From Primary School Track to ASICS A-Racer: Shohib Marican’s Blueprint for Sustainable Speed
- John Yeong
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
From Elite Track Roots to Coaching the Next Generation: Inside the Training Philosophy of Singapore's ASICS A-Racer
In the landscape of Singapore’s competitive running scene, the transition from a passionate runner to a precision-focused athlete is rarely a straight line. For Shohib Marican, a former national youth athlete and the current coach at TREX Athletics Club, that evolution wasn't just about chasing milliseconds—it was about building a culture.
As the latest addition to the ASICS A-Racers programme, Shohib is now part of an elite cohort of rising stars supported by one of the world’s most iconic sportswear brands. We sat down with the Singaporean talent to discuss how he balances elite performance, professional coaching, and the relentless pursuit of his personal best.
The Spark: Hooked on the Burn
Every runner remembers the moment the sport stopped being a hobby and started being a pursuit. For Shohib, the transition began in primary school. While his initial focus was firmly on the football pitch, a single 600m race changed his trajectory.
"I was first just running to have fun and build some self-confidence," Shohib recalls. "However, doing my first 600m race, with that lactic feeling in my mouth and that burning sensation—I knew I was hooked."
Coaching, Community, and the TREX Philosophy
Today, Shohib isn't just running for himself. As a coach at TREX Athletics Club, he is instrumental in nurturing a new generation of Singaporean talent. His coaching philosophy centers on the idea that longevity is just as important as speed.
"I hope to show that running improvement can be integrated in a holistic way while balancing other pursuits," he explains. "Beyond that, I want to show that training hard can be sustainable and fulfilling."
His secret to maintaining this intensity? A robust support system. "Running is both my social life and a large part of my support system," Shohib notes. "I can’t thank TREX Athletics enough for the greatest group of people to train and go through life with."
The "A-Racer" Edge: Backed by ASICS
Joining the ASICS A-Racers programme in 2026 has been a significant milestone in Shohib’s career. For an athlete who balances a demanding professional schedule with high-level training, the partnership provides more than just gear; it provides community.
"I think the fact that a large part of the ASICS family are running and training buddies just helps with the camaraderie in the team," he says.
When asked about the "day in the life" of a modern rising star, Shohib highlights the discipline required to succeed in Singapore’s competitive environment: "Work until mid to late afternoon, then a run every evening. The alarm is set for 6:00 AM regardless of the day."
Rebuilding Through Perspective
Even high performance athletes face plateaus. For Shohib, his biggest hurdle wasn't a physical injury, but a mental one.
"My biggest setback was probably when I felt like I was plateauing for the longest time," he admits. "It took me having to change perspectives and look at things from a coaching point of view to really break through. Most importantly, I’ve got to give props to my teammates for having my back and trusting me during the process."
Gear Secrets: The Daily Workhorse
As a gear enthusiast, Shohib is meticulous about his shoe rotation. When asked about his staple shoe for those "boring, beautiful, recovery miles," he doesn't hesitate.
"NOVABLAST™ 5. It eats up the miles like butter," he says. "It’s super smooth, and I can do anything in that shoe. Brilliance personified."
While he remains tight-lipped about the upcoming AW26 launches—including the highly anticipated NOVABLAST™ 6—he is clear on what he values in a shoe: "Hopefully it builds on the successes of previous editions. I’ve been a fan of all, with my favourites being the 2, 3, and 5."
And when it comes to the psychology of feeling fast? "A nice pair of split shorts," he laughs. "That can make anyone feel fast."
Join the conversation online by following @asicssg and @sportplus.sg, or use the hashtags #ASICSSG #SoundMindSoundBody #GlobalRunningDay and #TheATeam to share your own running journey.
About ASICS x SportPlus.sg "The A-Team Performance Diaries" Series
This editorial feature is part of a month-long collaborative campaign between ASICS and Sport Plus Media celebrating Global Running Day and Global Running Month.
Throughout the month, this exclusive series shines a spotlight on the journey of elite Singaporean athletes and the next generation of rising stars, the ASICS A-Racers. Through this series, we hope to inspire the local community to find their own joy in movement, elevate the standards of local distance running, and foster a sustainable culture of sportsmanship and athletic longevity. #ASICSSG #SoundMindSoundBody #TheATeam