In the rain-soaked hills of Gombak, where winding roads cut through dense forests and relentless challenges, ultramarathon runner Nurfathin Zahrolayali turned a daunting setback into an extraordinary triumph. Her victory in the women’s open 100km at the Route 68 Ultra was more than a race against time—it was a powerful narrative of personal transformation, fuelled by a community that never let her falter.

For Nurfathin, the race began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to complete the 100km in under 15 hours, despite it being her first attempt at such a distance. “I wasn’t sure how my body would hold up,” she recalls. By the 50km mark, knee pain had set in, and a blister on her left sole threatened to slow her down. “At that point, I told myself I’d be happy just to finish by 7am—even if it took 16 hours,” she explains.

But a 10-minute rest at CP Genting Sempah, a bowl of porridge, and a dose of DEVER Energy gel sparked a turning point. “I felt reenergised, so I pushed on,” she says. With the final 16.5km ahead, she ran non-stop, resisting the urge to check her watch. When her support crew announced that she had finished in 14 hours, 28 minutes, and 7 seconds, she was overwhelmed with emotion. “I burst into tears. I never thought I’d be able to finish at that time.”

Nurfathin’s transformation did not happen overnight. She began training in early January 2025, building an intense routine—running 100km per week with an elevation gain of 2,000m. Despite suffering a serious setback last December with gastric issues that landed her in hospital after the Nakawan Ultra 2024, she refused to give up. “I knew the importance of staying consistent and disciplined, which gave me confidence leading up to the race,” she shares.

Her training sessions ranged from early-morning treadmill runs, which built mental endurance, to late-night runs under the stars—preparing both her body and mind for the gruelling challenges ahead.

During those relentless 14+ hours on the course, Nurfathin discovered the secret to mental survival: breaking the race into manageable segments. “I kept telling myself, ‘Only 10km left, only 5km, only 14km,’” she reveals. By visualising familiar routes—such as the stretch from Keramat to KLCC—she transformed an intimidating distance into a series of achievable milestones.

Even when the race turned lonely—like during the 14km stretch between CP Batu Tinggi and CP Janda Baik 2, where she found herself completely isolated—she pushed through with a simple mantra. “I kept repeating ‘Sikit Lagi’—just a little further—and that kept me focused on reaching the next checkpoint,” she explains.

No journey is undertaken alone. Behind every stride was a dedicated support crew, standing by her every step of the way. “There’s something truly magical about being surrounded by people who believe in you,” Nurfathin reflects, paying tribute to her KOMY crew, her Q1 Running Club buddies, and her ever-supportive family.

Their constant encouragement and guidance turned moments of doubt into powerful reminders of her strength. Whether it was early morning pep talks or hands-on advice about nutrition and pacing, her community was the cornerstone of her success.

In the midst of physical and emotional turmoil, Nurfathin’s story is one of relentless resilience. Her journey—from hospital setbacks to crossing the finish line in record time—is a testament to the transformative power of determination and community support. “Every setback is just a setup for a comeback,” she affirms—a mantra that resonated through every step of her race.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Zest (@infiru_zest)

For aspiring ultramarathon runners, her advice is both practical and heartfelt. “Focus on consistency and patience,” she advises. “Build up your mileage slowly, prioritise recovery, and enjoy the process. Listen to your body, and celebrate the small wins along the way.”

Nurfathin Zahrolayali’s incredible feat at the Route 68 Ultra is more than a personal victory—it’s an inspiring reminder that even the toughest challenges can be overcome with grit, discipline, and a network of unwavering support. As she sets her sights on even greater ultra challenges, her journey continues to inspire and empower runners everywhere to turn adversity into opportunity and dreams into reality.