Haikal Yusoff Takes on His First OCR Challenge at Viper Challenge Genting
Haikal Yusoff is no stranger to endurance, but this November, the familiar rhythm of road running will give way to rope climbs, mud pits, and monkey bars. The avid runner is set to take on the 10KM category at the Tropicana Viper Challenge Genting Highlands, marking his first-ever obstacle course race (OCR).
Known for his speed and stamina on the road, Haikal shared that the decision to dive into OCR came from a desire for something new. “Running has been a huge part of my life, but after a while, I started craving something new,” he said. “I wanted a challenge that tested not only endurance, but also strength, coordination, and mental resilience.”
While most newcomers ease into the non-competitive categories, Haikal is diving straight into the deep end, and he’s doing it with purpose. “If you want to grow, you should put yourself in situations that scare you a little,” he admitted. “I’m not doing this to prove anything to others. I just want to see where I truly stand.”
The preparation has been a whole new world for the seasoned runner. Gone are the days of pure mileage and tempo runs; now, it’s pull-ups, rope climbs, and grip work that fill his training schedule. “OCR training has been completely different,” he said with a grin. “It’s not just about mileage anymore. Now I’m working on grip strength, upper body power, and body control. It’s been challenging, but also fun to feel myself getting stronger in new ways.”
Set against the misty backdrop of Gohtong Jaya, the Genting course will throw in extra hurdles, literally and figuratively. The high-altitude terrain promises thinner air and relentless climbs. “Genting’s elevation and cool air will definitely add an extra layer of challenge,” Haikal said. “I’ve been doing more hill and trail sessions to prepare my body for it.”
Despite his strong running base, Haikal knows the obstacles will be the true test. “The obstacles will test me more than the running,” he said. “You need strength, balance, and quick problem-solving when you’re already tired.”
Heading into race day, Haikal’s mindset is simple yet powerful: embrace the unknown. “My main goal is to learn,” he said. “I want to understand how to pace myself and how my body reacts under a different kind of pressure. I hope my effort can inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and try something new too.”
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He’s especially curious about the monkey bars and rope climbs, two fan-favourite (and dreaded) obstacles in the OCR world. “They look simple until you’re hanging there in race conditions,” he laughed.
For runners still on the fence about OCR, Haikal has one clear message: just go for it. “Don’t overthink it. OCR is about effort and perseverance, not perfection. If you can run, you already have a good base. The rest can be learned through training and experience.”
As someone who thrives in community-driven sports, Haikal believes the Viper Challenge culture aligns perfectly with his running roots. “Viper Challenge takes the spirit of running further. It’s about teamwork, camaraderie, and resilience through shared challenges.”
For his debut race, Haikal isn’t chasing a podium; he’s chasing growth. “A successful debut for me means crossing the finish line knowing I gave everything I had,” he said. “Winning would be great, but growth is what truly matters to me.”
Thousands of challengers will gather at Tropicana Viper Challenge Genting Highlands this 1 November 2025, ready to test their limits among the clouds, and Haikal Yusoff will be one of them, proving that sometimes, the best way forward is to climb, crawl, and conquer your way out of the comfort zone.
