BRJIM 2025 under fire as runners detail traffic hazards and insufficient marshal presence
Participants took to social media to express frustration over what many described as a poorly managed event.
NUR ADNIN MAHALIM
SHAH ALAM – The Bank Rakyat Johor International Marathon 2025 (BRJIM 2025), held at Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru on Sunday, has drawn strong criticism from participants after a series of safety and organisational lapses were reported throughout the event.
The marathon, which took place on Nov 8 and 9, attracted more than 20,000 runners from Malaysia and abroad, yet faced widespread complaints about poor traffic control, inadequate medical assistance and shortages of race entitlements such as medals and T-shirts.
Participants took to social media to express frustration over what many described as a poorly managed event.
“Absolutely embarrassing. You got big sponsors, but failed to give runners the best experience. Have you never handled a running event before? It was a terrible experience,” one post, widely shared on Facebook stated.
Safety and Traffic Chaos
The public dissatisfaction reflects numerous reports by runners of vehicles still present along the race course, claiming that several intersections were not properly closed.
Many said marshals were either absent or insufficient, forcing runners to avoid moving traffic.
“Even the pacers were arranged at the very last minute. Safety was completely neglected and there was even an accident on the Sungai Danga bridge, no crew to control traffic, cones were confusing,” one user wrote on Facebook.
Medical Lapses and Missing Entitlements
Other participants highlighted the absence of medical support at several checkpoints. Some claimed that runners who collapsed or cramped along the route received delayed assistance due to a lack of visible medical teams or ambulances.
“No medical team at the water station and only two people managing it. Runners had to grab water bottles themselves because it took so long to refill cups,” a participant said.
In addition, several runners complained about not receiving their finisher medals or the correct T-shirt sizes at the end of the race.
One participant wrote that they had registered for a medium-sized finisher shirt but were given an extra-large instead.
Organiser’s Response and Next Steps
Following the online backlash, the organiser, Core Agility Sdn Bhd, issued a public apology on Instagram, stating: “We once again extend our heartfelt apologies to all participants, sponsors, Bank Rakyat, MNJ, strategic partners, the YB EXCO and the Johor State Government.
“We value every piece of feedback and criticism received and pledge to make immediate improvements to ensure that all future Core Agility events meet the highest standards of international sports event management,” the statement read.
Core Agility Sdn Bhd also confirmed that all participants’ complaints and claims will be carefully reviewed, and their team has been instructed to contact affected participants directly to ensure a fair and transparent resolution process.
Runners have been advised to contact the organiser directly for clarification, replacement of missing items, or to file formal complaints. Participants who required medical treatment during the marathon have also been urged to retain receipts for potential reimbursement.
The Bank Rakyat Johor International Marathon 2025 was part of Johor’s wider plan to promote international sporting events and active lifestyles.
Despite the large turnout, the execution of this year’s marathon has triggered debate over event safety standards and the preparedness of organisers handling mass sports gatherings in the state.
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