Chasing Growth, Not Records: The Heartfelt Story Behind Afiq Saniy’s TwinCity Marathon Win
For Muhammad Afiq Saniy, winning the TwinCity Marathon 2025 Men Open Category was not just about crossing the finish line first or setting a fast time—it was about achieving something far more personal. With a net time of 2:50:40, Afiq’s victory stands as a testament to his unwavering belief in his own potential—a philosophy that has shaped his journey as a marathoner and continues to push him beyond conventional limits.
At first glance, Afiq’s success at the TwinCity Marathon could be seen as the culmination of a typical running career—years of training, overcoming setbacks, and pushing oneself towards the goal. But the heart of Afiq’s story is less about the race itself and more about the values and philosophy that drive him. When Afiq started running again after a 10-year break, he wasn’t simply looking to race. He was on a quest to answer a much deeper question: Who am I when I’m not just running to win, but running to discover what I’m truly capable of?
“I never thought of myself as a ‘top athlete’,” Afiq shared. “When I started running again, I saw it as a personal challenge to be better than I was yesterday. My goal was never to compete with others; it was always to compete with my former self.” This mindset was born out of personal reflection rather than the desire for accolades. His journey back into the sport wasn’t just a pursuit of victory but a search for purpose—a way to reconnect with himself after a long period of absence from the sport.
That purpose was forged during a pivotal moment on a trip to Japan. In the streets of Harajuku, amidst the legacy of marathon legends, Afiq encountered a revelation. “Seeing how much dedication and history there was in the sport, I realised this wasn’t just about running—it was about honouring a legacy of perseverance,” he recalled. “I wasn’t just trying to be fast. I was running to challenge myself on a deeper level, to prove that the past doesn’t define me, and that I have the strength to break barriers I never thought possible.”
Afiq’s journey is defined by a process of rediscovery and a determination to break through limits—not for fame, but for personal fulfilment. His time of 2:50:40 wasn’t just a victory for him; it was proof that the true measure of success is in overcoming the mental walls we place around ourselves.
Coach Hatib’s influence in his journey wasn’t just about structuring a training plan for Afiq. It was about instilling the belief that marathon running is a way to sharpen your mental strength as much as your physical stamina. Afiq’s training was intense but, more importantly, it was rooted in making each session count. “Sometimes, it’s about learning to rest and recover just as much as it is about pushing yourself physically,” Afiq explained. “Training is like life—there’s the effort, and then there’s the pause. Both are necessary.”

Afiq’s journey has been profoundly supported by the Kelana Jaya Running Club (KJRC), a community that has become like a second family to him. Under the guidance of Captain Syed Shahzli and Co-captain Amin Azlan Hamzah, KJRC has significantly influenced Afiq’s mindset and approach to running.The club offers structured group training led by various coaches, including Coach Syafiq J for Speedwork sessions, Coach Debbie Hooi for Bodyworks Strength Training, and Coach Hatib, who provides consistent guidance. This comprehensive support system has been invaluable, equipping Afiq with the tools and mental strength necessary to persevere, both in training and on race day. The camaraderie and encouragement from fellow club members have fostered a sense of belonging, motivating him to keep pushing forward in his running endeavors.
The real challenge for Afiq came during the marathon itself. After the 30 km mark, Afiq experienced a familiar moment of doubt when he mistakenly thought he had lost his position. His instincts pushed him to chase after a runner, only to realise later that the person ahead wasn’t competing in his category. “It was a moment that really humbled me. I thought I was chasing victory, but what I was really chasing was a lesson,” he said, laughing. “The moment I realised that, I started focusing on my own race, my own purpose.”
Afiq’s time was remarkable, yes, but what was truly significant was his sense of inner peace with his journey. Winning the marathon felt incredible, but the joy wasn’t just in the medal; it was in the deep personal growth that the race represented.
“I’m grateful for the time,” he said. “But I see this win as a step towards something greater. The records, the victories—they don’t define who I am. It’s the mindset that matters. It’s the constant push to improve myself, to challenge myself.”
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Afiq spoke not only about personal triumph but about how purposeful living drives his training. “You don’t need to be the best to be proud of your journey,” he said, urging others to start their own path. “It’s not about the title. It’s about the reason you wake up and run every day, knowing that you are becoming a better version of yourself, step by step.”
After achieving his personal best, Afiq has set his sights on new challenges. The Terengganu Marathon is next on his list, and while the goal is to break his previous record, it’s clear that Afiq’s true victory isn’t in the time on the clock. It’s in his endless pursuit of growth, both on and off the race course.
In a world where athletes are often measured by their victories, Muhammad Afiq Saniy stands as a powerful reminder that the journey is the destination. To him, running is more than a race—it’s an expression of his desire to live a life of purpose, to constantly redefine his limits, and to inspire others to do the same.