The second half of the year is race season across Southeast Asia. If you're chasing a finish line — or shopping for someone who is — here are the big marathons still to come in 2026, and how to get your feet ready.
Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon — 3–4 October 2026
Malaysia's largest marathon, held over two days: shorter community runs (5K, 10K, kids' dash) on Saturday, and the half and full marathons on Sunday. Expect KL's classic warm, humid conditions — dress and train for the heat. (What to wear in KL's heat →)
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon — 5–6 December 2026
Southeast Asia's largest running event returns with a new two-day format that splits the marathon and half marathon for the first time, plus a 10K. Singapore in December is warm and humid, so moisture management is everything. This is the big one on the local calendar.
Penang Bridge International Marathon — 13 December 2026
One of the region's most iconic routes, run across the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge and starting and finishing at Batu Kawan. Full marathon, half, 10K and a fun run. A bucket-list race for many SEA runners.
How to prep your feet for any of them
Whichever race you're eyeing, the foot-and-sock basics are the same:
- Train in your race-day socks — never debut new kit on race day. (Race-day foot prep checklist →)
- Fast-drying, grippy, supportive socks for the humidity and the swelling that comes late in a marathon. (Best race-day socks →)
- Build the mileage, protect the skin — most DNFs are blisters and hot spots, not fitness. (Prevent blisters →)
Shopping for a runner chasing one of these?
Race season is also gift season. Someone training for KL, Singapore or Penang will genuinely use a fresh pair of race-day socks — a practical, presentable send-off gift. (Marathon gift guide →)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2026?
It's scheduled for 5–6 December 2026, with a new two-day format that separates the marathon and half marathon, plus a 10K. It's the largest running event in Southeast Asia.
When is the KL Standard Chartered Marathon 2026?
The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon runs on 3–4 October 2026 — community runs on the Saturday and the half and full marathons on the Sunday.
When is the Penang Bridge Marathon 2026?
The Penang Bridge International Marathon is on 13 December 2026, run across the second Penang bridge, starting and finishing at Batu Kawan, with full, half, 10K and fun-run categories.
How should I prepare my feet for a marathon?
Train in the exact socks and shoes you'll race in, choose fast-drying and supportive socks for the humidity, build mileage gradually, and protect against blisters — the most common reason runners struggle late in a race.
Get race-ready from the feet up. Shop VANTAGE socks → — grip, compression and fast-drying fabric, made in Korea, free delivery in Singapore.