Zukarnain Mat Nor didn’t just show up at Ecotrail Putrajaya 2025, he showed up ready to own the trail. With months of calculated preparation and a clear target in mind, he powered through 80 kilometres to claim the Men Open title in 8 hours, 26 minutes, and 8 seconds.

Just over a year ago, he was recovering from a serious cycling crash that left him with a broken shoulder and a wave of trauma. “I used to be a cyclist,” he shares. “That moment became a turning point.” Instead of giving up, he pivoted. Trail running offered a new path, and Zukarnain took it seriously.

He began studying the sport in detail—analysing training data, planning his nutrition, mapping race strategy, and tapering with discipline. “I enjoy training with intention and efficiency. For me, progress is built through discipline. The process always comes first.”

At Ecotrail Putrajaya, all of that came together. His strategy was simple: aim to finish under eight and a half hours, break the route into sections, and treat every checkpoint as a mini goal. At the halfway point—40 kilometres—he clocked 4 hours and 5 minutes. “I knew I was on track,” he said. “But this is an endurance game. Anything can happen.”

The final 10 kilometres tested him the most. “The heat was punishing. It turned into survival mode. I just focused on moving forward, counting steps.”

He had prepared for exactly that. “I went into the race expecting the worst, including dehydration, getting lost, and injury. That mindset helped me stay alert and ready to adapt.” Nutrition was another key pillar. “I consumed the sodium and gels within the intended timing and never skipped some solid foods at the checkpoint.” His tapering was just as intentional. “I stopped running two days before the race so my muscles were fully recovered and ready to race.”

Despite winning the Men Open category, Zukarnain wasn’t the fastest on the course. Veteran runner Yih Huan Sua completed the race in 7 hours, 53 minutes, and 47 seconds—the fastest overall time. Zukarnain holds Yih in high regard. “He’s on another level. A legend in this field. I just tried to close the gap. It was a great experience racing alongside him.”

For Zukarnain, the real victory wasn’t the title or the trophy. “Victory is subjective. It’s not just about medals. It’s about achieving what I set out to do. Sticking to my plan, hitting my target time, and finding personal satisfaction—that’s the real win.”

He’s now setting his sights on a 100-kilometre debut, though he insists there’s no rush. “That kind of distance needs careful planning. There’s still so much to learn.” International events are also on the radar, possibly as soon as next year.

While some may now look up to him as a role model, he’s not too quick to accept that title. “I don’t see myself as a mentor yet. I’m still learning. But I’m always open to sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas with others.” He credits much of his progress to the people around him, especially his circle of friends and training group, Pelari Gunung Selatan. “Without them, I wouldn’t be improving or growing—whether as an athlete or a person.”

Asked what he hopes people associate with his name after this race, his answer is humble and clear. “Someone who stayed grounded, respected the process, and kept improving.”

 

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If he had to sum up the whole experience in one word, it would be this: “Grateful. For the experience, the support, and the chance to do what I love in such a beautiful setting.”

Then, almost self-effacingly, he adds, “Honestly, I’m not even sure I deserve this interview.”

But perhaps that’s exactly why it’s worth telling his story.