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Ritzy Amor Ectin: How One Ultra-Runner Turned Doubt into Victory at UiTM Ultra 2025

In the world of ultra-running, success is built on resilience, determination, and the ability to push beyond physical and mental limits. Ritzy Amor Ectin, a trailblazing athlete, proved just that when she clinched the top spot in the 104km Women’s Open Category with the timing of 13:41:36 at the recent UiTM Ultra 2025. This victory marks a monumental achievement in Ectin’s ultra-running journey, cementing her status as a rising star in the sport.

From Humble Beginnings to Ultra-Madness

Ritzy’s running journey began unexpectedly during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period. Faced with limited workout options and a busy work schedule, she found solace in running. What started as a simple form of exercise quickly evolved into a passion, and before long, Ectin was hooked on the progress she was making.

“I started running during MCO, mainly because walking was too time-consuming,” she recalls. “But as I kept running and saw my progress, I found myself hooked and couldn’t stop.”

Ectin’s entry into ultra-marathons came courtesy of a friend who was a trail enthusiast and a martial arts coach. Through her encouragement and stories of her family’s love for trail running, Ectin was inspired to push her boundaries and test her limits in the ultra-distance realm.

“The belief my friend had in my abilities motivated me to take on the challenge, and I’ve been captivated by the journey ever since,” she shares.

Key Milestones on the Road to Victory

Ectin’s ultra-running journey has been a series of milestones, each race a stepping stone toward bigger challenges. Her first major achievement came in 2023 when she completed her first-ever official race – a half marathon during the KL City Day race. This was followed by a full marathon in the same year, which fuelled her passion to pursue even longer distances.

But the real turning point came in 2024 when Ectin ventured into trail marathons, eventually finding a supportive running community that she now considers her “family.” Through her team’s unwavering support, Ectin’s confidence and endurance grew, culminating in her victory at the UiTM Ultra.

“Being able to conquer these races, bagging podium places in some of them, and having a group of people who support and lift me up helped in building my confidence, endurance, and love for the sport,” she reflects.

Conquering Doubts and Breaking Through Limits

The 104km Women’s Open Category at the UiTM Ultra was a true test of Ectin’s physical and mental strength. Despite her recent success in ultra-running, she wasn’t sure if she could handle the gruelling race. Just a week prior, she had completed her first 70km race, and the prospect of tackling 104km seemed daunting.

“I wasn’t even sure I’d make it to the start line. I considered a DNS (Did Not Start) or downgrading to the 52km category,” she admits. “But pushing through those doubts and conquering the 104km race made this not just my longest race in terms of distance and time, but also one of my proudest achievements.”

Through self-belief and a strategic approach, Ectin proved to herself that she could handle the challenge. Her victory was not only a personal triumph but also a testament to her growth as an ultra-runner.

Training with Balance and Strength

What sets Ectin apart from other ultra-runners is her unique training approach. Despite her demanding 9-5 job, she manages to train almost daily, balancing her running routine with martial arts and strength training. Ectin’s hybrid training style combines different types of runs, including speed/interval sessions and recovery runs, to complement her strength training, including boxing and Muay Thai.

“I prefer a hybrid training style, combining workouts that enhance and support each other,” Ectin explains. Her strength training, in particular, has been pivotal in building both her physical resilience and her performance on the trails.

Nutritional Strategy and Mental Toughness

Ectin’s race-day strategy combines thoughtful nutrition and mental resilience. During training, she maintains a clean diet and practises intermittent fasting, while incorporating occasional indulgences. Before races, she ensures proper fuelling with solid meals and strategic carb intake.

During the race, Ectin adheres to a fuelling plan developed with help from her teammates. She consumes approximately 100g of carbs every 45 minutes, with electrolytes every hour to maintain her energy levels.

On the mental side, Ectin embraces positive self-talk and distraction techniques to overcome difficult moments during the race. “I rely on positive self-talk to remind myself of everything I’ve already proven to myself,” she says. And when the going gets tough, she resorts to an unusual strategy—counting from 1 to 1,000 to distract herself, though she rarely makes it past 100.

“It’s oddly effective, especially during uphill climbs,” Ectin laughs.

Overcoming Unexpected Obstacles

Like many ultra-runners, Ectin faced unexpected challenges during the race. The night before the event, she got her period, adding an unforeseen layer of difficulty. Despite having prepared for the usual race-day obstacles, she hadn’t accounted for the added complexity of managing her period.

“Dealing with my period during the race required multiple trips to the washroom and left me with limited supplies,” she shares. “It wasn’t ideal, but I adapted by staying focused and managing as best I could.”

This ability to adapt and keep moving forward is what defines Ectin’s ultra-running journey and her life outside of the sport.

 

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The Final Push: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

As Ectin approached the final kilometres of the race, she experienced a whirlwind of emotions. The finish line was in sight, but her body ached from head to toe.

“The final kilometres felt like a rollercoaster ride. At times, I was surprised at how relaxed and easy it felt, but there were also moments when I just wanted to stop because everything from my hips down to the soles of my feet hurt,” she says. But the joy, relief, and pride of crossing the finish line made it all worth it.

The Power of Ultra-Running: Lessons in Life and Resilience

For Ectin, ultra-running is more than just a sport; it’s a personal journey that teaches her valuable lessons in resilience and self-discovery. “It has taught me that resilience is not just about being strong, but about being adaptable and persistent, especially when things don’t go our way,” she says.

“Like ultra marathons, life has its ups and downs, and the key is to keep moving forward. It’s about knowing when to push and when to slow down, when to rest and when to keep going,” Ectin reflects.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Ultra-Runners

Ectin’s success is an inspiration to many, especially women who aspire to take on the challenges of ultra-running. Her message to them is clear: “Keep showing up and make sure you enjoy the process. Don’t get discouraged by challenges along the way. Progress takes time, and any progress—big or small—is progress.”

Ritzy Amor Ectin’s victory at the UiTM Ultra is not just a reflection of her athleticism but also her mindset, perseverance, and passion for the sport. Her journey is proof that no matter the obstacles, with the right mindset, anything is possible.