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[ToughASIA Exclusive] Leo Tan’s Marathon Triumph: A Record-Breaking Journey to Glory

Photo by Leo Tan

In an exclusive interview with ToughASIA, we explored the extraordinary journey of Malaysian running sensation Tan Huong Leong (Leo), as he shared the untold story behind his historic achievement at the Fukuoka International Marathon 2023.

Breaking Malaysia’s national marathon record with an outstanding time of 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 34 seconds, Leo walked us through the highs and lows of his path to his achievement.

ToughASIA: Leo, congratulations on your outstanding performance at the Fukuoka International Marathon 2023. Can you take us through the moment when you realised you had not only surpassed your personal best but also clinched a new national record?

Leo: Thank you. It was an incredible moment. As I crossed the finish line, the realisation hit me – not only had I exceeded my personal best, but I had also set a new national record. It was a mix of surprise and sheer elation.

ToughASIA: The race conditions favoured you, and your pacing strategy played a pivotal role. Could you elaborate on your mindset during the race and how you managed to sustain such a rapid pace?

Leo: Absolutely. The weather worked in our favor, and I made the decision to stick with runners of a similar caliber. It was all about strategic decisions and adapting to the race dynamics. Slowing down in the later stages was part of the plan, and fortunately, it paid off.

ToughASIA: Managing rhythm and nutrition is crucial in marathons. How did you approach these aspects, and do you attribute them significantly to your success?

Leo: In the lead-up to the race, I fine-tuned my running volume and ensured my long runs mirrored the race pace. Nutrition-wise, simplicity was key – a diet rich in dark-colored fruits and vegetables. The routine I followed during training seamlessly translated to race day.

Photo by Leo Tan

ToughASIA: Looking forward, you mentioned plans for the Tokyo Marathon in 2024. Are there any adjustments to your training approach or goals post this record-breaking achievement?

Leo: Tokyo is definitely on the horizon, but I won’t be making substantial changes. Balancing work commitments means I need to stay practical. Consistency has been my foundation, and I’ll stick to what has proven effective.

ToughASIA: How do you reflect on the monumental feat of breaking the Malaysian national marathon record while juggling a part-time training schedule?

Leo: It’s been a journey of challenges. Balancing work and training is no easy task, but it adds depth to the achievement. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received and hope it resonates with others navigating similar demands.

ToughASIA: As we conclude, any advice for budding marathon enthusiasts, considering your distinctive journey and recent success?

Leo: Certainly. For beginners, focus on speed before tackling marathons. If possible, explore races in countries with higher standards. The experience is invaluable for personal growth.

We wish Leo all the best in his future endeavors, confident that his inspiring journey will continue to motivate and captivate the local and global running community.