Alliance Bank Heritage Run Returns!

Penang, 22 April 2026 - Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (“Alliance Bank” or the “Bank”) is gearing up for the return of its annual Heritage Run 2026 (“Heritage Run” or the “Run”), a special commemorative edition held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Scheduled for 12 July 2026, the fourth edition of the Run will return with a refreshed format and exclusive limited edition merchandise, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to community and sustainability.

Following the success of the 2025 edition, which saw a turnout of 5,500 participants, the 2026 Run is poised to attract an even broader domestic and international participation.

This year’s edition encourages returning and new runners to ‘level up’ their personal fitness goals. The Run offers three categories (3 km, 10 km and 21 km), catering to seasoned and beginner level skills, with up to a total of RM20,000 in cash prizes to be won.

For the first time, the 3 km fun run designed for families will feature a “Best Dressed Family” challenge where participants will compete in their finest traditional wear. Meanwhile, the newly introduced competitive 10 km race category aims to motivate runners who had previously participated in the 7 km category to elevate their personal best running records, while the 21 km half marathon category is designed to attract avid runners and marathoners.

The Run – taking place once again at the historic Padang Kota Lama – has evolved beyond a heritage-inspired community sports event into a vibrant cultural tourism showcase, highlighting Penang’s distinctive landmarks and multicultural identity.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad, Kellee Kam, said, “The Heritage Run has become a deeply meaningful tradition, reflecting our commitment to creating purposeful occasions that connect people as one, by fostering deeper ties and reinforcing values of unity, health and sustainability. We are proud to provide a platform that celebrates our shared history and strengthens the local communities we serve as ‘The Bank for Life’.”

Echoing the Bank’s sustainability values, the Run’s finisher medals are made from sustainably sourced bamboo. Other event memorabilia are batik-inspired lanyards and exclusive canvas bags reflecting Penang’s cultural identity. Additionally, the collectible race T-shirt designs are unique to each category and inspired by Penang’s rich cultural elements including the kebaya, prawn mee and manik shoes. All items will be packed in reusable canvas bags, reinforcing waste reduction and giving materials a second life.

Additionally, the yearly #SupportLokal bazaar will be reimagined as a heritage-focused marketplace, featuring a range of local food, artisanal products, and arts and crafts. Through this initiative, the Bank continues to provide a vital community-centric platform for small business and entrepreneurs to showcase their merchandise.

Beyond the race itself, the event will deliver a multi-sensory cultural experience. Along selected routes, 3 km route participants will be treated to lively cultural performances representing Malaysia’s diverse culture.

Interactive cultural preservation remains a core focus of the event through activities such as the large art collective painting, where attendees can participate.

The Heritage Run is one of Alliance Bank’s flagship initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement. The Run also underscored the Bank's efforts in supporting George Town's cultural heritage, which is in line with United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals number 11.4.

Ticket prices start at RM39 (launch sale) and registration opens from 24 April to 30 June 2026 or until all tickets are sold out. For more information on the Run and to register, please visit https://www.alliancebank.com.my/Alliance-Heritage-Run.

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