Wai Ching smashes stair-climb world record
The famed tower runner set a new world mark (1.78km) for the farthest simulated distance climb on a stair machine in one hour. It surpassed the previous record of 1.74km set by Britain's David Mahoney in May.
Amid a display of great endurance and mental strength, Wai Ching completed the feat without holding the machine's handrails.
"I don't hold the rails. That's my principle. Even though it's allowed, holding the handrails feels like cheating," he said.
Wai Ching was also awarded with four Malaysia Book of Records awards for his achievements today.
He clocked the fastest time in climbing the equivalent height of the Petronas Twin Towers (451.9m) in 14 minutes and 46 seconds, then "ran across" virtual landmarks including Merdeka 118 (680.5m) in 22 minutes and 18 seconds, and completed a vertical kilometre climb in 33 minutes and 11 seconds.
For Wai Ching, the challenge was deeply personal. "After becoming a world champion, I lost my goal. I lost the fire to pursue greatness," he admitted.
"I even asked myself — maybe I should retire. But this world record attempt was about challenging human limits. I wanted to see how far I could go."
That challenge was tested when a severe cramp struck with eight minutes remaining. "I really shouted many times, I felt like quitting. But I just had to hang on, believe I could do it, and push," he said.
Wai Ching's other challenges for the year are the Kuantan 188 Towerton at Menara Kuantan next Saturday and the Merdeka 118 Sky Race, the Asia Oceania Championship in August.
"My main goal is to defend our home turf — not let anyone else win because it's in Malaysia," he said.
Fellow tower runner Valerie Sarah Ong also entered the Malaysia Book of Records today.
Valerie set a new national women's record for the Longest Vertical Climb (1.33km) on a stair climb machine in one hour.
"The most difficult part was the mental challenge," said Valerie. "Even though my body could still move, my mind kept asking me to stop. It took a lot of mental grit and self-talk to keep going."
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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Wai Ching smashes stair-climb world record
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's Soh Wai Ching smashed a Guinness World Record in a gruelling one-hour stair climb machine challenge at a shopping mall here today. The famed tower runner set a new world mark (1.78km) for the farthest simulated distance climb on a stair machine in one hour. It surpassed the previous record of 1.74km set by Britain's David Mahoney in May. Amid a display of great endurance and mental strength, Wai Ching completed the feat without holding the machine's handrails. "I don't hold the rails. That's my principle. Even though it's allowed, holding the handrails feels like cheating," he said. Wai Ching was also awarded with four Malaysia Book of Records awards for his achievements today. He clocked the fastest time in climbing the equivalent height of the Petronas Twin Towers (451.9m) in 14 minutes and 46 seconds, then "ran across" virtual landmarks including Merdeka 118 (680.5m) in 22 minutes and 18 seconds, and completed a vertical kilometre climb in 33 minutes and 11 seconds. For Wai Ching, the challenge was deeply personal. "After becoming a world champion, I lost my goal. I lost the fire to pursue greatness," he admitted. "I even asked myself — maybe I should retire. But this world record attempt was about challenging human limits. I wanted to see how far I could go." That challenge was tested when a severe cramp struck with eight minutes remaining. "I really shouted many times, I felt like quitting. But I just had to hang on, believe I could do it, and push," he said. Wai Ching's other challenges for the year are the Kuantan 188 Towerton at Menara Kuantan next Saturday and the Merdeka 118 Sky Race, the Asia Oceania Championship in August. "My main goal is to defend our home turf — not let anyone else win because it's in Malaysia," he said. Fellow tower runner Valerie Sarah Ong also entered the Malaysia Book of Records today. Valerie set a new national women's record for the Longest Vertical Climb (1.33km) on a stair climb machine in one hour. "The most difficult part was the mental challenge," said Valerie. "Even though my body could still move, my mind kept asking me to stop. It took a lot of mental grit and self-talk to keep going."
Malaysian Reserve
15-07-2025
- Malaysian Reserve
The Westin Singapore Presents "Mind Over Miles" Fireside Chat to Celebrate Third Year with Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
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(NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,100 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 142 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at and for the latest company news, visit In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram. Media Contact: Margareth Sugiarto Assistant Director, Marketing Communications The Westin Singapore 65.6922.6864 Teo Shi Min Marketing Communications Manager The Westin Singapore 65.6922.6861
The Sun
11-07-2025
- The Sun
Sun Media Corp receives token of appreciation for highlighting record-breaking achievements
PETALING JAYA: Sun Media Corp received a token of appreciation by Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for consistently championing the stories of Malaysia's best and brightest record breakers over the past three decades. The token was received by Sun Media Corp director Datuk Seri Azman Ujang during a special presentation made to major media organisations who have supported and promoted the nation's achievers. Azman said Sun Media Corp is proud to receive the token as it recognises the media's contribution in highlighting MBR's prestigious record breakers. 'It is a testament to how much media highlights the great feats and achievements of ordinary Malaysians as they break records that were never achieved before,' he said after MBR's 30th Anniversary gala dinner here on Friday (July 11). Azman added that the media should continue to showcase the achievements of MBR and celebrate Malaysians who have achieved incredible feats in the country. MBR has served as the official record keeper of all things extraordinary Malaysia since its inception in 1995. They are the only organisation that gives recognition to record setters and record breakers in Malaysia, recognising extraordinary feats and achievements by Malaysians and brands in Malaysia. The event paid tribute to the exceptional Malaysians who have redefined what is possible and inspired the nation through their record-breaking achievements. Among the notable attendees were Tower-running champion Soh Wai Ching, Olympian Goh Liu Ying, young racing prodigy Sophia Zara Mustaffa Kamal, and Malaysia's shortest man, Mohd Sukur Ibrahim, whose personal stories captured the hearts of many.
