Meet YJ: A Civil Engineer and Marathoner Who Knows No Limits
Marathon and Running Achievements
YJ’s running journey spans a variety of distances, from 5km sprints to ultra-distance trail races, showcasing his versatility and commitment. His personal bests include:
- 5km PB: 26min 38sec
- 10km PB: 58min 17sec
- 21km PB: 2hrs 01min 11sec
- 42km PB: 4hrs 49min 07sec
- 50km Trail PB: 10hrs 48min 00sec
- 100km Trail PB: 25hrs 12min 03sec
- 100 Miles Trail PB: 39hrs 49min 56sec
YJ has competed in several prestigious races around the world, cementing his status as a seasoned ultra-runner. His notable achievements include:
- 2018: Ultra Trail Tai Mo Shan (115km), Hong Kong – Finisher | UTMB-CCC (107km), Italy-Switzerland-France – Finisher
- 2019: Tarawera Ultra Marathon (100km), New Zealand – Finisher | Putrajaya Ultra Marathon (100km), Malaysia – 5th Place
- 2022: Langkawi Full Ironman, Kedah, Malaysia – Finisher
- 2023: Gunung Nuang Ultra (60km), Selangor, Malaysia – 4th Place | Merapoh Rain Forest Trail (100 Miles), Pahang, Malaysia – 10th Place | Selangor Aquathlon Team Relay, Tanjung Sepat, Malaysia – Champion
- 2024: RunLiga Team Race (42km), Fraser Hill, Pahang – Champion | Bukit Kiara Challenge (50km), Selangor – 10th Place | IJM Allianz DUO Highway Challenge – FM Pacer 5:30 hrs
What Running Means to YJ
For YJ, running is more than just physical exercise. It’s a path to self-improvement and mental clarity. “Running, to me, is a mix of exercise, focus, and personal challenge. It brings the feeling of freedom and helps me feel stronger,” he shares. “It’s a way of challenging myself physically and mentally—testing my limits while clearing my mind.”
On a personal level, YJ views running as a journey of growth and resilience. It provides him with the opportunity to reflect and push through tough moments, where each run serves as a reminder of his ability to persevere. “Running connects me to my body and my goals. It’s a time to focus on what’s in front of me, both literally and metaphorically,” he adds.
Why Running Fits into His Life
As a civil engineer, YJ’s work is often demanding, making running an important outlet for stress relief and personal balance. “Running helps me manage stress and stay focused. It’s a break from the daily grind, and when I return to work, I feel recharged and ready to take on new challenges,” YJ explains.
The Joy of Running
YJ is drawn to the simplicity and freedom that running offers. “With just a pair of shoes, I can head out on the road, clear my head, and work on my fitness. The sense of accomplishment after completing a run, no matter how tough, is something I really enjoy,” he says.
The routine and progress from regular running also motivate YJ to stay consistent. “Every run brings a feeling of accomplishment. That’s what keeps me going—knowing that I’m improving, both mentally and physically,” he shares.
Inspiration for Running
YJ’s initial inspiration to run was driven by a desire to improve his fitness. Over time, running became more than just a way to get in shape—it became a way to challenge himself and achieve new milestones. “Running has taught me a lot about perseverance and resilience. It pushed me to test my limits and continue growing,” he recalls.
While there wasn’t a singular person or event that inspired him to run, YJ points to his first organized race, the KLSCM 2009, as a pivotal moment. The energy of the race, seeing fellow runners push themselves, and the sense of accomplishment afterward sparked his ongoing passion for running.
Conclusion
For YJ, running is a source of personal growth, mental clarity, and physical challenge. Whether he’s racing in ultra-marathons or simply going for a run to clear his mind, running has become an integral part of his life—one that continuously teaches him to push further and grow stronger.