Man runs London marathon in baju Melayu
There are countless inspiring stories about locals taking centre stage at home and abroad, whether it’s for entertainment or creating social change.
Recently stepping into the spotlight is this Malaysian man, who set a Guinness World Record by becoming the Fastest Full Marathon runner in Traditional Malay Dress (Male) at a marathon held in London on 23rd April 2023.
He donned the traditional garb to promote local culture, and his story has been making Malaysians proud.
Marathon runner seen garbed in Baju Melayu
Image credit: @edansyah via Instagram
The TCS London Marathon 2023 was held on 23rd April, Sunday. Joining the race was Mohd Syahidan Alias, a 36-year-old certified fitness coach from Malaysia who turned heads for his attire. Ditching the usual dri-fit outfits, he instead went with a Baju Melayu, or traditional Malay attire for men, for the marathon.
The outfit comprised a striking red-and-blue kain samping, paired with yellow sports shoes – a nod to the harmonious colours of our beloved Jalur Gemilang.
Alias also shared with local media that he wanted to creatively showcase the cultural heritage of our country, even going so far as to run in the somewhat restrictive traditional waist cloth.
Image credit: @edansyah via Instagram
The proud marathon runner has been sharing the feat on his social media, and it quickly garnered attention from locals who congratulated him on his outstanding performance at the marathon.
A new Guiness World Record as the fastest costumed runner
Image credit: @edansyah via Instagram
The certified coach also received numerous compliments from Malaysians for setting a new Guinness World Record. He’s officially the Guinness World Record Holder for the Fastest Full Marathon (42.2km) in Traditional Malay Dress (Male).
He completed the 42.2km-long marathon in under 3 hours, with an impressive time record of 2 hours and 49 minutes.
Image credit: @edansyah via Instagram
Alias is also well-known for donning a national flag costume at the Blackmores Running Festival held in Sydney, Australia, back in 2018. He’s also the first Malaysian to have participated in six world marathons in just under three hours.
Malaysian man completes marathon in traditional Baju Melayu
Malaysia is rich with culture, and one of the things we take pride in is our traditional costumes. So it’s remarkable to see this Malaysian man proudly displaying our ethnic garment abroad, and setting an impressive world record while at it.
Also read on how this mum of two from Ipoh made Malaysians proud when she was crowned Mrs Tourism Queen International at a pageant in Thailand.
Cover image adapted from: @edansyah via Instagram, @edansyah via Instagram
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