running alck

Event: Borneo International Marathon (BIM)

Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Date: 11th October 2009 (Sunday)

Time: 4.00am Full Marathon ; 5.30am Half Marathon ; 6.00am 10km

The BIM was my very first overseas run. I signed up for the half marathon (my second time running 21km after the AHM in August) which was intended to be part of my training regime for the full marathon at the end of the year. This was a very much anticipated run – I was hoping to meet international runners as well as better my AHM timing.

After much anticipation, I finally collected my race pack at Likas Stadium on the night before the run. The race pack was typical with contents like the running singlet, discount vouchers, sample supplements, runner’s bib, timing chip and energy bar. I was half expecting the marathon bag to be similar to the one we have for SCM, however it was just a paper bag with Sabah Tourism Board printed. The 10km race pack was almost the same except that the bag was a ‘Go Green recycle bag’.

A glimpse at my running singlet(s), bib and timing chip.

this is what is required for the run

I was a tad disappointed with the running singlet (the white one in the centre) for the misfit especially at the armhole and the length. It was already a S size but still too big for me. None of my friends wore the singlets. I was glad I bring my full set of running gear and the red singlet on the left was what I don for the race. The bib was rather retro. It has been a long time since I last saw a fabric bib. The running chip was another retro item. Pardon the photograph – it does not show the macro size of the button-like chip. My friend SP even intended to take that home (she thought it’s rather unique these days) but of course she did not. Ha!

The pasta party was supposed to start at 6.30pm but it was delayed for at least 45mins.  I could hear some grumbles and see unhappy faces. There was neither MC on stage nor any announcement to let us know what was going on. To others, the consolation could be the complimentary dinner which eventually started and the Sabah dancing show. For us, the only consolation was to take a few more photographs and look around for familiar faces. There were indeed quite a few Singaporeans (including the famous Cat Woman) and surprisingly I did see a Singaporean friend!

Group picture

Catwoman from Singapore

I had no luck meeting Kenny Sia the Blogger from Kuching though.

My friends and I gave up the pasta dinner simply because the queues were very long.

Luckily we had a rented car, so it was easy for us to maneuver our way out. They settled for another simplefare outside KK city centre but my mind was bent on a pasta meal that night so I ordered a satisfying lasagne in my hotel.

The race day itself was packed with anticipation, excitment and a bit of drowsiness. The pick-up time was 4am at our hotel lobby but we were so lucky to have a rented car which allowed a bit more time before we set off to Likas Stadium. At the stadium, it was a scene replay of the night before. All runners gathered once again. SP and Leng participated the 10km, therefore they took picture of KP and I who started the 21km race before them.

Start of 21km

Hello from us

The photographs below were courtesy from Leng who ran with her camera throughout her 10km.

Running along the coastline

Winner-to-be spotted running home

post-race

I was spotted

I was so happy to run back to the stadium and even happier when I spotted Leng standing there taking photograph of me. SP was not in sight but she gave me an even more pleasant surprise by waiting patiently for me at the finishing line.

Finishing line

My 21km was completed in 2hr 14mins.

I was satisfied with this timing, with the consideration of a 9-day old ankle injury and insufficient training prior to the run. The smooth running route also attributed to my better timing than AHM’s. At first, I thought I will take longer than 2.5h when I crossed the 10km mark in 1 hr 9mins. Thank goodness I was motivated by a fellow runner (Sabah’s famous diver Uncle Foong) when I was running the last 8km.

I think I got my well-deserved finisher medal.

Finisher medal

A friend asked me why the monkey has a belly. Ha!

My Borneo 21km run was generally a refreshing one, something different from the usual sight of The Esplanade, National Stadium, ECP etc.  There were a few highlights of the run (bulletized – easier for me hee):

1. Starting time for the respective category was good.  It would not be too hot for the marathon finishers who started at 4am. The  starting times were also well staggered – although it was not that important for the BIM, it could make a difference in crowded running events.

2. Good weather.  We can’t manipulate weather but we should at least compliment it. Cloudy in the morning and the sun showed its full face only after 9am. No haze at all.

3. Sufficient water points. Water or 100plus, you name it and you have it.

4. Good marshalls. Some roads were partially closed but the marshalls made it a point that runners were given the priority and had the right of way. No time was lost giving in to traffic; this highly contributed to a good finishing time.

5. Sincere volunteers. Although motivating slogans/banners were absent, the volunteers were generous with their smiles and encouragement.

6. The running routes were well planned.  Running along the coastline in the early morning was rejuvenating.

For my 21km route, I could jolly well say that I have seen the whole stretch of KK city centre, not once but twice. From my optimistic point of view, the sightful run made my trip value for money. I already knew we are going to run through the city centre, therefore I was not expecting any awesome architecture.

(Some thought that running through the city centre was ‘grueling’ because of  the fishy smell BUT that certainly spur them to run faster.)

7. Crowd was good, only 1400 participants. To participate a running event with no crowd is rare these days. At the BIM, I saved the hassle of overtaking and did not have to avoid being pushed. An overall friendly race.

8. Wetted sponges were given out to dispel heat.

9. Milo vans were good.

However in my opinion, there could be several  improvements like:

- Quality of pasta party

- Quality of running singlets

- No. of aid stations (I think there is only one near Hyatt hotel)

- Including heat rub/spray stations

- Distinction of run categories on the finisher medal (there is only a standard medal)

- Sufficient isotonic drinks at the end of the race

- Distance markers (Half of the running time, I was wondering if I was on time or behind time.)

- Personalised bibs

- Running Souvenirs for purchase

- RFID technology at 5km check points for 10km runners (rubber bands were handed out at the 5km check points)

- Timing chips which could be taken home as souvenirs

- Name List of participants (My surname was printed wrongly. The mistake was repeated in the results as well but I have been assured the right name to be printed on my certificate.)

This BIM concluded my 5-day stay in Sabah. We flew back to Singapore with this interesting running experience.

Group Photo

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