RUNCATION:BORNEO MARATHON 2018

Event: Borneo Marathon (the second run in GBS 2018)
Date: 6 May 2018
Category: FM Men Veteran

Finally the most awaited event in Grand Borneo Series(GBS) 2018 has arrived. Why? It is because for the first time my entire family traveled with me away from Peninsular Malaysia to Kota Kinabalu for a running event.

It was for my 8th FM run and mixed with a short family vacation.Blessed with more excitement when my eldest son who was not able to join initially finally made it to although had to pay more for his last minutes flight ticket.

The plan was to fly on Saturday 5 May morning and return on Monday 7 May.

It was also fortunate that the GE14 which was predicted on the same weekend finally scheduled on 9 May.So, no dilemma or losses with the flight tickets cost that booked in December 2017.

5 May 2018 - leaving home for Kota Kinabalu(KK)

Left home at about 7 a.m. with two vehicles. Me, my wife and Zakwan were on our regular taxi driver and my other kids to a Grab car to the airport.

5 May 2018 at KK

The take off was delayed for about 30 minutes and arrived safely at KKIA almost 1 p.m. My kids were very excited to step on Sabah for the first time. Just like last year, there was one big banner to welcome runners to the event at the arrival hall.

We took two Grab cars  from the airport to Promenade Service Apartment. So lucky because the driver was very friendly and shared with us useful information for the plan during our trip at KK. He said it would only take about 2 hours driving to reach Kundasang from KK. He also shared and suggested how should we spend our time at each location that we may wanted to do within that short day trip.

Initially I thought it is much longer a with the limited time, we would be able to go there this time.My initial plan was just to go for sight seeing and visit few interesting places within KK only.

I also booked a car to be rented for one day which was still undecided plan after I finished my run the next day.

From the reception counter after we have checked in, we went to the RPC venue at Suria Sabah Shopping Complex at arrived there at about 2.00 p.m. Did dot come for the RPC last year and I could compare the scenario. It was a very smooth RPC process to me.

The RPC location was at the level 3 and the atmosphere was lively as well. It did not take me that much time to Q to get my race pack. Registered with the bus service provided for runners at  RM40 for a two-way trip from designated pick-up points to the event venue at Likas Stadium. Took it because I was worry not to get any taxi or Grab car at early morning for the FO.

Then I took some photos of myself and with my family at the RPC venue before leaving for our lunch at the same place and also my last heavy meals for the day. Also bumped into Hussien but surprised to see him alone because I knew he planned to come with his wife.Felt sorry for him when he told me that his wife was not well suddenly and could not make it this time. He also almost decided not coming.

Then we returned to the apartment to put our stuff in the room and to have a short break and rest for a while after the long journey from home to KK.

At the RPC venue, Suria Sabah Shopping Complex

With Hussien at the RPC venue

During the short rest and break at our room and after discussing with my kids, finally we decided to go to Kundasang after I have finished my run on Sunday.

The plan was to leave KK at 12p.m. and to start the journey back to KK by 4p.m as advised by some when I asked them about the best time to drive back from there. Honestly, I was nervous and cautious because...

1. I never drive by myself in KK and driving to Kundasang surely an added concern to me.

2. I still do not know about what would be my conditions after the FM run.

However when my kids and my wife were so excited if we could go to Kundasang especially to visit the NZ-like cattle farm and also to see Kinabalu Mountain from there.Hard to say no to fulfill their wish  as a father  and husband right?

I only prayed that I would not have any trouble during my run and to return to my room by 10a.m. Then I would have about 1 to 2-hour rest before leaving to Kundasang by 12p.m. Then I just need to keep my finger crossed for the plan to be executed smooth and safely for my family to have something great and memorable to bring back home.

At about 4.30 p.m.,we went for a walk along the waterfront areas.We went to the Philippines Market and later did some more sight seeing further  beyond the fish markets and seafood stalls. Along our walk, my wife and did some shopping some stuff for themselves.

At about 6.30 p.m. we leisurely and slowly walked back to our room and had our dinner along the way back as well. Stopped at KK Centrepoint and bought a present for my second daughter Fareesya as the reward for the excellent exam result recently.

My family knew that I need to get some sleep early that night  and we reached our room at about 8.00 p.m.

