotton tees available only at the KLSCM Expo.

For runners heading to Kuala Lumpur this year, that gives them another way to carry a little bit of Malaysia with them — one stride at a time.

Credits for all images: Dirigo Events