Chenora Ismail and Her Deep Passion for Running

Chenora Ismail, a 47-year-old single mother of three hailing from Kuala Lumpur, spends the working day as a dedicated Personal Assistant at Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd, but outside of working hours , she transforms into a force to be reckoned with on the track. Living in Shah Alam, Chenora's life is a beautiful balance of family, work, and her deep passion for running.

2018: A tragedy reignited her passion for running

In 2018, tragedy struck when Chenora's husband passed away. It was a turning point that reignited her passion for running, pushing her to pursue her dreams with unwavering determination. For Chenora, running isn't just a hobby; it's a lifeline—a way to keep moving forward in the face of adversity.

Since then, Chenora has participated in an impressive array of races, totaling over 38 events in a single year. Among her notable achievements are securing podium finishes in prestigious races like the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) and Cultra Trail, where she clinched 2nd place, as well as taking the top spot in events like the Score Run and the IM Langkawi Relay.

Her upcoming races include big-ticket events like the KLSCM, Score Run, and Garmin Marathon, where she aims to showcase her winning prowess among fellow runners.

Balancing training, races and family/work responsibilities

Balancing training with her responsibilities as a mother and professional has been her greatest hurdle. Yet, she tackles it head-on, waking up early and pushing through long days to ensure she's always at her best. Finding the right training program has also been a struggle, but with the support of her community, Chenora continues to refine her approach, never shying away from a challenge.

Age should not be a barrier to an active lifestyle

Chenora hopes to inspire others to embrace endurance sports as a pathway to a healthier lifestyle. She believes that age is no barrier to greatness and that every individual has the potential to achieve their dreams, no matter the circumstances.

“I hope to inspire others by letting them know that “retirement” comes at different stages in life. And retirement doesn’t mean that competition and competitiveness needs to take a back seat as well. Furthermore, sending the right message to the community that running is for all ages is most important. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, it’s always good to get started and reap the benefits of a better and healthier life!,” said Chenora.

Beyond running

Beyond running, Chenora is a woman of many interests. From music and fashion to sports and travel, she finds inspiration in every corner of life. Her bucket list is as diverse as her pursuits, reflecting her adventurous spirit and zest for living.

As Chenora continues to lace up her running shoes and tackle each race with unwavering determination, she is a powerhouse both on and off the track. With her infectious energy and indomitable spirit, there's no doubt that Chenora serves as a beacon of inspiration to all who dare to chase their dreams.

Follow Chenora’s journey at https://www.instagram.com/chenoraismail/