A Casual Idea in Kuching Becomes a Youth Running Community
In Kuching, the Kepak Running Club (KRC) shows how a simple idea can evolve into a structured youth running community. What began in August 2025 as a casual plan to help young people live healthier has grown into an organised Malaysia running club with clear goals and leadership. Founded by 27-year-old Mohd Shaffiq, known as Pakapik, with community leader Mohd Hidayat, KRC focuses on healthy lifestyle, friendship and unity among local youth. The club now counts 52 active members who commit to regular morning and evening runs. Members say the routine has reshaped their daily lives, replacing late-night hanging out with “healthy lepak” after easy runs and earlier bedtimes. Beyond fitness, KRC functions as a social platform where young Sarawakians can meet, share goals and build positive habits together, demonstrating how accessible running can anchor a broader youth movement.
Why Community Running Clubs Matter for Malaysian Youth
Community running groups like KRC offer low-cost, accessible entry points into distance running for young Malaysians who may not have formal coaching or expensive gear. In Kuching, KRC members join weekly long runs, occasional hikes and public initiatives such as Pagi Tanpa Kenderaan Kuching, using existing roads and parks instead of private facilities. This keeps barriers to entry low while giving newcomers structure and motivation. Young runners interviewed through KRC stress how running in a group pushes them to stay consistent, overcome laziness and think long term about health. Instead of training alone, they gain peer support, shared goals and informal mentorship from more experienced runners. For many, the club becomes a safe, supportive youth running community that encourages discipline, time management and self-belief—skills that carry over into studies, work and family life, and help normalise an active, healthy lifestyle in Malaysia’s cities.
HSL Samarahan Marathon: A Growing Sarawak Marathon Event
If clubs like KRC are the training ground, the HSL Samarahan Marathon is where Sarawak’s running culture takes centre stage. Returning for its fifth edition, the 2026 HSL Samarahan Marathon is set to attract more than 2,000 participants, cementing its status as a key Sarawak marathon event. The half marathon distance of 21.1km remains the most popular, drawing around 1,000 runners, while 10km, 6km and 3km categories open the door to beginners, families and casual joggers from across Malaysia and abroad, including participants from Korea, China and several African countries. Past champions such as Team Haolian and Malaysian ultra record holder Sally Yap are expected back, giving local youth the chance to race alongside elite names. Themed race shirts, medals and finisher rewards inspired by retro games and the Year of the Horse add a festival feel that keeps younger runners engaged and excited.
Collaboration, Safety and Inclusivity on Race Day
The Samarahan Marathon also illustrates how community events can grow through partnerships and a firm focus on safety. Organiser HSL is collaborating with national fitness brand Level Up Fitness to deliver added value at the 2026 race. During race kit collection on 15 and 16 May, Level Up trainers will run practical fitness sessions and interactive games at La Promenade Mall, alongside a dedicated runners’ expo, turning logistics into a learning and social experience. On race day, a mass warm-up session from 3.30am to 6.00am helps runners of all levels get ready. Safety has been significantly upgraded in cooperation with City Joggers Club and the Malaysian Red Crescent, including mobile ambulances along the route, full medical teams and cooling measures such as ice packs to counter Sarawak’s heat and humidity. Learning from Singapore races, organisers even paused the full marathon category this year due to major construction, showing that inclusivity and prudence can go hand in hand.
How to Join the Movement: Finding a Club and Preparing for Your First Race
For Malaysians inspired by Sarawak’s example, joining a Malaysia running club can be as simple as searching Instagram or Facebook for local groups, asking at nearby gyms, or joining city initiatives like car-free mornings and community fun runs. When you attend your first group run, expect an easy pace, brief introductions and basic safety reminders; most clubs welcome all fitness levels, so communicate honestly about your experience. To prepare for a first 10km or half marathon, plan at least three runs a week, with one slightly longer run that you extend gradually, plus simple strength or mobility work. Focus on comfortable, conversational pace, proper hydration and adequate sleep rather than speed. Clubs like Kepak Running Club show that consistency, peer support and clear health goals matter more than fancy gear. Start small, show up regularly and let the group energy carry you toward your first finish line.
