Penang Run 2013 - 2014 3rd Series - Race Recap

Photo taken at the stage of the 3rd Series.

I would describe this race as a "Real Fun Race". How can I describe a race as fun when there it has the longest climb, ie 5 km run up the hill of Balik Pulau and a heavy downpour just before the start of the race? And it was raining from the start to the end of the race !

Runners waiting outside the school before the heavy downpour

Reaching the finishing point at SMK Teluk Bahang earlier than the required time of 4:30 am for the bus transport to the starting point. The drive along the winding roads from Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang is more stressful than running to Teluk Bahang. Took the first bus that shuttle us to the starting point. The school gate of the starting point was still not opened at that point. After a few buses arrived, we were just crowding around the main gate of the school with the starting arch right in front. Then, a heavy downpour came. I was lucky to be under the shelter outside the school. Some runners are already drenched wet. There was just a misunderstanding with the school and the main gate was opened about a few minutes later. After a while, the rain stops.

Running vest and the elevation of the climb

We were waiting for the starting time at 6am. About 10 minutes before time, we were just standing in front of the arch waiting for the flag off. And a minute just before we were flagged off, the rain started again. And it was not a drizzle. It was raining cats and dogs. The runners were all wet before we even step on the timing mat. Immediately, out of the school we are supposed to run to Pantai Aceh and u-turn back which is about 7.5km before running up the hill of Balik Pulau. The run to Pantai Aceh was also hilly at certain stretches but it is the heavy rain all along this stretch that I can remember. I also brought my headlamp as I knew certain sections are pretty dark.

Great Job Andrew ! The organising chairman of Penang Run 2013 - 2014

I have studied the route for this series and I am prepared for the uphill run from 7.5km to 12.5km and then it will be downhill all the way to the Teluk Bahang Dam. The hill training which I did at Mengkuang Dam and Botanical Garden really help. I finally realised you can't run races without training for hills after my bad experience in Langkawi. Most races will have hilly patches. But this race has the longest climb. Fortunately, the climb is less steep than I anticipated. The slope at Mengkuang Dam has a steeper gradient. I could run up the 5km climb without walking. The views running up the hill and from the top of hill is just awesome ! But another heavy downpour as I was close to the top of the hill. The rain, the views, the hills and the cooler weather really makes this run enjoyable and memorable.

Dr Mok Ying Ren who ran with the Kenyans for the 3rd Series and finished third clocking a finishing time of 1:13. He also conducted a running clinic for this series a day before the race. 

It was another 6km downhill run to the Teluk Bahang Dam. I have to run faster to catch up for the lost time during the climb. And make sure that I land lightly on my foot so as not to injure my knee. As we were about to run into the dam, there is a sign that say 2 km to go. A flat road leading into the dam and another u-turn from inside the Dam. The views from the Dam is another awesome sight. As I was running out of the dam, you can really see who is behind you. Another 1km to go. It will be an all out effort to the finishing point. May have to slow down a bit for the photographers at the finishing point so that they won't miss me. I was really speeeding at the last 400m to overtake a lady runner just in front of me. But I saw quite a few runners walking at the last km. It was only 1 km left, why walk. You should run. Finally, finishing at 2:23 net time. My best time for all the 3 series. Slashing 10 minutes from my previous series. A PB for a half marathon. So it is a real fun race. Not so much on the PB but the rain, hills and the views along the route. The rain bring out the child in us that we are allowed to have fun in the rain.

The 3rd puzzle medal collected

To the orgainiser, the volunteers, the marshalls, the cyclist and many others getting drenched in the heavy rain and the pounding of the strong wind, a big word of "Thank you". You guys or gals are just great ! Making this race my most memorable race. Not only to me but to many runners in this series who have posted comments on Facebook.