At sixteen, Muhammad Hashimudin bin Mat Saad thinks like someone twice his age. Where most teens might chase speed, he chases understanding. It is an endless curiosity about how far the human body and willpower can go. “When I was a kid, I used to wonder how people could keep running without stopping. That curiosity made me try it myself,” he said. What began as a three-kilometre struggle that took nearly an hour has turned into a disciplined pursuit of distance and discovery.

This year alone, Hashimudin has steadily built his name in the local running scene, collecting personal bests in both the 10 km and half marathon distances. Among his proudest achievements is a 1:39:17 finish at the Kedah International Marathon (KIM) 2025, a result that carries extra weight considering his age. “Not many people at sixteen would dare to take on 21 km, and I challenged myself to complete it,” he said.

Next, his focus shifts to the trail. Later this November, he will line up for the UTMB Trail 10 km, his first major off-road race. The goal is clear and practical: finish under 45 minutes while learning to handle the demands of uneven terrain. “I’m excited to test myself on a trail course that’s more challenging than road running,” he said, his tone calm but assured.

Hashimudin’s training setup is as self-reliant as his mindset. He trains without a coach, designing his own programme based on research, feedback from friends, and observation. “I train by myself, but I ask questions from friends who know more about running,” he explained. “I study and adjust my training plan to make sure I keep improving.” His current personal bests reflect that consistency: 18:58 for 5 km, 40:35 for 10 km, and 1:39:17 for the half marathon. The marathon, for now, can wait. “I’m still young and not ready for that distance. I don’t want to take risks. When the time comes, I’ll try it,” he said.

Behind the numbers, however, is a student balancing academics, fatigue, and ambition. “Discipline is the hardest part,” he admitted. “After school, I feel tired, but I still make time to train, whether it’s morning, evening, or night. The key is to manage my time well.” The structure in his voice hints at a quiet self-awareness that makes long-distance runners different from everyone else.

On days when motivation fades, he turns to gratitude. “When I feel less motivated, I remember why I started. If I stop, my performance will drop,” he said. “I also want to make my parents proud because they always support me.” There is no drama in his words, only purpose.

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That same purpose spills onto TikTok, where more than 6,000 followers now follow his journey. What began as a casual outlet has become a platform for influence. “At first, I just wanted to share moments from my passion,” he said. “But slowly, it encouraged others to join and love the sport too.” His content, part progress log and part motivation journal, reflects a generation of athletes who train not just for themselves but for visibility and connection.

“The videos help me stay motivated,” he said. “Running is not just fun and stress-free; it’s also a way to make friends.” His audience agrees, and some even message him for tips and advice. That interaction has turned into opportunity. “TikTok helped my growth in running. I got sponsorships from DEVER Malaysia, and even paid reviews and event promotions,” he said.

Hashimudin looks up to local creators like Muhaimin (@meenxt) and Khairul Amirin (@khairulxmirin), athletes who balance competition and content with quiet professionalism. When asked what legacy he hopes to leave, his answer comes without hesitation. “I hope people remember me through my content ‘KACIP,’ the motivation I share, and the little messages and tips I’ve given.”

There is something precise about how he phrases things. Nothing exaggerated, nothing wasted. For Hashimudin, running is less about victory than about order, rhythm, and focus. At sixteen, he already understands what many runners take years to learn: speed fades, but discipline endures.