Evening sight seeing along the water front at KK

6 May - The race day

Arrived at Likas Stadium at about 1.00 a.m. Yes, I was very early and mostly only crews were around.Some works were still in progress for the preparation.

When I arrived at the venue. Still mostly empty.

Then I met some friends from Peninsular who arrived early too.

First, Azian, then Zulhafizy, Fairuz@Nana, Linda ,Badli Ihsan and others after that. Something that I noticed that the atmosphere at the stadium was less live and noisy compare to last year. There were also lesser crowd seen. 

When I arrived, some workers were still working on the main stage, music was still not played and no emcee making the noise yet to welcome and cheering the crowd yet. So, I could not take some photos with the nice back drop this time because it was not lighted up and ready yet like last year.

Early birds. Badli, Azian, Fairuz, Zulhafizy and Linda

Johorean running friends

Fairuz and Tharmendren

Anonymous Runners.Esther, Hussien and Tharmendren

After chatting and taking photos with my friends who arrived one by one in the stadium, I walked to the FO area outside the stadium with Hussien, Esther and Linda at about 2.20 a.m. Along the way and at the FO area we bumped into more friends who were from Peninsular too.

Untramarathoner Fansuri(middle)

The plan

I knew the route already and it was the same route that I ran last year. So, that made me knew what expect roughly. The only thing was, I hoped I would not face the trouble with my ankle that I had last year. Managed  to have one 30km LSD run just one week before the event with running friend, a much more veteran runner  Azman Ali. He joined this event as well. 

With the preparation I have made and the build-up to the event, I have the confidence that I will finish it in better time than in Miri. Somehow, I felt more calm this time and just excited to finish my run again. Like in Miri, the challenge is to manage the expected hot and humid ambient during the last 10km of the run since the sun will rise much earlier that in Peninsular. 

My realistic target was just to improve my time from Miri and would be better if I can run under 6-hour like last year when I finished in 5:56.

One more  new factor that I need to consider this time was I need to stay injury free and at least I would be able to stay energised for my trip to Kundasang on Sunday as well.

MY RUN

The flag off was sharp at 3.00 a.m. Something missing which was the warm-up workouts  led by someone with the lively music like last year.

I started my run slowly within the very congested traffic from the FO.My intention was just to run within pace 6-7 this time and trying to maintain that until 30km at least.

I was able to do that and everything was very smooth according to the plan. I felt much more relaxed too.Stopped at one petrol station at 13km to pee and took the wudhuk. The intention was just to stop to pray at the temporary surau provided at about the 18km. However, I decided to pray at the mosque just before the surau when I saw some runners crossed the road to pray there. 

Bumped into Esther and Linda again after my Subuh prayer. Ran together with them for few km until my calf started to feel hardened at about 22km. When we started running together, they said they were trying to maintain their run at pace 8 but we actually ran at pace 7 to keep up with Linda who was running faster among us. Then I could not keep up my pace with them and need to control my steps to avoid more pain at my calf muscle. Told Esther and Linda to continue with their pace 7-8 and leave me behind to continue with my own pace. From here, my pace started to drop to pace 8.

Then I tried to maintain at the same pace and somehow I was able to ease the pain that I have felt at my calf muscle.Whenever I felt more, I just slowed down again but I tried to stay running because I knew it would be much more difficult for me to run again if I start walking. I tried to hold myself from walking as long as possible and I ideally until I reach the 30km mark. 

Before the 24km mark and at a slightly uphill road, suddenly I saw  a group of crews was busy distributing orange wrist band to runners who were passing them.This was new because they did not have it last year. Heard some of them said that was the secret checkpoint.

I could not stop myself from switching on my phone and took some photos and made a short video here.The first one from the FO. Felt so grateful that the ankle pain that I suffered at about from 24km last year did not returned this time.

From the water station after the 24km mark, I have managed to run much longer that I did last  year and maintained the pace 8 on the way to the UMS campus. At this water station, banana and wet sponge started to be supplied for runners if I am not mistaken.

Finally after a long, flat and straight route after that, I reached the entrance of UMS campus again where the true challenge of the run was just started. Had my second stop to take some photos at the main entrance to the UMS campus.

Entering UMS Campus area

After updating my IG and FB that I have entered UMS,  I  continued to run and  then arrived at the longest uphill route after entering UMS. From this route, FM  runners were tested mentally HM runners and fellow FM runners were seen running to the main entrance from the opposite direction to leave UMS campus.

