KUL MARATHON 2017:FIRST EVER AIRPORT MARATHON IN ASIA!

Event: 1st KUL Marathon(KULM)

Date: 19 Nov 2017

Venue: KLIA

Distance: 25km

To commemorate the 25th year anniversary of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd(MAHB)

The event was not in my calendar initially. I decided to register when I was in the midst of recovering from the ankle injury in September. I registered for the 20km Action Asia Trail run at Janda Baik on the same date earlier but decided to DNS for it because I did not want to risk my ankle again for another trail run which would utilize my lower body to the limit especially my ankle and knee.

I sold my bib for that event to a running friend and feeling good to know that he also finished the run strongly.

There were some worries within me and some of my running events about this event initially. Mainly because it is the first-time event by MAHB who has no track records in organising running events (based on my personal knowledge).

Adding to that is the series of events cancellation by other organisers in this year that left runners felt fooled and cheated with unknown and unacceptable excuses with some just staying quiet with the registration fees paid.

The next cause of worries is because there was not so much news or build-up updates from the organiser as the date getting closer like other big events because in the early promotion it was touted as the first ever airport marathon in Malaysia and Asia!

However, in the same time there were other factors that finally made me to register such as...

1. To replace the event with lesser injury risks to my ankle for the weekend.

2. It is the first ever airport marathon in Malaysia.

3. It is nearby my house.

4. MAHB is a company with a good reputation and I did not think they would take it lightly as the organiser.

So, finally I chose this event over another road run event at Shah Alam on the same day.

The preparation

So, I came to the KULM in fairly good shape after a very enjoyable 15km run at LHKSNS 2017 in Kuala Kangsar and despite the 'nightmare' at PNM a week before that.

I will miss PBIM this year and KULM was listed as my last event for me to run in 2017 because my plan is to have a free-event month in December.

Had a busy working days in the week that resulted I could have only one 15km night LSD run on Thursday and followed one gym session for me to prepare some fitness for the event. However, the feeling was good because I felt quite fresh and ready with no injuries.

My mindset for the event was to see whether I can erase the cramp and diarrhoea memories at PNM 2017 by having a better and comfortable run here. So, I did take extra precaution on the meals taken from my breakfast until about 8p.m. before I went into sleep. I also took extra water and ORS from Friday night.

The plan for me was to see what would be the time for me for the

Other than that, I wanted to use this run to test my newly bought Asics Gel Nimbus 19 shoes to replaced my forefoot punctured Brooks Launch 4 for my HM runs in 2018 or I could use it for FM runs as well if I feel comfortable with it.

Finally bought it after several weeks of searching and fitting some models from various brands that I hope to give me similar or better comfort for my upcoming runs.

For the RPC, my wife did that and for this event she joined another 10km run although her regular running buddies did not.

The event day...

Honestly, I did have a very clear on how the FO and FL setup and traffic arrangement because both were located at different locations. I decided to follow the advisory notes and guidelines sent by email few days before to all runners. The FO at the Main Terminal Building(MTB) and the FL at the open parking area in the KLIA area.

I left home at about 2.20 a.m. and arrived at the open parking area of KLIA at about 2.50 a.m.

From there we took the shuttle bus provided by MAHB to bring us to the MTB.It was the first unique experiences because we boarded using the bus for the first time to the departure level in the full set of running attire.

Upon arrived at the MTB, the awaiting crew showed us the direction and asked us to move straight to the level 5 via the escalator. This was another awesome experience the walk from the bus to level 5 with other runners felt so strange but we were so excited as well in the same time.

Initially I could really imagine on how the FO area look like but when we arrived there finally at about 3:20 a.m., it was truly a different kind of views around it where could only see it at the airport. The FO arch was arranged at the road surface where we always drive through and stop to send someone or we are dropped to catch the flight. However, this time, we were about to start our run there.

It was truly amazing experiences when we were there walking around with some people busy about their flights and we were anxiously and so excited to start our first ever run at the airport. When we arrived FM, runners were already flagged off and not so many runners seen yet. I met some friends who arrived at about the same time as well.

