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Running in Sandals, Inspired by a Mentor: Derrick Ho’s Marathon Story

For many runners, crossing the marathon finish line is a personal triumph. For Derrick Ho, it’s something more profound—a tribute to the man who saw potential in him when no one else did. At just 23 years old, Derrick isn’t merely running for himself; he’s running for the legacy of his late mentor, Thye Yuk Keong, whose wisdom and encouragement forever shaped the young athlete’s life.

It all began in Segamat, where Derrick’s running journey started with simple, everyday laps around a neighbourhood park. What began as an unassuming activity soon caught the attention of Thye, a seasoned runner who had the rare gift of recognising potential in others.

“Uncle Thye wasn’t flashy or loud,” Derrick reflected. “But he had this way of making you feel like you mattered. Like your journey, no matter how small, was worth something.”

Thye’s quiet yet profound influence went beyond the technicalities of running. He taught Derrick and others in their local running group that running was a metaphor for life: it required patience, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the road got tough.

For Derrick, these lessons couldn’t have come at a more critical time. As he grew older, life became more complicated. Moving to Singapore for work, Derrick faced gruelling 12-hour shifts that left him drained. Yet, running remained his lifeline.

“No matter how hard my day was, I’d lace up and run,” Derrick said. “It wasn’t just about fitness—it was about finding strength and clarity in a world that often felt overwhelming.”

Through it all, Derrick carried with him a simple, symbolic gesture from Thye—a pair of sandals. For six years, he trained and raced in them, drawing strength not just from the sandals but from the belief and kindness they represented.

When Thye passed away in 2023, the loss was deeply felt by Derrick and the entire running community. But rather than allowing grief to overshadow his journey, Derrick turned his runs into a living tribute.

At the Twincity Marathon, Derrick didn’t just aim for a podium finish—though his 03:04:08 performance secured him 7th place in the Men’s Open category. His true goal was honouring Thye’s legacy. Every step he took in the marathon was infused with gratitude and the enduring lessons of his mentor.

 

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“Uncle Thye taught me that running is more than a race,” Derrick said. “It’s about perseverance. It’s about connection. It’s about carrying forward the lessons that people leave with you.”

This philosophy extends beyond competition. Derrick’s memories of post-run chats with his group back home—moments spent laughing, sharing stories, and finding solace in community—remain a source of strength.

Now, as Derrick sets his sights on the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, he’s not just focused on breaking personal records. He’s determined to share Thye’s spirit of humility, perseverance, and camaraderie with everyone he encounters.

“I don’t think I’m extraordinary,” Derrick said with characteristic modesty. “I’m just someone who was lucky enough to have someone believe in me. And if I can pass that on, even a little, then I’ll feel like I’ve done my part.”

Derrick’s story isn’t just about running; it’s about the power of mentorship, community, and the enduring impact of kindness. In every race, with every step, he proves that a legacy isn’t just something left behind—it’s something carried forward, one runner at a time.