Salehuddin (front), Rifa'ah (left) and Anas (right) training together at Tasik Saujana, Rawang. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Running is a sport that transcends age, bringing people together and promoting physical and mental well-being.
In Malaysia, where running has become a popular activity, age has no finish line to those seeking to stay fit and active.
One such individual is 76-year-old Salehuddin Muhammad Rashid, fondly known as Coach Haji.
Despite his age, he continues to lace up his running shoes and hit the pavement with a passion that hasn’t waned over the decades.
For Salehuddin, running is more than just a way to stay fit; it’s a lifestyle that has kept him not only physically healthy, but also socially connected.
His love for running began in 1971 at the age of 18, when he was serving as a soldier in the Malaysian Armed Forces.
“I first started running while serving in the military, joining a running club called the Mad Bunch in Penang,” he recalls.
His passion for running became ingrained in his life, leading him to complete both full and half marathons over the years.
He has represented Universiti Malaya and Kuala Lumpur City Hall respectively – his two employers after leaving the military – in various running competitions, including at the Malaysian Civil Service Welfare and Sports Council (known by its Malay acronym Maksak) Games.
He shares: “I had a mentor, Abdul Rahman KoyaKutty, a national runner, who guided me during my early running days.
“He instilled in me the importance of discipline and consistent training.”
Even a near-fatal accident in 1996 didn’t turn Salehuddin off running.
He recalls: “After finishing a race, I fell off my motorbike and broke both arms, lost several teeth and suffered other injuries.
“But quitting never crossed my mind.”
After months of recovery, he was soon back on track, training and competing again.
But Salehuddin hasn’t kept his passion for running to himself; he continues to both run and share his knowledge with others interested in the sport through an active running group.
Fitness and bonding
Starting with a few dedicated individuals in 2015, the Saujana and BCH running group co-founded by Salehuddin has grown into a thriving community of passionate runners based in Rawang, Selangor.
Initially known as the BCH Runners, the group expanded in 2019 to include runners from nearby neighbourhoods and was renamed the BCH Saujana Runners.
Over 100 people have joined the group since its inception, although many have come and gone.
Today, the group has around 40 active members, who meet regularly at Tasik Saujana on weekend mornings.
All members are notified in advance of the runs, and interested non-members are also welcomed to join in.
Long-distance runs, covering 21 to 30km, are a group tradition, taking place once or twice a month to promote discipline and teamwork.
After these runs, members gather for a potluck meal, which helps strengthen the camaraderie and bonds among the members.
“We celebrate festive occasions, share meals, and support each other through difficult times,” shares community member Muhammad Rifa’ah Mohd Azri.
In fact, when a fellow runner suffered a serious accident, the community raised funds to support his recovery, highlighting the close-knit bonds that Salehuddin has helped foster in the group.
Salehuddin (sitting, third from left), Anas (sitting, second from left), Rifa’ah (sitting, second from right) and their fellow BCH Saujana Runners pose for a post-run photo, which is sent to the community’s WhatsApp group with the caption ‘Laporan pagi ini’ (This morning’s report).
Providing inspiration and discipline
Rifa’ah, 39, was among the early members of the running community.
He shares: “Before meeting Haji, running wasn’t a regular part of my life.
“I used to run for my school team, but (after finishing school) my focus shifted to other sports and work.
“Seeing Haji already in his 70s running daily inspired me.
“His dedication reignited my passion for running, and soon, we were training almost every day.”
Rifa’ah recalls how Salehuddin trained him individually, pushing him to gradually increase his running distance.
“Haji’s guidance was key. He encouraged us to start with 3km, then 5km, and eventually, more.
“Now, I’ve completed three full marathons,” he says.
Running alongside Salehuddin, who is nearly 40 years older than him, serves as a constant reminder of what dedication and discipline can achieve, no matter one’s age.
“Running with him is humbling,” says Rifa’ah.
“He never gives up, and his motivation inspires all of us.”
Salehuddin’s approach to training is all about planning for success.
“If you’re preparing for a 42km marathon, you train for a distance of up to 45km.
“This ensures you’re ready physically and mentally,” he explains.
Rifa’ah fondly remembers his first full marathon: “I hadn’t trained properly, and I was in terrible shape afterward.
“I couldn’t sit, stand or walk without pain for days.
“But finishing that race, even with all the pain, taught me the importance of consistent training – something Haji has always emphasised.”
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Salehuddin’s dedication to his runners extends beyond coming up with training plans; he stays engaged with the group, providing encouragement during difficult moments.
“When someone feels like quitting, Haji runs beside them, reminding them that they’re capable,” says Rifa’ah.
“He’d even run in place if someone stops, mentally pushing us to keep going.”
Coaching to success
Salehuddin has collected around 400 medals, trophies and other commemorative items since he began his running journey in 1971.
Anas Rosli, 28, also credits Salehuddin for much of his success.
“I first met Coach Haji in 2014 after an injury forced me to stop playing football,” he recalls.
As his fitness declined, he turned to running to regain his conditioning.
Their early runs were casual, but Salehuddin saw potential in Anas and gently encouraged him to keep going.
Over time, their runs became more regular and Anas began to see the results of his hard work, including finishing first place in the Men’s Open category at the 2018 Standard Chartered Half Marathon, as well as at the 2022 JomRun KL Tower International Towerthon Challenge.
In further validation and support of his competitive running journey, he recently received sponsorship from Japanese sportswear company Asics.
“Without a coach, there would be no real drive to run,” says Anas.
“The consistency and discipline Coach Haji instilled in me helped me push through, even when training felt difficult.”
His training regimen now includes a mix of interval, speed and long-distance runs.
On long-distance days, Salehuddin follows him on his motorbike, covering distances of 25-30km.
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Anas, who helps tend his family’s orchard, credits much of his success to the mental and strategic insights Salehuddin has shared over the years.
“What sets Coach Haji apart from other coaches is his wealth of experience,” he says.
“He brings decades of knowledge from his military days to his time as an athlete, and despite his age, he continues to inspire us all.”
Running for health
For Salehuddin himself, running has always been about maintaining good health.
“I don’t have any health issues. Every six months, I go for a check-up to ensure I’m healthy,” he shares.
“I check my blood, see the doctor, and monitor for high blood pressure and diabetes.”
He credits his health to regular exercise and a balanced diet.
“I avoid junk food, limit sugar intake and never overeat. That’s why I’ve stayed healthy.”
He doesn’t plan to end his running journey any time soon.
“I plan to keep running as long as I can,” he says.
“I want to inspire others to stay active, no matter their age.”