To me the setup of the FO area was quite well arranged for runners to gather for the FO. The luggage storage was placed just outside the building in next to the FO area for runners to send and later all stuff would be transferred by the organiser to the FL area. Me and my wife did not were not wasting the opportunity to take photos at the FO area while not so many people arrived yet.'

The FO for FM, 25km and 10km runs were set at 3a.m, 4. 30a.m and 6. 30a.m respectively. Since we arrived quite early, my wife decided to the surau to rest and wait until the Subuh prayer and wait for her FO. Me and some runners went and sat at chairs at the passengers' waiting area located inside the MTB next to doors to the FO area.

Over here I had the chance with 2 runners from Kenya. One of them just won the ATM HM on 12 Nov and their next events are PBIM and in Taiwan respectively. At KUL, one joined the 25km and one more joined 10km. Both are full time long distance runners and travelling all over the world participating in events to win or to be among the cash prize winners at least.

About 30 minutes from the FO time, I walked to the FO area. At this time, more runners have arrived and the area started to be more crowded and lively with the emcee's voice and music played. Took as many photos as possible with all friends who I bumped into at that area. Next the FO arch, there was huge yellow painted vehicle that only could only be found at the airport's operation. I could remember its unique name as announced about the functions of that vehicle to runners.

There was one short warming up stretching session led by one crew before the FO and followed by a very loud live Bhangra drum show by 3 drummers just in front of the FO arch facing the runners. After that, finally we were flagged just on time and airport run started!

The route...

 It was not something unexpected when I saw it published because I am quite familiar with it due to the regular driving in KLIA area for many years. In the same I was also very anxious on what would the feeling and challenges when running along the route. The route is quite flat with no truly hilly areas to deal with. Theoretically, it is the kind of route for anyone to go for the personal best in timing.

I started my run quite smoothly and my aim was just to stay the average pace 6 all the way until the 25th km. My run was good from the FO towards the downhill route before running along the MTB and then turned left to the open parking area.

The next part was a flat route before a little elevation and followed by another downhill toward the small roundabout at the Charter field and Concorde Inn Hotel. Until this time, there traffic was quite with very few vehicles seen.

There were safety cones placed along the route to guide runners with traffic policeman and crews seen manned each turn and junction.

I did not stop to drink anything at the first WS because I felt hydrated enough to carry on until the next WS. During my regular LSD runs, I often take some water only after I have reached 10km at least.

To me the mental challenge started when we passed the small roundabout despite the flat road which is Jalan KLIA 1.

This was due to when I looked in front of me, it looks like no ending of the road and what I saw were just street lamp poles as far as my eyes could see. However, the route was fully well lighted from that roundabout until the next roundabout nearby the masjid KLIA. The whole one side of the road was totally closed from any vehicle and dedicated only for runners of the event.

The traffic started to become busy when I arrived at the typically busy at the masjid KLIA roundabout. However, the on-duty policemen were seen there to control and it was a quite smooth for me during the transition passing the roundabout to the route towards the F1 Circuit or Jalan Pekeliling.

From the roundabout, runners will run until the U-turn and to run again at the same route but at the opposite side of the road.

The road here is a three-lane road with a very flat surface along the road. However, the experience running here at that time was full of mixed feelings between excitement and safety concerns.

The safety concern was mainly due to...

 1. Surprisingly not all lamp poles were with the light in the on mode. This left runners to run in mostly in the dark and the main guide for us just to look carefully the lamp poles with light very far in front of us. Other than that, I just used the road divider on my right as the guide as well. There were crews seen with hand held light beam to guide runners but their positions were very far from one to another and mostly not at well lighted spot as well. Most of the time, I could only see them clearly only with less than about 30-50 metres or closer.

2. The positioning of safety cones along this route was too far from one to another. If I were the driver myself, I don't think these cones could sighted clearly along the dark stretch to indicate that there are runners for me to pay attention.

3. This part of long flat road surface at KLIA is already known for the place vehicles are driven at high speed. With the above 2 conditions, I strongly believe that it posed very high safety risks for runners. I said this because we were running with the vehicle coming from behind us and we could not see them coming.

There were few moments when I was running in the middle within the road dedicated for runners but suddenly some cars and one motorcycle were very close to me. I saw them changed their lane back to the left side of the road when they saw another cone far in front of them. After that I decided to run closer to the right side of the one lane dedicated to runners.

