Ultra-trail running is a sport that demands profound respect for the elevation and the unpredictable jungle terrain. Yet, when an experienced road runner, already fatigued from weeks of consecutive marathons, steps onto the trail with zero specific preparation, the outcome is a true testament to raw athletic endurance.

For Mohd Fadli Mohd Samri, known in the running community as Fahd, this transition was not a matter of luck, but a gruelling physical awakening and a masterclass in mental fortitude that culminated in a top-tier finish at the Janda Baik Ultra (JBU) 2026.

Coming off a punishing streak of back-to-back full marathons and a half marathon within just three weeks, Fahd lined up for the JBU 30-kilometre route with heavy legs. Driven by the relentless encouragement of his best friend, Zack, and a profound desire to step out of his comfort zone, Fahd crossed the finish line in a remarkable 3:03:06, conquering his category.

The decision to join was entirely spontaneous, lacking any technical trail sessions or hill repeats. “I wanted to challenge myself outside my comfort zone and get new experience and something completely different from road racing,” Fahd shares. “My friend, Zack, played a huge role in making it happen… he gave me the confidence to take that first step into trail running.”

Armed with immense stamina but lacking trail-specific tactics, Fahd relied heavily on his road instincts. This translated into an explosive start, hitting the first checkpoint at a blistering 3:06 min/km pace. “That opening split to CP1 was honestly just instinct and adrenaline,” he reflects. “I didn’t really have a deep trail strategy because I’d never raced this kind of terrain before, so I simply ran the early section the way I normally run on the road.”

However, the comfort of that early pace evaporated as the Janda Baik course introduced its notoriously steep climbs and 1,293 metres of elevation gain. The shift in terrain demanded a rapid adjustment in mindset. Fahd recalls that the moment the course shifted into those steep gradients, reality hit hard. “That was the point where I realised trail running is a completely different sport,” he admits.

“My legs were already carrying fatigue from previous races, and suddenly the elevation gain demanded a totally different type of strength. Mentally, I had to stay patient because there were moments where I genuinely felt close to blowing up. I kept telling myself not to panic, keep moving, and survive the climbs one section at a time.”

For road runners contemplating a crossover to trail events, Fahd offers a stark warning about the differing physical tolls. Despite his massive aerobic engine, the technicality of the route completely dismantled him in unfamiliar ways. He explains that on the road, the movement pattern is consistent and predictable, but on the trail, every step involves climbing, descending, stabilising, and navigating roots.

“JBU left my entire body destroyed, not just my legs,” he notes, detailing how his feet, hips, calves, lower back, and even smaller stabiliser muscles were utterly exhausted. The biggest shock, he advises, will be how much muscular strength and balance the trails demand compared to pure aerobic fitness.

 

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Knowing his muscular conditioning was not primed for the extreme elevation, Fahd executed a flawless, pre-emptive nutrition strategy to prevent cramping and maintain focus. Carrying a 250ml electrolyte flask and four gels, including high-carb, salt, and caffeine variants, he adhered to a strict timeline.

“My strategy was simple: fuel early and stay consistent,” he says. “I didn’t wait until I felt tired or dehydrated.” By taking his first gel at the seven-kilometre mark, incorporating salt at 15 kilometres, and using a caffeine booster at 25 kilometres, he maintained the necessary energy for the final, demanding push.

Fahd missed his highly ambitious sub-three-hour target by a mere three minutes. Yet, any disappointment vanished the moment he saw the finish line. “Near the end, fatigue was already at its absolute peak,” he shares.

“Seeing my wife at the finish line gave me a huge emotional lift. In those final kilometres, when the body is empty, emotional support matters more than people realise. It reminded me why I push through difficult moments.”

Despite the physical wreckage, Fahd left with deep respect for the event, praising the clear route markings, the beautiful course, and the volunteers who made his debut so memorable.

Living by his motto, “Keep Focus, Train in Silence,” he is already looking ahead to an upcoming international full marathon after a week of proper recovery. But the jungle has officially left its mark on the champion.

“As for JBU, after this experience, there’s definitely unfinished business there,” Fahd teases. “So yes, there’s a very good chance you’ll see me back next year trying to improve on this performance, or maybe debut in the 50km race.”