Age No Barrier To Participating In Runs, Extreme Sports 

By Anis Nabilla Md Wazilah

KUANTAN, May 31 (Bernama) – Impressive. That’s the word that comes to mind upon seeing these three senior citizens complete a 10-kilometre run at an event in Sungai Lembing here, last Sunday.

Fitness enthusiasts Datuk Dr Wan Mohammad Zaidi Wan Isa, 60; Datuk Abdul Walid Abu Hassan, 62; and Yahaya Tahir, 59, in fact, emerged champions in the veteran men’s category.

They proved that age is just a number by completing the run in under one hour and 34 minutes.

The three friends also competed in an extreme sports event held in Raub, Pahang, in February. Participants, grouped in teams of 10, were challenged to run over 10 kilometres while carrying a five-kilogramme load. The course, set in a forested area, included crossing a river and hilly terrain. The trio went on to win first place in the VIP category. 

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Wan Mohammad Zaidi, who retired as director of the Fire and Rescue Department Pahang earlier this year, said he took part in the event to challenge himself, as well as to stay healthy and energetic.

“We also managed to conquer Mount Kinabalu (Sabah) in April... but we’re not doing all this just to win, it’s about staying healthy, active and positive.

“When participating in activities like these, a person needs mental strength and must remain positive in order to overcome the challenges,” he said when met by Bernama after completing the recent run in Sungai Lembing.

The father of three and grandfather of seven said his passion for sports is also driven by his desire to inspire his 29-year-old son, who is currently battling colon cancer.

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Abdul Walid, who is Pahang Syarie Chief Judge, said his daily schedule is not only packed with official duties but also fitness activities.

He said the demands of his job also require him to remain healthy and energetic to perform his responsibilities efficiently.

“I’ve been passionate about sports since secondary school and have maintained that interest until now. Every day I make sure to exercise. At the very least, I walk three km. I also take stingless bee honey every morning to stay fit,” said the father of six and grandfather of six.

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For Yahya, a senior officer at the Pahang Education Department, participating in sports is more than just a hobby – he considers it a “weapon” to keep illnesses away

Turning 60 next January, he said that living a healthy lifestyle has become his priority, especially as he grows older.

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“The older you get, the more you need to take care of your health. So this is among my efforts to ensure my health remains in good condition. I hope to stay active even after retirement,” he added.

-- BERNAMA