In the same time, surprisingly and finally I could keep the average pace 5 until the 10th km which was also along the Jalan Pekeliling.

Other than the safety concerns above, this was also the most challenging time in the overall 25km distance to me despite its flat surface as expected. It was more on the mental challenge to run in the dark at some parts of the route where I could not see the next stop for WS, junction and turn until I came close enough to each of it.

Although my run was still smooth but my pace started to drop gradually from pace 5 average to pace 6 as planned. Then I tried my best to maintain the pace to the end.

When I was running at this stretch, there were very few runners seen in front or behind me. Our distance to each other was quite far and at some points I felt like I was running alone.

To cheer up myself, after passed the 11th km, I started to cheer other runners by clapping my hands and said "Come on guys! Come on guys!" repeatedly and loudly whenever I saw runners who have made the U-turn and running towards the opposite direction at the other side of the road.

Initially I just wanted to focus on the run alone but the temptation to have a selfie at the 12th km mark was something I failed to resist which meant I have reached almost half of the overall distance. So, I stopped and took some photos and posted it to my IG and FB instantly.

Continued my run and I saw two photographers were taking photos at two separate locations along this road too. One of them was Fiz Said who is also my FB friend.

Finally, I reached the most awaited U-turn and the total distance I ran along jalan Pekeliling was about 7km until that turn. Again, the big U-turn for 25km signboard made me felt so tempted to stop and had another selfies and instant post to my IG and FB pages.

The best part when I reached that point was about the no signs of cramp or pain at my calf this time around. So, I continued my run for another 7km to reach the 21st km to complete a HM distance. After passing the 15th km mark, I was still able to keep the pace 6 average with more than enough strength and energy for me to complete the 25km.

About 1km after the turn, I started to see more and more runners were coming from the other direction and whenever I passed them, I clapped my hands and cheering them loudly again and again. Some of them responded the same way and I just continued with my run. Honestly, as I passed km by km along that stretch, I was keener to see the timing for the 21km distance instead of the 25km. So, I decided to stop my watch once I reached 21km and then reset it for the remaining about 4km distance as a separate run to the FL.

At about between the 17th and 18km, I saw one runner were walking and limping a little bit. He told me he had a cramp when I asked him. I asked him again whether he has any salt stick or not and I gave my last extra tablet to him when said he did not have any. Then I continued my run with the hope he would be able to make it to the FL.

Before this I had never taken salt stick for HM runs because the extra water and ORS taken with 2 days prior to the FO has been enough to prevent cramp. However, with what happened at PNM recently, I decided to take one salt stick 45 minutes before the FO and for every 40-50 minutes after that. Just like how I did for my FM or my 30km LSD runs.

As a precaution, I also brought one or two more extra tablets with me during the run.

Not long after I gave a salt stick to the guy, I came across another runner. He is a much more veteran runner who I assumed in his late 50s or early 60s and saw him before that when he overtook me after the Charter field roundabout.

He walked and ran slowly in and when I asked, he was also suffering from muscle cramp at his calf. Unfortunately, I did not have more salt stick to give him. I just gave him a pat at this back and he said thank.

My run from the 15th km was a very relaxed one and I could stay at the pace 6 comfortable. At one of the water station at about the 19th km I did request one of the crews to take my photo as well with the road as the background. After I passed the masjid KLIA roundabout, finally my watched indicated that I have reached the 21km mark. Whooaahhh! Another HM finish for me and this time it was not a nightmare like at PNM 2017. I stopped my watch and the time recorded was 2:12 with all my stops for selfies and photos taking along the route. I also achieved my goal to run at pace 6 all the way to finish my 19th HM at running events. This timing is considered my normal time for HM run in this year especially after I have recovered from the injury. To me the time for the total 25km is less significant because it is not a normal distance for common and recognised categories for road runs. I can get it from the official time later from the organiser just for my record for this event.

I stopped for a while at this point to synchronize the data from my watch with my phone. Then I updated my IG and FB again to share with my friends that I have finished another HM run with no drama or problems at all this time. It was a smooth, relaxed and enjoyable run within KLIA area for the first time in my life.

