Muhaizar aims to be first Malaysian to win marathon gold

NO Malaysian man or woman has ever won a medal in the SEA Games marathon.

So it does come as a surprise that three-time Standard Chartered KL Marathon champion (local category) Muhaizar Mohamad is gunning to be the first Malaysian to win a gold in the men’s category when the Games marathon events are held in Putrajaya (6am) today.

The 32-year-old Armed Forces personnel is confident he can end Malaysia’s medal drought by finishing on top of the podium after clocking a personal best of 2’35:55 in the 42km race in the KL Marathon in May.

Muhaizar, who is a sergeant at the Sg Udang camp in Melaka, said it would be a dream come true if he can win the elusive marathon gold.

“Malaysia has produced many long distance runners but none ever managed to get the gold," said Muhaizar, who spent three weeks training at high altitude in Baguio, the Philippines, last month.

“Even tiny Singapore, with such a small population (of five million), won gold in their home Games two years ago.

“I’m ready for the gruelling challenge. It will be great if I can upstage marathoners from the other countries and create history for Malaysia.”

Fifteen athletes will feature in men’s marathon but only six in the women’s category.

The other Malaysian featuring in men’s marathon is Taiwanbased Tan Huong Leong, who holds the national record of 2’28:19 set at the Tokyo Marathon in February.

However, Huong Leong finished second to Muhaizer in the KL Marathon in May.

Singapore’s Soh Rui Yong Guillauma will defend the gold he won two years ago.

Malaysia do not have any runners in women’s event.