Ultramarathons

Running a marathon was never on my bucket list. It only started about two years back when I started considering running a marathon. After running a half marathon, I decided to abandon it until I have seen guys doing ultramarathons that is longer than a traditional marathon. This ultramarathon seems to be a real impossible feat. And after reading "Born to Run", I was convinced to dive into the challenge.

One of the Penang guy who I know who has attempted these ultras which seems humanly impossible. He has attempted the 100K del Sahara, Great North Walk 100 miles - Toughest Ultratrail in Australia, 222k marathon in Amazon Jungle, Ultra Trail Mount Fuji, the famous Copper Canyon Ultra marathon and some others. He has a facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/seowkong.ng

Jungle Marathon 2010 - Start to Finish (222km)

If we are talking about ultras, Dean Karnazes should not be left out. He has ran the Badwater 135 miles Ultramarathon, known to be toughest foot-race on earth, a marathon to the South Pole at -40 deg F. In 2006, he ran 50 marathons in all 50 states in 50 consecutive days, finishing with the New York City Marathon. He is also an author on several books on running. 

His website is www.ultramarathonman.com

Malaysia has the Sabah Adventure Challenge (SAC) race. A 3 days 100 km ultramarathon. 

This is stated at the SAC website under "Physical fitness".

"Competitors registering for the adventure race or ultra 60km trail run understand that they must be physically fit and mentally prepared for a difficult race course over the two day's and understand the risk's and  associated with competing in an extreme endurance race. Some areas of the race course are not accessible to vehicles or medical teams and response times may vary according to weather, terrain and competitors." Sounds challenging? I think they have not amended it to 100km and 3 days.

Will I consider entering an ultra? Not on my To Do list or Will Do list.

But I am interested in the normal 42km River Jungle Marathon which is not an ultramarathon. Those that have participated enjoys the view of the marathon. Some say you must attempt it at least once.

Taken from the website  (Sounds attractive !!)

"The River Jungle Marathon is one of the most beautiful marathon destinations in Malaysia. Located just 20-minutes from the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the marathon is set amidst a landscape like no other. On this full marathon route, you will experience a mix of Malaysia’s beautiful landscape bringing you through valleys, rivers, dams and mountains. 

Experience all this without even having to leave the road, as The River Jungle Marathon is an On Road run. 

WHY THE RIVER JUNGLE MARATHON 2012?

We believe running should be fun; it shouldn’t be all about how fast we can run. 

The River Jungle Marathon is not a race. There is no big prize money at the finish line. It’s simply for runners who find joy of just being able to run! It’s a run that attracts runners from all walks of life. So we recommend for you to bring a notepad and exchange numbers!"

Unfortunately, it does not fit into my timetable this year. This marathon will be on my running list in 2013. Just irresistible !!