On the early morning of 29th June 2025, over 80 enthusiastic runners gathered in the pre-dawn stillness for AKARALI Ignite 2025, a collaborative long slow distance (LSD) run hosted by Kelana Jaya Run Club (KJRC) in collaboration with AKARALI, joined by 3 other running communities.
AKARALI has long been the preferred choice for athletes and collaborating with runners help us to evaluate the effects of lab-tested standardized Tongkat Ali supplements on endurance, energy and stamina.
Shahid Shayaa, CEO & Founder of AKARALI.
With two route options of 10km and 14km, tailored to runners of different levels, this special event wasn’t just about endurance and community – it was also a live field test of AKARALI standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract supplements.
With the run flagging off at 6:30AM sharp, early-bird participants were given the unique opportunity to try 40 limited edition AKARALI tester kits, each containing 4 x 200mg capsules of AKARALI’s lab-tested Tongkat Ali root extract capsules.
Designed to naturally enhance performance, energy, and recovery, AKARALI’s global collaboration with sports communities around the world serves a strong testament how a well-formulated and clinically tested Tongkat Ali root extract could support runners in real-world endurance environment, especially in high temperature and high humidity.
“It was incredibly inspiring to see so many runners from different backgrounds come together with a shared passion for performance and nutrition,” he said., adding he was humbled to see such a diverse group of runners embrace the performance benefits of clinically tested, standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract.
A Unique Collaboration for a Purpose-Driven Run

AKARALI Ignite 2025 marks the first time that five sports communities – AKARALI’s growing athletic ambassador network, KJRC, SPL Run Club, One Mission Grupetto, and Damansara Run Club – have come together to experience the real and immediate effects of Tongkat Ali.
The goal?
To promote an optimal training regime for marathon runners who are seeking ways to optimize their stamina, endurance and performance through natural supplementation, diet and recovery strategies grounded in science and clinically-proven herbal ingredients.

AKARALI’s close collaboration with global sports communities brings a higher level of trust and as a global brand, the team is constantly dedicated on-going research and real-world tests to validate its lab-tested Tongkat Ali extracts.
Alongside with key partnerships with sports communities in the UK (through RunThrough), functional health coaches and medical professionals, AKARALI’s long-standing partnership with KJRC offers a valuable way to engage Malaysian runners and athletes who stand to benefit most from natural herbs such as Tongkat Ali.
“I’ve performance-tested AKARALI’s capsules for over 16 weeks to train for my World Marathon Majors race at the Berlin Marathon, and it was instrumental to getting my first ever sub-4,” said Captain Syed, “I wholeheartedly recommend it for any runners who want to take their performance to the next level!”
Following successful performance tests of AKARALI’s dose-optimised Tongkat Ali capsules with KJRC Captain Syed Shahzli, as well as other running communities across Malaysia and internationally in the UK, events like AKARALI Ignite 2025 continue to provide the ideal platform for runners to experience firsthand the benefits of clinically tested, standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract – no matter their fitness level or age.

Tongkat Ali and Running Performance: What the Science Says

Unlike many 200:1 Tongkat Ali extracts sold in the US, UK and Australia, synthetic or sugary energy gels, clinically tested standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract is often viewed by marathon runners as an effective, safe, and tested natural solution for runners providing anabolic and ergogenic benefits to go the distance during training or competitions.
Tongkat Ali has various levels of potency and authenticity, but in generally, this is amongst the best natural supplements that work if you are doing continuous long runs, high tempo runs, Long Slow Distance (LSD) runs, or even Low Intensity Steady State (LISS) training.
Here’s how it may help you:
1. Maintaining Healthy Testosterone Levels for Energy, Endurance, and Strength
Testosterone isn’t just for bodybuilding – it plays a vital role in muscle repair, endurance, and metabolic efficiency, especially for long-distance runners.
Clinical studies have shown that daily supplementation with 200 – 400mg of standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract can significantly elevate free testosterone levels, or restore your depleting testosterone levels during longer (or intense) runs, leading to improved endurance, strength output, and greater stamina.
For runners doing 10–20km LSD training sessions, marathons, or even ultramarathons, taking between 200mg to 1,000mg per day means you may experience less muscle fatigue, better power on inclines, helping you gain longer distance and faster post-run recovery if you are doing back-to-back training.
2. Reducing Stress and Improving Focus
Running – especially in groups or through unfamiliar routes – requires mental clarity and a clear mind with strong focus is closely associated with your cortisol and dopamine levels.
Tongkat Ali has been clinically shown to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) by up to 16%, helping athletes stay calm, focused, and in control during long efforts. At it is known to elevate dopamine (happy hormones) at the same, which can be helpful if you are doing longer ultramarathons in a hot weather (eg: during summer).
Many runners at AKARALI Ignite 2025 reported sharper focus, smoother pacing, and more stable energy levels after taking 200mg-400mg capsules before the run. This was tested in a hot humid climate and keeping you hydrated is equally important when taking Tongkat Ali for runners.
3. Enhancing Oxygen Efficiency and Metabolic Health
Tongkat Ali supports better circulatory function by enhancing red blood cell performance and optimising metabolic function, including improved insulin sensitivity. For LSD runners, this translates to longer aerobic output, better muscle fuel utilisation, and a reduced risk of energy crashes mid-run.
4. Muscle Recovery and Reduced DOMS
Several clinical trials show that Tongkat Ali can reduce muscle damage markers (like creatine kinase) post-exercise as well as inflammation, making it ideal for runners who train multiple times a week. Regular supplementation may help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and recovery in general, making frequent long runs more sustainable.
Amazing Effects of Tongkat Ali: A Milestone for First Timers

