Md. Hedayet Ali began his journey in 2008 with Citycell as a Management Trainee Officer. He then worked in different companies, first Robi and then Pepsi. For a time, he worked with New Zealand Dairy for eight years. Now, he is the General Manager, Sales of Sajeeb Group, leading a company and managing high-level responsibilities. He is now a seasoned corporate worker with 18 years of experience.
Given this career trajectory, he might have little time for anything else. But running has become integral to his life. He has already participated in more than 100 running events. Discipline and will are his keys to balance. Running helps keep his body and mind in shape. It relieves stress caused by deadlines, meetings, and targets. He says every kilometer helps him concentrate, and the exercise clears his mind.
But his running journey was not without hiccups. He was not always able to cope with even a single kilometer. He started with a 5K run, which was very difficult for him. He gradually built up his stamina. He would run a kilometer at times in 16 minutes. He kept his head down, took deep breaths, and kept running. As time passed, he became stronger and was able to run for longer periods.
Picture: Md. Hedayet Ali.
As he grew more confident, he started to take on more formidable challenges. The 42.2 km marathon was a significant challenge. At first, he wasn't sure if he could finish half the distance. In one marathon, he battled extreme fatigue and pain. In the last leg, he felt unwell but decided to continue. He managed to finish the race, one of his best experiences.
His running career soon took him away from his homeland. He then met the founder of ActivePulse Bangladesh, and was inspired to take part in his first international race in Malaysia, the Powerman race, which involves a combination of running and cycling. He didn't even know how to cycle at that time. Nonetheless, he took up the challenge. He purchased a bicycle, practised, and taught himself. Now he has finished the Powerman Classic in 4 hours and 58 minutes, totalling 80 kilometers. This experience taught him the virtues of self-improvement. Now, he will be taking part in Ironman triathlons and is training for it.
He was the first race marshal of any race in Bangladesh in the ActivePulse Duathlon Dhaka 2025. He ensured the runners and their costly bikes were kept safe and secure before the race. During the race, he was responsible for track maintenance along with the organizers, started the race on time, set up and kept the hydration points and medical booths organized, and helped manage the traffic until the end of the race.
Picture: Md. Hedayet Ali.
Through these experiences, he came up with a mantra. Progress takes time. There are no shortcuts. He recommends beginners take things slowly and steadily. Even running one kilometre a day can be beneficial. He cautions against short-term gains, preferring consistency. He says it is better to grow steadily than to succeed quickly.
Overall, he thinks there's a bright future for running in Bangladesh. There has been a significant growth in participation. Once it was the domain of the few for marathons - now it's the many. It's common to see 1,000-3,000 participating. This is due to growing awareness of health and fitness, and worldwide trends. This trend will continue, he says. Participants are coming from various districts, extending beyond urban areas. Running is increasingly becoming a way of life. If it's properly nurtured and organised, he says that it will soon match football and cricket's popularity in the nation.
Picture: Md. Hedayet Ali.
But he adds that there's a need for accountability. Event organisers need to uphold standards. Runners need to be disciplined and well-informed. Communities should collaborate to create a positive culture. These will be key in ensuring the movement's success.
In the end, he thanks platforms like the ActivePulse Bangladesh, which advocate running and provide opportunities to athletes. He says that soon, there will be more Bangladeshis competing in international events and showcasing their country.
Ultimately, his journey is one of balance and resilience. He developed his career in the corporate world while becoming a runner. He has progressed from barely completing a kilometer to completing marathons and international events. It demonstrates that with hard work, it's possible to achieve both career and personal goals.
