Unstoppable: Nor Amin Conquers Dehydration and Blood in Urine to Secure UiTM Ultra 2025 Win
In ultra-running, the difference between victory and defeat is often not just about speed, but the ability to adapt when things go wrong. For Nor Amin Mohd, the 52km Men Veteran champion of the UiTM Ultra 2025, it was his mental resilience and sheer determination that saw him through one of the toughest tests of his endurance career.
With a remarkable net time of 4:47:56, Nor Amin’s victory didn’t just come from outpacing his competitors; it came from conquering an extraordinary challenge that could have easily derailed most runners. At the 30km mark, he was struck by a sudden onset of dehydration and bloody urine, symptoms that would have made many consider quitting. But Nor Amin’s story wasn’t just about physical endurance—it was about his ability to persevere when his body seemed to betray him.
“I knew I was dehydrated, and seeing bloody urine was a wake-up call,” Nor Amin confessed. “But I didn’t panic. I focused on what I could control: hydration, electrolytes, and staying calm. I knew that if I could just get through the next few kilometres, I had a shot at finishing.”
For Nor Amin, this wasn’t his first time competing in ultra-marathons, but it was the first time he faced such a severe challenge mid-race. Having been running since 2013, he had faced his share of obstacles, but nothing as severe as this. In his previous years at the UiTM Ultra, he’d placed second in the Men’s Open category, a reflection of his consistency and growing prowess. But as he started the 52km course in 2025, he faced the harsh realities of the race that no amount of preparation could have prepared him for.
The 52km race, with its notoriously hilly terrain—including the brutal climbs of Bukit Tonggek, Bukit Chancellory, and Bukit Seroja—had already tested Nor Amin’s endurance. He had meticulously prepared for the event with weeks of route simulations and hill-focused training. But despite his careful planning, the physical toll of the race became undeniable once his body started to show signs of distress.
But rather than give in to frustration or fear, Nor Amin adapted. At each water station, he took the necessary breaks to rehydrate and replenish with electrolytes. He also adjusted his pace, focusing on maintaining his energy for the long run ahead, even though the finish line still seemed far off.
“There’s a mental game that happens during these ultra-races,” Nor Amin explained. “At kilometre 30, I could have given up. But I kept thinking of the finish line and all the work I’d put in to get there. It wasn’t just about the physical race anymore—it was about the mental battle.”
His ability to push through that difficult moment speaks volumes about his strength as a veteran runner. Nor Amin’s training had instilled in him not just the physical endurance to tackle long distances, but the mental toughness to handle moments of crisis. His strategies to deal with the unexpected setbacks paid off, and he crossed the finish line victorious, not just as the Men Veteran champion but as a symbol of what it takes to persevere in the face of adversity.
“This win means a lot to me,” he reflected. “It wasn’t just about being the first to finish. It was about overcoming something that could have stopped me. It proves that, with the right mindset, you can face anything.”
For Nor Amin, his victory wasn’t just about his place in the race—it was about the deeper lessons learned from overcoming setbacks. The race was a reminder of how ultra-running isn’t just about the body; it’s about the mind’s ability to power through when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This victory serves as a reminder that mental resilience is just as crucial as physical training, especially when the body doesn’t cooperate.
Looking ahead, Nor Amin is already setting his sights on more challenges, including the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon and the Powerman Duathlon in 2025. His journey in ultra-running continues to inspire those who may doubt their own potential, especially those in the veteran category who may face similar struggles.
“Don’t let age or any obstacle stop you,” Nor Amin advises. “If I can keep going, so can anyone. It’s all about pacing yourself and having the mental strength to keep moving forward.”
As he continues to inspire runners young and old, Nor Amin’s victory at the UiTM Ultra 2025 proves that true champions aren’t just defined by their physical prowess—they are defined by their ability to endure, adapt, and rise above every setback that comes their way.