The Competitive Reset: Fakri Syakirin’s 10KM Benchmark at Selangor Marathon 2025
Fakri Syakirin is no stranger to pushing the pace, but at Selangor Marathon 2025, the seasoned 10KM runner is approaching the race with a surprising shift in mindset. This time, he is prioritising clarity over competition.
“I’ve always been pacing my girlfriend for previous races, but this time I don’t have a target to podium. But more towards to make it as my benchmark run to see where my fitness stands,” said Fakri. He is opting to run this race solo for a very specific reason: self-assessment.
Though many know him as a strong contender on the road, Fakri doesn’t shy away from describing his aggressive approach to racing. “I guess I’m more of going all out from the start and try to maintain the pace up to my body condition.” That all-gas-no-brakes energy is balanced by his growing awareness of how to manage risk, especially as he navigates life changes and the demands of a new job.
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“My training plan as of now, still not really on track due to adjusting to my new work life. But I run every day to maintain my fitness and still do speedwork twice a week to improve my running pace,” he shared. Key sessions include threshold workouts with his Working Class Champs crew and strength training, which he sees as a non-negotiable. “Definitely Threshold with my Working Class Champs training buddies & strength training to avoid from any running injuries.”
As race day approaches, Fakri is doubling down on fundamentals like proper rest, carb loading, and tapering. He is also prioritising his mental game. “Mindset is very important. I always believe I’m competing with my previous self not others. To keep a positive mind, I make sure I surround myself with the right community that helps bring each other up.”
Still, even the strongest racers know the body has limits. For Fakri, listening to those signs is part of his evolving maturity as an athlete. “If I start to feel pain, I’ll not push further. As I believe, ‘kaki nak pakai lama’. So for this year I’m more of being more careful than previous year.”
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Fakri is also a student of the sport, often reviewing his splits and pacing after each race to tweak future training blocks. “Usually after the race, I’ll reflect on how I performed. In terms of, my weakness, my splits to see how I can improve in the next race.”
He credits Coach Awan Run as one of his biggest inspirations. “Been a big fan of him ever since 2021. A very humble, and kind coach… looking into his hard work in his trainings, balancing with his personal and work life. Made me inspired by him.” Fakri is even eyeing a future on the global stage. “Hoping one day, I can run World Major Marathons too.”
For now, Fakri’s message to casual runners hoping to level up is straightforward and very on-brand. “Train smart, not hard. Never forget strength training. The faster you go, the easier you can get injuries. Legs might feel sore, but soreness is better than injuries.” And finally, his golden rule on race day? “Don’t follow others, Stick to your plan. It’s YOU vs YOU.”
