KUALA LUMPUR — What began as a simple jog to manage high blood pressure has grown into a story of dreams, discipline, and national ambition.
Mohd Khairuz Zaiem Mohmood Nor, a technician from Kampung Raja Besut, received a wake-up call during Malaysia’s Covid-19 lockdown.
A routine blood test revealed elevated blood pressure — a silent threat that demanded change.
Instead of ignoring the warning signs, he laced up a pair of running shoes — and soon fell in love with marathon running.
“I just wanted to get healthy. But that one decision changed the direction of my entire family,” Zaiem told Scoop.
At first, his evening jogs were a personal effort to reclaim his health. But they quickly caught the attention of his three sons — Mursyid (15), Muiz (12), and Mustaqim (11).
What began as a father-son bonding activity soon became something greater: a shared passion for long-distance running.
Today, the boys are making their mark at school and national levels.
Muiz, in particular, has risen through the ranks, earning a podium finish at the National Schools Sports Council (MSSM) championships.
His brothers, Mursyid and Mustaqim, are also excelling in District Schools Sports Council (MSSD) competitions.
“I’m just a technician, but I’ll spend whatever it takes — RM3,000 a month or more — on racing shoes, extra endurance training, protein powders,” said Zaiem.
“I don’t see it as a burden. It’s a dream. I want to see my boys at Sukma, the SEA Games, maybe even the Olympics one day.”
Despite financial constraints, he refused to let a lack of resources hold his sons back.
When he realised that hiring a coach was beyond their means, he took matters into his own hands — literally.
“I didn’t know how to train them properly, and there was no one nearby to guide us. I also realised I was spending a lot on additional coaching.
“So I joined marathon and long-distance coaching courses. I’ve completed Level 1, and I sat for Level 2 last December with the Terengganu Athletics Federation. Now, I’m certified to coach grassroots athletes.
“For Level 3, I’ll go overseas if I have to,” he said.
Along the way, the boys found inspiration in national marathon runner Haziq Hamzah, whom they met in Kota Bharu in 2020 — a moment that planted a seed of belief in their young minds.
“Haziq became their role model. That photo they took with him is still up at home. It reminds them that people from places like ours can go far.”
With a routine that balances athletics by day and studies by night, Zaiem’s sons continue to push their limits. But the father’s vision reaches beyond his own family.
“I want to develop more athletes like my sons — starting from schools here in Besut. Our boys have the fire in them. They just need someone to believe in them.”
Zaiem has his sights set on Sukma 2030 for his sons’ debut with Terengganu — a far cry from the day he first jogged to lower his blood pressure.
It is understood that the 2030 edition will be hosted by the National Sports Council (NSC) in Kuala Lumpur. – June 1, 2025