Introducing Saucony Malaysia's Ambassadors

At Saucony, we existed because of runners and it's runners that inspire and drive us to go further. And together with elite athletes and ambassadors around the world, new ideas and inspiration are born to further improve ourselves. Over at Saucony Malaysia, we drive the same manifesto and have our very own ambassadors to drive us. The 3 of them has been a driving force behind the brand, representing Saucony out on the field and filling us with ideas at the back end. We are proud to have them on board and here's just for you to get to know them better. Do say "HI" should you meet them running or training somewhere near you.

TAN ZIJILL

Growing up, I was never into athletics and had no interest in any kind of sports. I was the classic example of an overweight child who stood at the corner at every annual Sports Day. Everything changed 2 years ago on one hot sunny evening when out of the blue I just felt like running. I did just that and never looked back. Not long after that, I joined a running bootcamp to learn more about running and to meet other runners. It gave me just enough confidence to attempt my first 10K at Siemens Run 2011 and the subsequently a big step towards my first PJ Half Marathon 2011. I attempted my first Full Marathon at the Penang Bridge International Marathon a year later and surprised myself with an 11th placing in the Malaysian Women Category.

Running has always been my private time which I safeguard dearly but as time passed, I realized a large part of what kept me going was my running mates. Taking up this sport has also brought me closer to my family. I try to bring my mom to most of my races so she could see and participate in the excitement and camaraderie that comes with each event. My dad is always the first to ask me how I did in my race and it means a lot to me to have their support.

While running has a huge part in my life, the other love I have is music. I am constantly on the lookout for new music as well as discovering and reliving music from the past. Music, like running knows no boundaries. It’s the language of the universe.

I count my blessings every time I head out the door for a run as there are many who are not able to be in my shoes. Therefore, every race that I join means a lot to me as it gives me another chance to go out there and give my best, no matter the distance or reputation of the race.

Favourite running distance – 42.195KM (official marathon distance)

Favourite running shoe – Saucony Kinvara 4

JASON TAN

Jason is a born and bred Penangite. He led an active lifestyle during his childhood days. As one of the leaders of his school’s scouting movement, he spent countless hours in outdoor adventures. He also had a short stint of representing his school in short distance running races.

Upon completing his secondary education, Jason went to Nilai to pursue his undergraduate degree. He led a sedentary lifestyle during this period which saw his weight ballooned by 40kg. By the time he left his university, his weighing scale tipped at 92kg.

Life went on for him until 2012 when he suddenly felt a series of shortness of breath and chronic fatigue. Realizing his unfit state, he began to look for a sport which would return him to a better shape. He took up running and signed up for his first 10km race in June 2012 (Standard Chartered KL Marathon). Running was difficult for him at the beginning but he soon became a running enthusiast and completed 14 races in 6 months (including finishing a full marathon).

Today, Jason weighs about 69kg and can be seen training regularly at Desa Park City. Jason is also deeply passionate in using running as a platform to raise awareness for charitable causes.

Jason works as an IT lecturer at SEGi University College. He is also an avid reader and when he’s not running, he prefers to spend his time with a book and a cup of coffee.

Favourite running distance – Anything ultra marathon (beyond 42.195KM)

Favourite running shoe – Saucony Mirage 3

FRANK CHONG

Frank was born the only child in the family back at the town of Johor Bahru. Raised and completed his primary and secondary education back there, he soon moved up to the Klang Valley to pursue his tertiary education before joining the workforce in the corporate IT sector for 6 years before moving on the sports, health and fitness sector and finally currently in the sports retail management sector.

Frank started running since young following his dad to the park for evening jogs. While in his teens, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer call Rhabdomyosarcoma that affects the connective tissues and muscles on his left wrist.

Upon successful treatment and declared cancer free in 1994, Frank ventured into mountain biking and after a successful spell in the sport, Frank decided to call it a day.

While pursuing courses in fitness certification and sports medicine, Frank ventured into serious running participating in running events in year 2007 and has never look back since. He also has successfully completed the Comrades Marathon twice, the world’s oldest and also regarded as the world’s toughest road race at South Africa. With the knowledge and certification acquired, Frank has successfully trained 43 normal individuals in tackling their first marathon distance in a short span of just 2 years. Today, Frank no longer provides personal training but instead still do give advice and guidance to runners and also assistance to running event organizers.

Outside the world of running, Frank manages the day to day operations of a speciality running retail outlet and also supporting his charity cause for cancer research together with CARIF (Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation) under the Be Frank initiatives which was inspired by him. Frank is also the Malaysia official ambassador to the Comrades Marathon Association.

Favourite running distance - 89.28KM (official Comrades Marathon distance)
Favourite running shoe - Saucony Kinvara 3 and 4