The 2025 Petaling Jaya Half Marathon turned into a stage for inspiration when 91-year-old Ong Kim Hwa successfully finished a 10-kilometre run in 1 hour and 46 minutes, drawing cheers and admiration from spectators.

The image shows Ong Kim Hwa finishing his 10KM run in just 1 hour 46 minutes
The image shows Ong Kim Hwa finishing his 10KM run in just 1 hour 46 minutes.
Image credit: Sin Chew Daily

Ong completes 10KM run with confidence and a cheerful spirit

A short video clip capturing Ong’s determined strides and cheerful wave at the finish line quickly spread online. In the 2-minute-21-second footage, it showed him crossing the line with a smile, sparking a flood of praise from netizens who described him as “as tough as Toyota Hilux”, “salute”, and “awesome”.

Image credit: @sinchewdaily (Instagram)

He successfully finished the 10KM run within two hours

The 10KM Fun Run for seniors (aged 55 and above) flagged off at 7am with a cutoff time of two hours. Ong, however, completed the distance in 1 hour 46 minutes.

91-year-old Ong clocked a chip time of 1:45:53 in the 10KM run at the 2025 PJ Half Marathon, finishing 1,295th overall and 118th in the Men’s Senior Veteran category
91-year-old Ong clocked a chip time of 1:45:53 in the 10KM run at the 2025 PJ Half Marathon, finishing 1,295th overall and 118th in the Men’s Senior Veteran category.
Image credit: Kita Pelari Malaysia (Facebook)

When asked if he felt tired, Ong confidently replied with a clear and strong voice, “Not at all” and “Very good, very good.” His steps steady and unbroken, showcasing the remarkable physical strength of a 91-year-old.

His steady pace and positive attitude captured the attention of fellow runners and bystanders, many of whom clapped, cheered, and even recorded videos on their phones.

He has been a regular in senior marathon events

Ong’s appearance at the Petaling Jaya Half Marathon is not a one-time effort. Since the 1990s, he has been a regular at marathon events, especially in categories for senior runners over 50, and even won second place. Running has become a lifestyle for him, keeping his body healthy, his heart youthful, and his outlook positive.

Earlier this month, on August 10, he also completed another fun run in the IJM Land Half Marathon, showing remarkable consistency and dedication.

Ong keeps his pace steady and strong during marathon run, proving that age is no barrier to determination
Ong keeps his pace steady and strong during marathon run, proving that age is no barrier to determination.
Image credit: @sinchewdaily (Instagram)

He takes joy in marathon running and is already looking ahead to his next marathon

As he grew older, his physical condition changed, but that didn’t stop him from pushing boundaries. He adjusted his mindset and started anew, no longer chasing rankings in half marathons, but instead focusing on participation.

Ong has already revealed plans to join another race this coming September, proving that his passion for running is still going strong.

Hearing that there was still plenty of time before the cutoff, Wang Kim Hwa clapped his hands to cheer himself on
Hearing that there was still plenty of time before the cutoff, Ong Kim Hwa clapped his hands to cheer himself on.
Image credit: Sin Chew Daily

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