If there’s one face that bridges Malaysia’s obstacle course racing (OCR) elite and its growing hybrid fitness community, it’s Capt. Hamon Raeiz bin Abd Hamed RMAF (R)—better known on the course as Capt. Raeiz Hamed. And as one of the official ambassadors for Viper Challenge Iskandar Puteri 2025, he’s got one mission in mind: to make this year’s race not just a challenge, but a celebration.

“Being selected as an ambassador is both an honour and a personal milestone,” says Capt. Raeiz. “Viper Challenge played a huge part in shaping my fitness journey, and now I get to give back to the community that supported me. It’s more than a race—it’s about grit, camaraderie, and pushing limits.”

And push limits he will. Capt. Raeiz is taking on both the 7km and 12km categories this year, embracing speed, power, and pacing in equal measure. “Right now, I’m focusing on high-intensity efforts, so doing both distances allows me to test my endurance while sharpening my performance in shorter, faster bursts,” he explains.

This year’s Viper Challenge brings a whole new vibe, with revamped obstacles, a faster-paced course, and the scenic playground of Iskandar Puteri offering a mix of urban edges and natural trails. “There’s a fresh energy this year,” he says. “The competitive element is stronger with prize categories, but the inclusive community vibe is still the heart of it all.”

That inclusive energy is exactly what fuels Raeiz’s passion for the sport. While he’s no stranger to competitive performance—fresh off a tough but rewarding HYROX Bangkok campaign—he lights up most when talking about the shared struggle of OCR.

“There was a moment in a past race where we helped a total stranger over a particularly high wall,” he recalls. “We ended up finishing the race together, all cheering like old friends. It reminded me that OCR is about more than just personal bests—it’s about shared struggle and triumph.”

For Raeiz, the fusion of HYROX and OCR has created a new frontier in training. “My HYROX sessions—especially the functional and endurance components—have boosted my stamina, grip endurance, and mental focus. It’s a perfect complement to obstacle racing,” he explains. “Hybrid training builds a strong aerobic base, muscular endurance, and mental toughness. It teaches you to stay calm under fatigue, which translates well when facing back-to-back obstacles.”

Still, even seasoned athletes have their weak spots. While his favourite obstacle is the multi-ring—“There’s something satisfying about rhythm, grip, and flow coming together”—he admits that the infamous Venom Slide lives in his nightmares. “I once lost my earpiece in the water there. Still hurts,” he jokes.

But the challenges, both physical and mental, are what keep him coming back. “I visualise the course, anticipate setbacks, and remind myself why I started,” he says. “I train in discomfort—heat, fatigue, chaos—so on race day, the chaos feels familiar, not frightening.”

For first-timers contemplating the plunge, Capt. Raeiz is quick to dismiss the myth that OCR is just for elite athletes. “You’ll never know how strong, capable, and resilient you are until you put yourself in the mud, next to hundreds of strangers cheering you on,” he says. “It’s not about being the fittest—it’s about showing up and finishing something that once seemed impossible.”

As Viper Challenge continues to evolve—with categories for competitive racers, kids, and everyone in between—it’s clear the race has matured beyond just a fitness event. It’s become a rite of passage, a playground for grit, and a community that grows stronger with every climb, crawl, and fall.

“I love how adaptable and impactful this event has become,” says Capt. Raeiz. “Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a serious competitor, or a kid experiencing your first challenge, there’s a place for you. That inclusivity strengthens the whole community.”

And as the start line for Viper Challenge Iskandar Puteri 2025 draws closer, Capt. Raeiz has one final message: “This isn’t just another race—it’s an experience that pushes your limits, builds lifelong friendships, and reminds you what you’re capable of. Whether you want to conquer fears, test your fitness, or just have fun, this is the place to be. Don’t watch from the sidelines—join the tribe.”

Register your race today at https://viperchallenge.com/product-category/iskandar-puteri-johor/