Syazwan Haziq, a familiar face in Malaysia’s running community, is taking on an exciting new challenge this October as he makes his debut at the Spartan KL Honour Trifecta Weekend 2024. The two-day event, held on 12th and 13th October at KL Base, Combat Baze, will push Syazwan beyond his traditional running expertise into the gritty world of obstacle course racing (OCR).

Known for his endurance on the track and trail, Syazwan isn’t abandoning his love for running. Instead, he’s expanding his athletic horizons. “I’ve always enjoyed running, but I wanted to push myself in a different way,” he said. “Spartan races offer something unique—it’s not just about how fast or far you can run, but how strong and mentally tough you are when you face each obstacle.”

The Spartan race is a true test of all-around fitness. While running between obstacles will certainly be familiar terrain for Syazwan, it’s the physical challenges like rope climbs, monkey bars, and heavy carries that have forced him to rethink his training. “I’m used to relying on my legs and cardio, but Spartan races are different. They demand upper-body strength and agility, which is something I’m not as familiar with.”

Despite only having a month to prepare for the race, Syazwan has been hard at work. “I’ve had to adapt quickly,” he explained. “Strength training, particularly focusing on my upper body and core, has become a big part of my routine. It’s tough, but it’s exciting to see myself getting stronger.”

What excites Syazwan the most about his Spartan debut? The unpredictability. “The best part of Spartan races is you never know what’s coming next. There’s an element of surprise and strategy that’s missing from traditional running events. I’m really looking forward to the mental challenge of figuring out how to approach each obstacle.”

His strategy? Pacing and energy management. “I’ll be pacing myself carefully during the running segments, conserving energy so I’m ready for the strength-demanding obstacles,” he said. “It’s all about finding that balance between speed and power.”

While Syazwan isn’t sure if Spartan races will become a permanent fixture in his athletic career, he’s leaving the door wide open. “It’s too early to tell if this will be a one-time thing, but I’m definitely open to more races in the future. This experience will be a great gauge of what I’m capable of.”

 

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For runners like himself, who may be curious but uncertain about stepping into the OCR world, Syazwan has one message: “Go for it! Spartan races are designed to push you out of your comfort zone. You’ll come out stronger—physically and mentally. Don’t be afraid of the obstacles—they’re meant to test you, not stop you.”

As race day approaches, Syazwan Haziq stands ready to take on the challenge. His debut at the Spartan KL Honour Trifecta Weekend 2024 marks the start of an exciting new chapter, where grit, strength, and endurance will be tested at every turn.

Register your Spartan KL Honour Trifecta Weekend 2024 race slot today at my.spartan.com/en/race/detail/8310/overview.