From Aspiration to Achievement: Rizan Firdaus Shatters the Sub-3-Hour Marathon Mark at TwinCity Marathon 2025
When Muhammad Rizan Firdaus Rohaizad crossed the finish line of the TwinCity Marathon 2025 in 2:59:11, it wasn’t merely about securing third place in the Men’s Open category. It marked the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of a dream that once seemed unattainable.
For Rizan, the path to this milestone began humbly. During his secondary school years, he discovered his passion for running after a podium finish at a district cross-country race. That small victory planted the seed of ambition, which blossomed into an unyielding determination to test his limits. “Marathon running showed me I could become someone I never thought I’d be,” Rizan reflected.
The sub-3-hour marathon represented more than speed; it symbolised countless sacrifices, early morning runs, and unwavering discipline. For Rizan, it was also a steppingstone towards the prestigious Boston Marathon Qualifying Standards, an aspiration that had fuelled his determination for years.
His preparation for the TwinCity Marathon was meticulously planned. Nine weeks after his last attempt at the Bangsaen42 Chonburi Marathon, Rizan developed a training programme that prioritised quality over quantity. Hill repeats built strength, marathon-paced intervals refined his endurance, and a tailored nutrition strategy ensured his body was race-ready. Yet, it wasn’t just physical preparation that set him apart—it was also his mental resolve. Visualisation exercises and breaking the race into smaller, manageable segments helped him remain composed in the marathon game.
On race day, Rizan faced the ultimate test of body and spirit. The long stretch between kilometres 30 and 37 was a battle against isolation and fatigue. “I was running alone from the halfway mark, and every stride felt heavier,” he admitted. But he drew strength from within, leaning on his faith and reminding himself of the countless hours of preparation.
The turning point came when he spotted supporters cheering him on, reigniting his drive. With renewed energy, Rizan surged forward, overtaking two competitors in the final stage to e a podium finish. “It was my third attempt to break three hours, and I told myself I couldn’t fail this time,” he said.
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Crossing the finish line was a moment of pure triumph. “Breaking three hours was more than just a personal milestone—it was proof that perseverance pays off,” Rizan shared. “It’s a reminder that we’re capable of more than we think, as long as we keep believing in ourselves.”
This achievement has only strengthened Rizan’s resolve to aim higher. With the Boston Marathon’s revised qualifying time for his age group dropping to 2:55 in 2026, he has already set his sights on achieving that goal. However, Rizan’s ambitions extend beyond his own records; he hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams.
“To anyone striving for something that seems impossible, know that it’s not,” he said. “Train hard, stay disciplined, and trust the process. And remember, no dream is too big, and no dreamer is too small.”
Rizan’s story is more than a tale of athletic success—it’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome challenges and strive for greatness. His journey continues, inspiring runners and dreamers everywhere to push beyond their limits and achieve what once seemed unattainable.