For first-timers who never ran long distances, taking Tongkat Ali minutes before the run may lead to surprising results.
While many seasoned runners showed up during the AKARALI Ignite run performed spectacularly well, one of the amazing moments came from AKARALI’s own Global Community Partnership Lead, Alex Kua.
Known more for his behind-the-scenes work building international partnerships, social media management, and handling global customer relationships, Alex took a bold step forward – literally – by participating in and completing his first-ever 10km run.
Fuelled by sheer determination, community encouragement, and of course, AKARALI’s signature dose-optimised capsules, Alex pushed past personal limits to cross the finish line with a big smile and a well-earned sense of accomplishment.
"I’m a firm believer in the science behind our product, having used Tongkt Ali daily for nearly 2 years now,” said Alex. "While I’m not a regular runner, I felt great and ready to go on the morning of the event. There’s something different about being on the ground, testing your own limits, and doing it with people who share your values. I couldn’t have asked for a better first 10K experience."
In fact, he also completed his first 5km (road run) and 7km (trail run) during past collaborative events, showing progressive improvements with both distance and speed.
His run wasn’t just symbolic of personal growth – it also showed how determined individuals, even without a consistent running background or frequent training, can benefit from Tongkat Ali, natural supplementation, healthy diet and a strong community support.
Natural Supplementation, and Training: A Winning Formula

What set AKARALI Ignite Run apart wasn’t just the picturesque early morning routes through the affluent Hartamas neighbourhood, free tester kit, or the welcome hydration stops. It was the willingness of sports community members to embrace, participate, engage and most importantly, incorporating natural supplement into their training.
By supplying over 40 runner participants with free tester kits, AKARALI provided real-time feedback and further strengthen the clinically-tested evidence that standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract is not just another Tongkat Ali supplement – but an effective, performance-enhancing booster that can deliver instant and noticeable differences in performance.
And that makes a difference compared to other Tongkat Ali brands or popular energy supplements sold on Amazon.
"I’ve tried other energy supplements before," shared one KJRC runner. "But AKARALI’s dose-optimised capsules gave me a steadier, more natural energy boost. I felt it in just shy of half an hour. No jitters, no crashes - just focus and flow."
Looking Ahead

Once again, AKARALI Ignite 2025 marks a significant milestone in our collaboration with athletes and sports communities, placing it amongst the trusted Tongkat Ali brand for sports performance. As the brand deepens its relationships with performance-driven communities like KJRC, future events are set to include more running clinics, nutrition workshops, strength and conditioning workshops.
Meanwhile, Coach Debbie – a seasoned leader within the KJRC community – is incorporating AKARALI’s standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali extract into the training regimen of her KJRC Redline team as they prepare for the upcoming REDLINE Fitness Games on July 25th.
By combining structured coaching with natural, science-backed supplementation, the team is working hard toward improved strength, endurance, faster recovery, and peak performance when it matters most.
“We’re at Week 8 of training now for the REDLINE Fitness Games 2025 and the team is feeling stronger and more prepared than ever thanks to the support of AKARALI’s supplements,” said Debbie, a certified coach based in Kuala Lumpur. “We’re looking forward to smashing the competition in July!”
Plans are also underway to collect ongoing performance data from both recreational and competitive athletes alike, to better tailor supplement protocols based on age, gender, and endurance goals. This brings to AKARALI’s long-term vision to be a reputable Tongkat Ali global brand in the US, UK and Canada.
Parting Thoughts

AKARALI Ignite 2025 was much more than just a regular 10km to 14km LSD run – it was a live demonstration of how quality science-backed natural supplementation and community spirit can come together to push human performance beyond its limits.
With every stride, heartbeat, and capsule, the runners proved that better health and performance don’t have to come from synthetic shortcuts or sugar-filled caffeine.
Sometimes, all it takes is an all-natural boost, the support of a passionate community, the exchange of ideas and the will to go the distance. And that works for first-timers too!
Congratulations to all who participated, especially those who got a chance to try the tester kits!
And a special shoutout to the KJRC team for their tireless efforts to make this event a success.

Author
Alex Kua leads AKARALI’s Global Partnership Community to help athletes, sports communities, and thousand of others optimize their well-being through evidence-based research that enables them to make better informed decisions. His legal and business consulting background underpins the rigorous data-driven approach in his writing – from hours of interviews, real-world performance data, and firsthand experiences of real people – offering actionable insights that connects clinical research, emerging health trends, and real-world applications. He is also an experienced researcher in herbal nutrition, with years of deep technical knowledge on Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), including quality standards, industry benchmarks, lab tests, clinical trials, and the use of natural herbs by collaborating with top scientists, herbal experts, and nutritionists. As part of the core team behind AKARALI’s knowledge portal, he empowers people worldwide to access the benefits of high-quality herbal nutrition in a way that is effective, sustainable, and safe. He is also an avid runner, with regular participation in local sports communities and running events.
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Disclaimer:
The content published on this website is for educational purposes and should not be viewed, read, or seen as a prescription or constitute any form of medical advice. We recommend you consult your nearest GP or doctors before consuming Tongkat Ali or any products which contain Tongkat Ali. For further information, kindly refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information.