At some point, for many runners, the marathon stops feeling like he final word. It becomes, instead, a quiet question: what happens if I go a little further? For a growing number of people, the answer is surprisingly straightforward: you keep running. Welcome to the world of ultra marathons, where the finish line doesn’t arrive at 42 kilometres, but somewhere far beyond it.
In the simplest terms, an ultra marathon is any race longer than a standard marathon. That can mean 50 kilometres, 80 kilometres, or even 100 miles. Some events aren’t tied to distance at all, but to time. Runners see how far they can go in six, twelve or twenty-four hours. But what defines an ultra isn’t just its length. It’s the way it unfolds. Many take place on trails rather than roads, winding through forests, climbing mountains, or cutting across open landscapes. You’re not just running; you’re adapting—to terrain, to weather, and occasionally, to your own wavering motivation.
MOHD FAZLIE ROSLI
What was your first ultra, and what made you sign up?
My first ultra was the 84km category at the UiTM Ultra back in 2023. The main reason I signed up was because of my running family, Kaki Outdoor Malaysia (KOMY). They really pushed me to go for it because they saw my potential for longdistance running.
What’s something about ultra running that people always misunderstand?
Most people assume we run non-stop for the entire ultra distance. In reality, you can walk, take breaks, rest, eat, and even sleep during the race, as long as you cross the finish line before the cut-off time. It's about endurance, problemsolving, and pacing, not just continuous running.
What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned about yourself through ultras?
I've learned that we are inherently stronger than we think, capable of enduring far more than we ever believed possible. There are physical limitations, of course, but at the end of the day, your mind is the only true limit.
What does finishing an ultra feel like, really?
It feels like a massive weight you’ve been carrying for hours has finally been lifted. There's this immense wave of relief knowing you can finally rest and stop moving forward. But more than that, when you look back, you feel an overwhelming sense of pride. You realize how many times your body screamed at you to quit, yet you kept fighting until you crossed that finish line.
NG KAR SOON
“I didn’t sign up to prove I’m strong. I signed up to find out how far I can go.”
At what point did you realise you could actually go “beyond 42.195”?
It wasn’t a single moment; it was a series of small breakthroughs. The real shift came when I understood that endurance is not about speed—it’s about staying present, managing yourself, and continuing forward even when everything tells you to stop.
How does running in Malaysia, with the heat, humidity, and terrain, shape your training?
Malaysia is not an easy place to train, but that’s actually an advantage. The heat and humidity force you to slow down and respect your body. You learn how to manage hydration, electrolytes, and pacing very carefully. When you can run consistently in Malaysian conditions, you’re mentally tougher and more prepared for raceday uncertainties anywhere.
Your go-to strategy when things get really tough mid-race?
I simplify everything. I don’t think about the remaining distance. I just focus on the next checkpoint, or even the next few steps. Sometimes I remind myself: “You chose to be here.” That shifts my mindset from suffering to purpose.
What does finishing an ultra feel like, really?
It’s not just joy, it’s a mix of relief, gratitude, and quiet satisfaction. There’s no loud celebration inside. Instead, there’s a deep sense of peace. You know you’ve gone through something difficult, something meaningful—and you came out stronger.
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