Yes, you read that right. Lifelong runner Afandi Bin Buang still clocks around 80km a week at the age of 80, spread across four training sessions and occasional walks.
Though the senior runner wears knee sleeves for “extra security” following a knee operation, the former electrician says he has no aches and pains to complain about – nor any of the usual age-related chronic diseases.
Afandi claims there’s no big secret to his good health, just a strict adherence to a no-frills exercise regime since he laced up his running shoes at age 17.
"I became very interested, so I decided to pursue it as a personal interest."
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Marathon man
Though the silver describes his running journey as “casual”, we doubt most people would agree. He trained with the club multiple times a week after his day job at the Public Utilities Board (PUB), participating in various track and field events, including the long jump.
He soon brought his passion for running back to work, organising and participating in various meets and competitions with the union sports team at PUB.
That eventually led him to a role in the sports management committee for NTUC Club, where he would continue organising inter-union games while keeping up with his own weekly training.
In what was left of his spare time, Afandi would participate in running events both local and overseas. These include eight full marathons (42.195km apiece) and four half marathons in Singapore, and a further two half marathons in Terengganu and Malacca.
And those are just the long-distance runs. Over the course of six decades, the silver has collected over 130 medals and five trophies across his running events – and that’s after his children helped toss some of his less-treasured medals.
Credit: Afandi Bin Buang
After all, Afandi doesn’t see the medals as the goal of his running.
"And I take pride in what I can do. Sometimes when I pass young people, they’re shocked that I'm still running! I get inspiration from that (laughs)."
Still hopes to participate in Singapore Masters Athletics events
Of course, the senior runner isn’t superhuman. Since his last Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon in 2016, he’s eased off full marathon efforts. Instead, he participates in shorter half marathons – his last timing in 2022 clocked in at 3 hours, 42 minutes and 29 seconds – and hopes to run in the upcoming Johor-Singapore International Masters Athletics Championships 2025.
Most of the time though, he runs alone or with his buddies from the long-running Red Hawk Sports Club, of which he’s been a member for multiple decades.
When Afandi’s not on his feet, he focuses on community work, volunteering at a mosque and more recently, with the non-profit Lions Befrienders (LB) on a recommendation from his neighbour.
There, he plans to put his running experience to good use by leading a monthly walking club for LB members.
"We don’t have to go fast."
Credit: Lion Befrienders
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