Then I restarted my run to finish about 4 more km to the FL. I ran along the same Jalan KLIA 1 again and surprisingly, the veteran runner who was cramped earlier overtook me again slowly. I guessed he has managed to overcome the cramp and I was glad to see that.

At the early few hundred metres after my restart, I was thinking about going back to the pace 6 but after that suddenly I felt I have lost the drive to carry on. This is mainly because I have achieved my personal goals for this run and I felt it was necessary for me to push it further. Then I just decided to be more relaxed in the remaining distance and ran slower and enjoyed the surrounding that has already brighter and becoming brighter as I continued. 

So, it was just slow run and easy walk until I reached the Charter field roundabout again. By this time, the traffic along the road towards the airport has started to become busier and congested with only lane for vehicles and one lane dedicated for runners. After the roundabout, I continued my walk and run until the last downhill to reach the turn to go to the FL on the right side of the road.

I started running again slowly from the downhill, made the right turn to cross the road and then made final left turn to reach the FL arch with the voice of the emcee to cheer and congratulate all finishers.

I crossed the finish line finally with both of hands raised up in the air again and joined other finishers to celebrate it at the FL area. Then quickly I requested one crew to take my photos just after the finish with my sweat was still flowing over my face and body.

I felt so amazing and happy to be one of the finishers at the first KULM. So, glad and grateful that I chose to participate in this event to be a part of this special history in my running journey. 

After collecting my medal and finisher tee, I mingled with other runners who have arrived and at that time, it was still not that crowded. So, I took the opportunity to try all the F&B provided for runners. Then I took photos at the photo booth and then returned to the FL area to wait for my wife and other friends to finish. While waiting I had chats with some friends at the roadside of FL area.

I also met with one of my friends from the same school, Dr. Hasbullah who finished his 25km run. That was the first time I met him at a running event and I did not know that he has started running.When we had a chat, he said he get inspired and motivated to run to be healthy after seeing my updates and progress on my FB page. I am happy to see that because at least I have added a new running friend in my list of friends.

Once my wife arrived, we took photos together and mingled with other runners while waiting to take photos at the photo both. She finished quite strong this time and recorded the time close to her PB for 10km.She looked very happy and satisfied too although her running buddies were not around this time. I saw her made few new friends too at this event.

The event

For its first edition, I considered the event was very well organised and managed. Other the safety concerns at the Jalan Pekeliling, I have little to complaint about the event.

There were no pacers, cheering groups or other types of entertainment for runners and these are something they should seriously consider ensuring the next edition would be interesting.

They should improve that because after the run, one runner told me that he saw some vehicle made the emergency brake to avoid hitting safety cones. The traffic control at the route where vehicles are often driven at high speed must be improved by having more cones with more, bigger and clearer signboards to be sighted by drivers and riders. When the surrounding is still dark, all lamps must be switched on to provide better visibility for runners and other road users.

Supplies at WSs were sufficient when I reached each of it but I was sure the status for the other runners after that until all runners arrived. I also saw mobile toilets at Jalan KLIA 1 provided along the route which is good but better to have more especially at the 14km two-way route at Jalan Pekeliling. There were also praying facilities indicated clearly in the route map for Muslim runners.

For improvement, they should provide the medic crew as well at some WSs because if I am not mistaken, I did not see any of them at any WS for the 25km route.

The arrangement and facilities provided at the FL area was quite seamless for runners to collect the F&B provided, medal and finisher tee. I did not see too long Q or too congested atmosphere for runners once they have crossed the FL.

I heard some complaints from late finishers that there were insufficient supplies such as mineral water and isotonic drinks. If that is true, it must happen again because all registered runners are entitled for that regardless how late they finished the run.

The final notes

Overall, I am quite happy and satisfied with my participation and the event itself. It was truly a special experience and lived up to my expectations for an airport marathon especially with the FO at the MTB of the airport. With some improvements to be made by learning from more established marathon events in Malaysia such as SCKLM and Twincity or from other airport marathon at other countries, KULM could become another unique and premier marathon event in Malaysia.

This event will definitely in my calendar next year and it could be a FM for me next time.