This work is originally published by Cahya Mata Sarawak. DayakDaily has been given permission to share this story on our platforms.
By Martin Yee, Kenny Ee, and Marlynda Meraw
CHIL Razak, the Marathon Man of the 1970s, carved his name into Sarawak’s history with every mile he ran. He succeeded Grambeh Arip, the ‘grand-dad’ of long-distance running, and went on to dominate the distance races for almost two decades. Chil was the first person in Sarawak on record to attempt the marathon, a feat that mirrored his love for the sport—a love that launched him into the hearts of his fellow Sarawakians.
Together with his younger brother, Saidi Razak, Chil epitomised the growing passion for long-distance running as the sport gained worldwide popularity in the late 1970s. The brothers became the faces of the sport in Sarawak, shaping the marathon scene as it bloomed across the globe. For Chil, however, marathon races came later in his career as in his earlier days, he was more inclined towards road races and the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres events at the State meets.
A self-taught runner with an unquenchable passion for the sport, Chil never had the luxury of formal coaching in his early years, though he received valuable tips from local coach Joseph Lee Gut Hing. His love of running and relentless discipline saw him pounding the streets of Kuching every morning, running 10 miles each morning and logging another eight in the evening, come rain or shine.
In those days, there were no sponsors or financial incentives for distance runners. Unlike today’s marathon scene, where runners are supported by prizes and sponsorships, Chil’s motivation was pure—he ran for the love it. With friends, he once even attempted a spontaneous 60-kilometre run to Serian, a small town near Kuching, simply for the joy of the journey. It was this sheer love of running, unburdened by expectations, that made Chil a local legend.
Sadly, injury forced Chil to lay off competitive running in 1984, just as his brother Saidi stepped in to continue their legacy, running the first marathon race in Sarawak. But for nearly two decades, Chil had been the lone runner, pounding the road when long-distance running was a solitary pursuit, unpopular among most of the locals. The marathon was still in its infancy in Malaysia, often organised overseas, and Chil was one of the few who had the courage and stamina to take on its challenge.
Even as the physical toll of running began to weigh on him, Chil continued to run into his forties, taking part in charity runs—his love for the sport refusing to dim.
It was his passion, not fame, that pushed him to keep running. Briefly, he faced a rival in Muthu, a Police Field Force runner and former walker who bested him in the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres events. But Chil’s spirit was never defined by victories alone.
One of Chil’s few regrets was missing out on representing Malaysia at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games of 1973. He had hoped to compete in the 3,000 metres steeplechase, but a selection meet in Penang saw him fall short. Despite the disappointment, he left with pride, having achieved a personal best of 9 minutes and 57 seconds.
After retiring from competitive running, Chil remained active in the world of athletics. He became an official with the Sarawak Amateur Athletics Association (AAA), working as a starter at various meets and lending his experience to coaching budding runners. Though his time on the track had ended, his influence carried on through athletes like Drahman Jaladin, who took over the crown in long-distance running.
For two decades, Chil Razak’s name was synonymous with long-distance running in Sarawak. He was a police officer who loved to run, a champion who ran not for glory, but for the pure joy it brought him. His story—one of passion, perseverance, and love for the sport—became a symbol for runners across the region. And though the roads may no longer echo with his steady strides, his legacy continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. –DayakDaily
