From KL to Boston: meet marathon man Awan Run

Azwan Bunjing, aka Awan Run, at the Sydney Marathon in 2023, which he says was his toughest marathon to date. (Awan Run pic)

PETALING JAYA: For Azwan Bunjing, running is an escape – a form of therapy from the stresses of the world. Every time he takes to the road, he feels a sense of freedom wash over him, allowing his mind to reset and refocus.

“Running makes my body feel stronger. Before I started running, I used to be too skinny and I got sick often. It also helps me see how good I can be, because running is a sport where whatever you give is whatever you get back,” Azwan told FMT Lifestyle.

The 36-year-old, who is popularly known as Awan Run, added that to him, running is simple: “I just need to lace up my shoes, get out of the house and run.”

It should be no surprise that Awan is a passionate competitive runner who has completed full marathons in Kuala Lumpur, Osaka, Seoul, Dubai and Sydney, as well as many other shorter-distance runs.

He is also the captain of adidas Runners KL, and is the co-founder of a running community called Working Class Champs.

Curiously, the Sandakan-born father of one hadn’t initially intended to get into this activity. While studying for his economics degree at Universiti Malaya, he’d decided to join running programmes to boost his list of co-curricular activities.

“It was also a good way to get extra pocket money,” he revealed with a laugh. “As a student, you wouldn’t have much cash, but in a race there was a chance to win a nice food hamper, or something like a printer or hard drive you could sell.”

Awan practically floating like a cloud during the Osaka Marathon last year. (Awan Run pic)

Eventually focusing on long-distance running, he ended up joining intercollege teams and would go on to win win silver medals for 5,000m and 10,000m runs at the 2013 Malaysian University Sports Council (Masum) athletics.

In 2018, Awan won a silver medal at the 95th Malaysia Open National Athletics Championship in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. Two years ago, he ran his first marathon, in Seoul. There, he clocked his fastest time so far: 2 hours, 40 minutes and 31 seconds.

Asked about his most difficult marathon experience, Awan cites his time at the Sydney Marathon in 2023.

“It was so hilly and it had been a warm day. I ended up with a lot of cramps. At one point I had to stop by the roadside, and two kind ladies gave me an electrolyte stick and water. It was tough, but I’m glad I managed to finish it.

“It was a good lesson though,” he reflected. “It taught me never to run too fast at the start of a marathon.”

Then, just last year, he managed to fulfil a personal dream by participating in the Boston Marathon, the oldest and most prestigious race in the world.

Awan managed to fulfil his personal dream of participating in the Boston Marathon last year, which was not without its share of challenges. (Awan Run pic)

It wasn’t without its share of challenges. He’d recently suffered a small tear in his leg, affecting his ability to run and requiring him to pursue his mission with the help of his doctor and physiotherapist.

Also, the holy month of Ramadan had preceded the event, which meant he’d had to train for the marathon while fasting.

Despite these factors, Awan still managed to finish – an accomplishment he views as the pinnacle of his running career so far.

“When I passed the finish line, it was so emotional. I reflected on how challenging the whole process had been, and all I had been through. It was amazing.

“There was a celebration throughout the town. The people of Boston were very supportive: every time they saw anyone with a finisher’s medal, they would cheer and welcome them.”

Awan is now preparing for this year’s Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon, and he also hopes to participate in the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a series of seven of the world’s most famous marathons.

With Boston down, he has Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and a second try at Sydney to go!

Having completed last year’s KL Standard Chartered Marathon, he is now preparing for this year’s event. (Awan Run pic)

Ultimately, Awan said, running is a life-changing sport. “It gives me confidence that translates into other aspects of my job.

“And it’s all about consistency,” he advised. “Keep putting in the effort and you should do great.”