Who says your running buddy has to break a sweat? Malaysian man Apak has redefined the term by running a 10km trail race with his cat, Jibek, riding on his shoulder.
In a viral TikTok video, this quirky duo has captured hearts, proving that, sometimes, the best race partner just needs to look cute and hang on.
M’sian man completes 10km trail race with his cat riding on his shoulder
The race, The Magnificent Baling 100 held in Kedah, saw Apak tackling every kilometre with Jibek – a Maine Coon mix – perched comfortably on his shoulder.
While Apak ran, Jibek enjoyed the scenic view, dressed in his own tiny sunglasses and a hat to keep the sun off. No running required for this VIP; Jibek’s role was all about staying cool.
In one unforgettable moment, Apak even paused mid-race to feed Jibek some treats – because running is hard work, even if you’re just along for the ride.
Other runners rehydrated, while Jibek indulged in a little snack break. After all, why settle for plain old running when you can add a bit of flair?
At the finish line, Jibek received a medal just like the other finishers, hanging around his neck like the king he is.
Meanwhile, Apak, who’d just run the entire race with an extra 7.5 kg (roughly the weight of a small sack of rice) on his shoulder, seemed thrilled to have completed the course with his beloved sidekick.
This isn’t a one-time adventure, though. Since 2022, Apak and Jibek have hit the running scene together, earning over 40 medals.
They’ve even gained royal attention, with Jibek once being fed treats by the Raja Puan Muda Perlis herself. Talk about a well-connected kitty!
‘Whatever it takes to keep him comfortable and happy‘
Speaking to WeirdKaya, Apak – whose real name is Azhan, though fans fondly know him as “Apak Jibek” or simply “Apak” – shared some insights into his unique running companion, Jibek.
When asked how he got the idea to bring Jibek along for marathons, Apak explained, “Jibek has been doing outdoor activities since 2017, when he was just six months old. We started with hiking hills and mountains, and later we even tried paragliding.
In 2022, some friends suggested that we try running events too. Since then, we’ve collected around 45 medals from running events.”
But how does Jibek manage to stay so calm, perched on Apak’s shoulder the whole way?
Apak shared, “Actually, Jibek chose to sit on my shoulder. I tried putting him in a bag, but he kept trying to climb out and would immediately hop onto my shoulder instead. He’s learned to balance himself, so I don’t really need to train him much! He only gets down when he needs a bathroom break – then he’ll go off on his own and find a suitable spot.”
For those wondering how to bring their own pets to events like this, Apak offered a few tips:
- “First, know your pet and their temperament. Are they adventurous or easily scared by crowds? You also need to understand their needs – like what to do if they’re hungry, need a bathroom break, or are in a bad mood.”
- “Be prepared to handle your pet in unexpected situations. If they get moody or something unexpected happens, you should know how to keep things under control.”
- “Make sure to bring everything they might need. For Jibek, I bring food, water, a fan, an umbrella, and a raincoat – whatever it takes to keep him comfortable and happy.”
Watch the clip here:
