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The Journey Within: How Chai Yee Ling Conquered the 162km UiTM Ultra 2025

For most runners, the idea of tackling a 162km ultramarathon is enough to send them straight to the drawing board of strategies and training plans. But for Chai Yee Ling, the recent UiTM Ultra race, where she secured a second-place finish in the Women’s Open category with a time of 29:07:14, became an unexpected test of both physical endurance and mental fortitude.

Unlike many ultrarunners who meticulously prepare for months, Chai approached this race with a more laid-back attitude, knowing that the journey would demand both flexibility and patience. Her path to the 162km race wasn’t paved with perfect training plans and a carefully executed regimen. Instead, it was inspired by something more spontaneous: the camaraderie of friends and a shift in perspective that would prove key to her success.

It all started with her ANYTIME FUN group friends, who had run the 104km race the previous year. Chai, ever eager to challenge herself, initially signed up for the 104km. But fate intervened when one of her friends, on the hunt for female runners for the longer 162km race, encouraged her to step up. Faced with the decision to either stick with the 104km or go for the 100-mile challenge, Chai chose to push beyond her comfort zone, unknowingly embarking on a race that would reveal the power of embracing the struggle.

“At first, I thought I was crazy for signing up for 162km,” she admitted. “But once I started, I realised I could do more than I thought. It was more about staying in the moment than chasing any specific goal.”

Unlike other ultrarunners, Chai didn’t focus on meticulously planned training. She didn’t map out her every move, but she trusted the strength of her foundation—the consistent blend of running and hiking that formed the core of her fitness. However, this race presented unforeseen challenges from the start. Her right hamstring, not fully recovered from a previous race, started to act up after the first 42km, forcing her to adjust her expectations.

Instead of being frustrated by this setback, Chai chose to slow down and enjoy the experience, taking in the camaraderie of fellow runners and the beautiful yet demanding terrain of the UiTM Ultra. “I shifted my mindset to embrace the journey,” Chai reflected. “I didn’t have to prove anything. I just had to keep moving forward.”

The race was gruelling. The hilly terrain tested her strength with each climb, especially on the notorious Bukit Tonggek, which took everything she had. The extreme heat and fatigue were brutal, and there were moments where sleepiness made her feel like a zombie. Yet, despite the challenges, Chai discovered a new resilience within herself—one that didn’t rely on speed but on patience and persistence.

Throughout the race, Chai drew strength from the unwavering support of her friends and fellow runners. “There were so many people cheering me on, believing in me, and sending me motivation and positive quotes to keep me going. Even though I was running alone, I knew I wasn’t truly alone,” Chai said. “I didn’t want to let them down, and that thought kept me from giving up.”

One of the race’s most memorable moments came when Chai was nearing the halfway point and felt herself slipping into a deep physical and mental fatigue. The road ahead seemed insurmountable, and she thought about quitting. But two of her close friends were there to offer some much-needed encouragement.

“They told me it was still early, and I had time to finish. Their support helped me switch my mindset. I realised that as long as I kept moving, I would finish,” Chai said.

Instead of pushing through every moment of pain, Chai adopted a new strategy: relax and focus on recovery. She switched between walking and running, giving her muscles time to recover while still covering ground. The support of other runners, the volunteers at the checkpoints, and the food and drinks at each station became her source of motivation to keep going.

Photo by Shutter Sports

“I started to see the race as a series of small wins—getting to the next checkpoint, keeping up with my friends, and enjoying the little things like food and water,” she said. “It was about not letting myself get lost in the distance or the struggle.”

This more flexible approach to racing helped Chai avoid the burnout that often accompanies ultramarathons. When fatigue hit hard, she listened to her body and knew when to rest. At one checkpoint, she even took a short nap to recharge before continuing the journey. These small adjustments made all the difference and helped her finish the race strong.

Despite the pain and exhaustion, crossing the finish line was a moment of pure joy. Chai, who had been emotionally drained during the last few laps, felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and relief when she saw her friend waiting for her. “It wasn’t just about finishing. It was about learning how to stay calm and embrace the challenges along the way,” she said.

Reflecting on her performance, Chai realised that her second-place finish wasn’t just a victory of physical endurance. It was a triumph of mental strength, flexibility, and adaptability. She didn’t race to hit a specific time or distance; she raced to discover what she was capable of when she allowed herself to embrace the struggle rather than resist it.

“This race taught me that I don’t need to be perfect,” Chai explained. “I just need to keep going, take things one step at a time, and learn to enjoy the ride, even when it’s tough.”

Chai Yee Ling’s story at the UiTM Ultra is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest victories come not from conquering the race but from embracing the struggle. And as she looks towards future challenges, Chai knows that it’s not the finish line that defines her journey—it’s the way she handles every step along the way.