Meet Jimmy Lieu: A Passionate Runner with a Love for Travel
Meet Jimmy Lieu, a 50-year-old director in the water tank manufacturing industry and a passionate runner who believes in the power of consistent self-improvement. Jimmy’s journey into running started in his school days as a sprinter, but it wasn’t until after he joined the Pacemakers Running Group that his interest in long-distance running truly took off.
Over the years, Jimmy has participated in several prominent races, achieving impressive personal bests across various distances. His 5km PB stands at 23:33, his 10km at 51:05, and his marathon PB is an admirable 4:14:00. In addition, Jimmy has been a strong contender in multiple events, including placing 6th in the 10km Men Veteran category at the Older Faster Stronger Run 2023, and finishing 4th in the Highland Ultra Challenge 2023. In 2024, he was part of a relay team that secured 5th place in the Semenyih Ultra 42km relay.
But to Jimmy, running is more than just about crossing finish lines and setting personal records. “Running for me is about happiness and the freedom to run anywhere, anytime,” he says. Originally a solo runner, Jimmy found a new dimension to the sport after joining the Pacemakers, where the camaraderie and shared experience of training with others pushed him to elevate his performance. “I always tell myself that every training session should bring a little improvement—whether that’s in timing or distance,” he explains.
Running also plays a crucial role in Jimmy’s mental well-being. He sees it as a time for personal reflection, where he can clear his head, work through challenges, and even come up with fresh business ideas. "Running helps me refresh my mind," he shares. “I can think deeply about business ideas and solutions while I'm on the move.”
While Jimmy enjoys the process of self-improvement, he also has a deep love for travel. One of the things that excites him most about running is the opportunity to participate in races around the world. “I don’t just run in Malaysia; I love traveling and experiencing different locations through running,” he adds.
His running journey began at the Olympic Fun Run in 2011, where he finished the 7km race in 1:45. Though he was injured and laughed at by friends that day, it sparked a commitment to training and improving. From then on, running became not only a personal goal but a journey he’s eager to share with others.
When asked what motivates him to run regularly, Jimmy says it’s the joy of running with friends and the satisfaction of achieving small victories. “I enjoy the reunion after a run, sharing experiences and tips,” he smiles.
For Jimmy, running is more than a sport—it’s a way to connect, grow, and explore. Whether it’s through personal achievement or the joy of running with friends, Jimmy shows us that running is about much more than just the race; it’s about the journey.