HYROX Singapore: She’s battling stage 4 cancer—and still taking on the toughest race in town

When you meet Kamilah Tohar, the first thing you notice is her radiant smile—warm, infectious, and full of life. She moves with ease, her posture confident, her energy calm and grounded. You’d never guess that beneath this composed exterior, she’s fighting a silent, life-altering battle: late-stage breast cancer.

The diagnosis came last year in March, shortly after she turned 40. “There goes my plans—my training, my races, my holidays, work…” she recalls. At the time, Kamilah was thriving. A long-time medical technologist at Parkway Hospital for over 13 years, she had built a life anchored in discipline and strength. Fitness wasn’t just a routine—it was her passion. She trained almost daily, crushed Spartan races in the past, and had recently discovered a new love: HYROX, the global fitness competition that was quickly becoming her next big challenge.

Then, everything changed.

She started going for chemotherapy, which ultimately made her feel weaker, making even her daily tasks a challenge. It was a sharp pivot from her usual routine. From planning her next race to planning her next chemo cycle. From gym PRs to struggling with daily tasks. From being independent to needing help just getting around. Kamilah felt restricted–she had to overcome all these new obstacles and completely reframe what strength meant to her.

“I’ve always been active and independent. Suddenly, I needed people to do everything for me. That was the most painful part.”

Her body, once her source of power and pride, had become unfamiliar. Yet, rather than dwell in despair, Kamilah did what she’s always done: she adapted.

Through the fatigue, the fear, the long hospital hours—Kamilah never gave up on herself. And this year, in between rounds of chemotherapy, she managed to complete HYROX Bangkok in May, and now, she’s preparing to compete in the upcoming HYROX competition in Singapore–all while still undergoing treatment.

What is HYROX? 

For the unacquainted, HYROX is a fitness competition that combines running and functional fitness exercises. The format of the race usually involves eight 1km runs interspersed with eight different functional workout stations. This includes stations like the SkiErg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jumps, Rowing, Farmers Carry, Sandbag Lunges, and Wall Balls. The competition is said to be accessible to a wide range of fitness levels–from beginners to seasoned professionals; however, participants must familiarise themselves with the different functional exercises and train before participating in one of these competitions.

That being said, you can already see how physically demanding all this can be. Thankfully, participants don’t necessarily have to compete by themselves. For each HYROX, they have the option to partner up with someone else or team up in groups of four, making the event more accessible for those who might not be able to take on all the stations solo.

For her race in Bangkok in May, Kamilah chose to compete in the Doubles category, sharing the load with a trusted friend. This meant they could divide the exercises between them—each person doing what they could, supporting one another through the race.

“I didn’t think I could finish HYROX Bangkok. But I did.”

Despite having her doubts about completing the race, Kamilah felt a wave of relief when she crossed the finishing line. She grinned from ear to ear and exclaimed how happy she was about her experience.

She explained that while she had stopped training at BFT last year since her diagnosis, she took it upon herself and prepared for the race four months in advance. While she wasn’t as strong as she was before, she was diligent in keeping her workouts consistent. She engaged in light workouts with strength training that lasted for about 15 to 20 minutes in the morning, and ended her day with an easy run. As the competition draws closer, Kamilah will then increase the frequency of her trainings, where she would train almost every day with no complaints. “I do it almost every day because it’s so light, so why not? Besides, I need to stay active too,” she explains.

At the race, the organisers made special arrangements just for her—including modifying the sled push station so she could attempt it without heavy weights. “I didn’t think I’d even be able to touch it,” she laughs. “But I did half of it! My partner did the rest.”

Aside from the assisted stations, Kamilah also shared how thankful she was that the medical team was on standby to render any assistance. “I felt so supported. Less scared. And it gave me the freedom to just focus on the race, on being present, on trying.”

Staying motivated

Despite her situation, Kamilah never fails to radiate positivity. She shares that her main motivation to live her best life stems from a strong support system, which includes her friends, relatives and her family.

As a matter of fact, she’s surrounded by people who continue to inspire her every day. “My main motivation (to take on this challenge) is my friends,” she shares. “Some even have medals and represented Singapore, even at the age of 50.”

With such strong influences around her, it’s clear that Kamilah is blessed with a strong pillar of support—one that continues to fuel her resilience on the toughest days. From her family who never leaves her side during hospital visits, to friends who show up with food, and even those who bring her on spontaneous holidays, Kamilah is constantly reminded that she’s not alone in this fight.

But of course, her doctor still plays a crucial role in all of this. “My doctor has helped me to plan my treatments so that I can do what I want to do. I actually need his green light to be able to go for races, my holidays, and to do what I want to do.”

She also shared how she has to carefully plan her trainings and her chemotherapy sessions with her doctor accordingly. “He actually gives me a week to rest from my chemo because I’m a bit weak after each session,” she says.

Her biggest takeaway 

After going through a tumultuous year battling cancer, Kamilah remains optimistic. 

She doesn’t have a grand plan. No five-year goals or bucket lists. Just one simple desire: to make the most of the time she has. To feel strong, connected, and alive. And maybe, just maybe, to inspire someone else to start living fully—even when life doesn’t go to plan.

Aside from training and keeping herself fit, Kamilah shared that she’s no longer just going through the motions of each day. Instead, she’s choosing to slow down and be more intentional—with how she spends her time and who she spends it with. 

And for those who are hesitant on signing up for competitions like HYROX, Kamilah has one piece of advice:

Her journey isn’t about being the fastest, the strongest, or the fittest. It’s about doing the best you can with what you’ve got. And showing up—again and again, even when it’s hard.

“Keep fit and stay strong for life,” she says. “Not just for races, but so you can show up for yourself. Even on the hardest days.”

Kamilah doesn’t want to be remembered as the woman who ran HYROX with cancer. She wants to be remembered as someone who lived—loudly, joyfully, without regrets.

And if that’s not strength, we don’t know what is.