Urban Boys edge Double Trouble by six seconds to win ‘Daddy Rocks’ challenge

KUALA LUMPUR – Fathers and their children traded screen time for quality time on Saturday as they tackled an obstacle course designed to strengthen more than just muscles at KLGCC Mall.

Held in conjunction with Father's Day, the “Project Strong: Daddy Rocks” challenge brought together families for a morning of fitness, teamwork and memorable moments, with just 6.47 seconds separating the top two teams in a closely fought finish.

Organised by KLGCC Mall in collaboration with fitness community Morph KL and supported by children’s nutrition brand NakNak, the event took place from 10am to noon at Level One of the mall on June 20.

Open to children aged eight to 12, the programme featured a mini obstacle course inspired by Hyrox and Red Line-style fitness challenges.

Six father-and-child teams took part in a series of endurance-based stations that tested strength, speed and teamwork. - PHOTO SINAR HARIAN/ ASRIL ASWANDI SHUKOR.

Six father-and-child teams took part under creative names including Urban Boys, Double Trouble, The Hadifs, Sigma Spy, Athletikids and Red Panda, competing in a series of endurance-based stations that tested strength, speed and teamwork.

Participants began with a 500m rowing challenge before tackling 20 laps each of sandbag carries, ball-over-shoulder throws and shuttle runs to complete the course.

While the competition was intense, many participants said the real reward was spending meaningful time together.

Team Urban Boys emerged as overall champions, taking home RM500 in cash after recording the fastest completion time of 6:08.44.

The competition proved tighter than expected, with second-placed Double Trouble finishing just 6.47 seconds behind with a time of 6:14.91. The Hadifs secured third place in 6:29.78, followed by Sigma Spy (6:38.25), Athletikids (6:47.25) and Red Panda (6:50.81).

Syed Fayez Syed Abdul Wahab and his family. - PHOTO SINAR HARIAN/ ASRIL ASWANDI SHUKOR.

Winning father Syed Fayez Syed Abdul Wahab Idid, 42, said victory was never the main objective.

“The secret is just to have fun and do our best. I guess I also tried not to embarrass my son,” he said.

Syed Fayez said the toughest part was keeping up with his son, whom he described as very fast, adding that they entered the competition with no expectations of winning and simply aimed to do their best against the other teams.

“Winning is one thing, but I think it was a good day to spend time with my son and do this together,” he said.

His son, Syed Lyle Idid Syed Fayez, nine, said the pair entered the competition with no preparation.

“We just went as fast as we could. No preparation, just go for it,” he said.

“The sandbag station was the hardest. I was very nervous at first but it feels amazing to win. I'm so proud of my dad.”

Lyle added that the event was especially meaningful because his father works as a pilot and is often away.

“It's good because I don't really get to see my dad that much. I'm happy we got to spend time together today,” he said.

Right: Hazwan Hamzah and his son, Mikhael - PHOTO SINAR HARIAN/ ASRIL ASWANDI SHUKOR.

Second-placed team Double Trouble also left with plenty to celebrate despite narrowly missing out on the top spot.

Father Mohd Hazwan Hamzah, 39, said joining the competition was a spontaneous Father's Day decision.

“My son suggested we try it, so I thought why not? Actually, I wanted to do it with my daughter first, but she had other commitments, so I surprised him instead,” he said.

Although familiar with Hyrox-style training, Hazwan said it was his first time entering such a competition.

“We train at the gym about twice a week, but I never expected to finish second. I honestly thought we might be near the back because this was our first time.”

Throughout the race, Hazwan said he encouraged his son to focus on effort rather than results.

“I just told him to believe in himself and do what we could until the finish line.”

Reflecting on the broader message of the event, Hazwan encouraged more fathers to embrace active lifestyles.

“I think fathers in Malaysia need to be stronger. We often hear that Malaysia has one of the highest obesity rates in Asia.

“We need to change our mindset and stay healthy for our children and our families,” he said.

His son, Mikhael Mohd Hazwan, 11, credited confidence as their secret weapon.

“I didn't prepare anything. I just believed in myself and went for it,” he said.

“If I had to describe my father, I would say he's very strong. I'm proud we got second place and I would like to join more activities like this in the future.”

Beyond the competition itself, “Project Strong: Daddy Rocks” highlighted the growing appeal of family-focused fitness events that encourage parents and children to disconnect from devices and reconnect through shared experiences.

The collaboration between KLGCC Mall, Morph KL and NakNak also reflected a shared commitment to promoting active lifestyles and meaningful family engagement through fun, accessible fitness activities.

By combining exercise, teamwork and a little friendly rivalry, the Father's Day programme showed that sometimes the strongest family bonds are built one obstacle at a time.