444km At 44 A Runner S Birthday Oath

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While many mark their birthdays with cake and candles, Noor Ainun Yeop Kamaruddin decided to run - exactly 444km - to celebrate turning 44.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, Ainun described her journey as one that was both symbolic and spiritual.
“Joining the race was a coincidence,” said the senior banker.
“The Coast to Coast ultra-marathon was scheduled for May 2025, my birthday month. I’m turning 44 this year, so I thought - why not run 444km for my 44th birthday?”
ADSThe gruelling race took Ainun from Lumut, Perak, to Bachok, Kelantan, across eight checkpoints, each averaging 50km.
She completed the ultra marathon in third place, clocking in at 114 hours, 18 minutes, and 14 seconds - just two days before her birthday on May 26.
“It felt like it was meant to be,” she said.
Throughout the race, Ainun was supported by a six-member crew travelling in three cars. Their duties ranged from charging her running watch, checking on injuries, and ensuring she could rest safely.
She credited her husband, Harris Nasril, as part of the support crew, having initially helped coordinate local companies as sponsors.
Trailblazer
Ainun’s journey to the Coast to Coast challenge began in September 2024, when she entered The Golden Panoramic ultra-marathon. Initially eyeing the 400km Route 68 event, she had to forgo it due to unmet registration requirements.
“But when I checked the Coast to Coast organiser’s Facebook page, there was only one other participant at the time. I registered in November and became the first Malaysian woman to sign up,” she said.
Of the four who registered for the event held annually since 2017, only three made it to the finish line. According to organisers, Ainun was the first local female participant to ever complete the race.
Her feat is now pending recognition by the Malaysia Book of Records, with endorsements from the event organisers and the Youth and Sports Ministry.
‘Do or die’
Despite her preparations - which included a 200km event and multiple 100km runs - Ainun said she twisted her ankle after hitting uneven ground at the 300km mark.
ADS“My ankle swelled. Even stepping on it was painful but I kept going. I made a vow - this was my dream, do or die. Even if I had to crawl to the finish, I was going to do it.
“I told myself, even if I exceeded the cut-off time, I would still finish,” she said.
Her training routine, Ainun revealed, is simple: “I don’t go to the gym. I just run around the park.”
Running solo, Ainun said, gave her space for reflection.
“I don’t sing or chant (zikir). I just look around and think - ‘this is beautiful’. When you’re alone in nature, everything becomes clearer,” she said.
Sometimes, Ainun said the pain and solitude brought back difficult memories.
“Sometimes, I get mentally overwhelmed. I remember people who used to insult me. I’d tell myself - ‘that pain was worse than what your foot is feeling now.’ So, I forged ahead.”
Post-race recovery, Ainun added, usually takes one to two weeks.
Looking beyond borders
Looking ahead, Ainun expressed interest in participating in ultramarathons abroad.
“Not the famous ones like Boston or London. I want to do ultras in Europe,” she said.
Explaining her preference, she added, “Ultras are about endurance - slow and steady. Regular marathons are more focused on speed, which leads to higher heart rates and potential injuries. At my age, I can’t go fast anymore.”
In her view, the ultra-running scene in Malaysia is growing, often with multiple events happening over the same weekend.
“For half or full marathons, things tend to be more rushed. But ultra events are more relaxed. And at every checkpoint, there are proper meals. It’s more rewarding,” she said.
Ainun is also known for her eye-catching running gear - a tutu skirt.
“When I first joined fun runs, I wore leggings and short event t-shirts. It felt a bit inappropriate, especially as a woman. I wanted something to cover up a bit more,” she said.
She eventually stumbled across a children’s tutu skirt at a DIY store. “It fit me - and it felt great. Even little kids loved it. Now I have more than 10 tutus,” she added with a laugh.
Ainun also observed that veteran runners often outperform younger competitors.
“If we’re being honest, veteran runners are usually more skilled,” she noted.
‘Call for better support’
Meanwhile, Ainun called on the Youth and Sports Ministry to help those who wish to participate in such endurance events, especially when it comes to monetary issues.
“The registration fee can be quite high. If the ministry could regulate or subsidise them, it would really help more people get involved,” she said.
With her story of perseverance, quiet strength, and colourful tutus, Ainun proves that some people really do run their own race - one kilometre, and one birthday wish, at a time.
MALAYSIANSKINI is a series on Malaysians you should know.

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