CheckPointSpot Brings Specialised Race Timing Technology To One Of The World’s Most Demanding Vertical Races

Every great race starts with a single step. Behind the scenes, CheckPointSpot’s race timing technology ensures every participant’s journey is accurately tracked from the first step to the finish.

When thousands of athletes gather to take on 2,845 steps at Merdeka 118, most eyes will be on the climb. Every second counts as elite tower runners push themselves to the summit of the world’s second tallest building, while first-time participants test their own limits.

What many will never see is the technology working quietly behind the scenes to ensure every split time, every finish and every result is recorded with absolute accuracy.

As endurance sports continue to evolve, race technology has become just as important as the athletes themselves.

This year, CheckPointSpot has been appointed the Official Timing Partner for The IHH Sky Race Merdeka 118 2026, one of the world’s largest tower running events. While the appointment marks another milestone for the Malaysian sports technology company, it also reflects a broader shift taking place across the endurance sports industry.

Today’s organisers are no longer looking for someone to simply record finishing times. They need technology partners who can support race operations, provide reliable event data and help deliver a seamless experience from start to finish.

Tower running is one of the most technically demanding race environments in the world. Unlike road races that take place in open spaces, races inside skyscrapers present a completely different challenge. Thick concrete walls, steel structures and hundreds of metres of vertical elevation can interfere with conventional timing systems.

That is why specialised technology is essential.

For The IHH Sky Race Merdeka 118, CheckPointSpot will deploy its race timing technology alongside an experienced operations team to ensure accurate timing, real time race results and dependable race data throughout the competition.

According to Benjamin Yeow, Group CEO of CheckPointSpot, every endurance event requires a different technical approach, with tower running among the most demanding.

“Timing a tower race is very different from timing a road race. The environment requires careful planning, technical expertise and equipment that performs consistently inside a high-rise structure. We are honoured to support The IHH Sky Race Merdeka 118 and help deliver an experience that athletes and organisers can trust.”

For Benjamin, however, accurate timing is only part of the story.

Reliable race data is becoming increasingly valuable as organisers seek better ways to plan, manage and improve their events. From participant flow and operational efficiency to post-race analysis, data is helping organisers make smarter decisions and deliver better experiences year after year.

“As endurance events continue to grow, organisers are looking for technology partners that can provide more than accurate finish times. Reliable race data supports better event planning, smoother operations and valuable insights that contribute to the long-term development of the sport,” he said.

Fresh Events Asia Sdn Bhd Managing Director Jeff Ross believes selecting the right technology partner is fundamental to maintaining international standards.

“The IHH Sky Race Merdeka 118 welcomes top athletes from around the world, and every aspect of the event must meet the expectations of international competition. Tower running requires specialised expertise, and CheckPointSpot demonstrated the technical capability and operational experience needed to support an event of this calibre.”

The partnership also highlights how technology is reshaping endurance sports. Behind every successful event today is an ecosystem that combines race operations, participant management and trusted data to ensure the experience is as smooth behind the scenes as it is on the course.

For CheckPointSpot, the appointment is another step in its journey beyond race timing. The company continues to expand its expertise across road races, trail running and vertical endurance events, while strengthening its role as a sports technology company that helps organisers deliver world-class events through dependable digital solutions.

As endurance sports continue to gain momentum across Asia, the ability to combine technology, operational expertise and meaningful data will become increasingly important. The future of race management is no longer just about measuring performance. It is about using technology to create safer, smarter and better sporting experiences for everyone involved.