KUALA LUMPUR: Haziq Hamzah works in the cyber world where energy-sapping running is far from that realm.
Remarkably, the 32-year-old IT technical staffer from Kajang is a passionate marathoner. And he ran in the Sydney Marathon in September, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes.
Haziq said his goal is to compete for Malaysia in the Sea Games.
Haziq said he was inspired to take up distance running by KL Marathon winner (Malaysian category) Muhaizar Mohamed.
"Although I have a job, I'm also very passionate about running. It has given me a sense of purpose in life. Without running I don't know what I will be doing with my life other than work and family.
"I have been running for the last 10 years, and I have had my ups and downs.
"It's a very fulfilling sport for me. And I'm keen to share with friends and my followers on social media.
"I have a personal best of 2 hours and 42 minutes, but there's always a mountain to climb," said Haziq, whose idol is Kenyan marathoner Eluid Kipchoge.
Haziq, who recently signed a sponsorship deal with ASICS, hopes to do 2 hours and 40 minutes in the Penang Bridge Marathon on Dec 17 and finish on the podium.