National automaker Proton sponsored the 5KM category and provided the official lead car for the Malaysia Marathon 2026 on the eve of Hari Merdeka.

Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi officially flagged off the 5KM category. The event drew over 25,000 runners from 69 countries across four distance categories.

An All-New Proton Saga served as the lead vehicle for 10,000 participants in the 5KM category. A contingent of 100 Proton management members and employees also participated in the marathon.

Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa stated the partnership aimed to support an event bringing together local and international runners.

During the event, participant Muhammad Eusoff Bin Abdul Salim won an All-New Proton Saga through an electronic random-selection lucky draw.