The first, the highest elevation and the longest uphill road of the race in UMS

Again, compare to last year, I had more running this year than walking within the UMS campus while dealing with all the tough uphills and also downhills. Stopped to take some photos and made one short video at the first uphill route as well. However my pace was dropped within 9-12 already which could be the main reason why I had more running this time. 

The 30km mark was also in the campus area and my watch showed that I was at 4:15 and it looked like the under 6-hour was still within my reach. In the same time, in my mind has already thinking about the first time driving experience to from KK to Kundasang at this stage.
As seen during our uphill run when we entered UMS earlier, the downhill route was placed with another water and aids station. The energy gel for runners was also provided by the sponsor at this station.

The pain at my calf also felt much lesser but I was not in the mood to push myself further and happy enough to maintain the more relaxed pace to finish the run.

Finally, I reached the UMS main entrance again to reach  the 34km mark just after I passed the main entrance arch.

Leaving UMS campus to the hottest remaining distance 

The route after leaving the campus was the  hottest route to deal with in this run. This was the time when the sunlight directly heating all runners from the above. It was hot and humid but the route was quite flat as well. So, runners did not the trouble to deal with any difficult elevation along this last 8km. However, the organiser has prepared the water and aid stations  for every 2-3km along  this stretch to prevent runners from dehydration. I think at almost all water stations, muscle spray were also provided and sprayed by the on duty crews. 

The additional supply at the water and aid stations after the UMS was the packed ice for runners to cool their muscles compare to wet sponge provided at earlier water stations.

There were also some entertainment to cheer up runners who were facing the most challenging period mentally and physically along the route.Again, there were guys dressed in the traditional attire for tribal warriors  in Sabah showcasing themselves with music and some dancing moves. 

I did not miss the chance to have some photos with them.
Surprisingly I was able to have slow runs for most of the time and mixed with some  fast walks in between.

Met the warriors again!

This ambient was getting hotter and more humid as I was running further towards the finish line. In the same time I saw much lesser crowd after the 36km and after passing the iconic Sabah Foundation building. My guess it was because only HM and FM runners were using the same route to the finish line from UMS compare to with 10km runners who joined us after the 36km mark to the finish line last year at about the same period.

Photo by Harry Richard Piti

Just before the 38km mark, there was one group of unofficial volunteers provided coke and banana on small table at the back of their car for runners to pick. I thanked them and told them they were just awesome!

At the roundabout after the 39km, there was a fire engine placed to spray water to runners. Just after that, there was another one group of unofficial volunteers provided Malaysian ice cream or coke for FM runners to choose. One of them was a lady and equipped a camera too.

At the water station after that, which was the second last one, there were a group of ladies dressed in traditional tribal attire at the road side to cheer up runners as well. Surely I did not miss the opportunity to have my photo with them as well because I was not sure whether I saw ladies with that attire last year or not.

While running and walking passing the final 4-6km after UMS, I was not really looking at my watch under the scorching hot sun. It was totally not my concern about the timing for me this time.Within the 2km, I saw one runner in front of me was so struggled with his run and another one male runner seen giving him some motivation to continue. 

I joined him to encourage that runner to keep running by giving giving quick words of encouragement while passing him. Later after the finish I know that male runner was Marathon Mohan and he also took photos of me from behind while I was passing the struggled runner. 

Cheering up a fellow runner to stay strong.

Photos by Marathon Mohan

At 40km mark, I saw my watch clocked about 5:50 and immediately I know that I am gonna finish my 2nd Borneo Marathon above 6 hours although it would better than at Miri Marathon.No way I can run at pace 5 at the last 2km  at that staeg of the runSo, I just continued to run slowly  and in the same time tried to encourage some fellow runners along the way to run with me to the finish line as we were getting closer to enter the Likas stadium.

Just entered the stadium and could see the finish line on the other side from here.

Started running again on the track to the finish line.
Photos by Jessy Roxy

Flying to cross the finish line for  another personal victory.
Photo by Suunto Malaysia

I did it again!
Photo by Essy Choo

Finally...I finished my run and so lucky this time when I had some photos taken by photographers when I was running in the stadium to the finish line.I had none last year.

Officially I finish my 8th FM in 6:01 and I had no complaint about it.I was a tough run but in overall I was quite satisfied since I did not have any major  problem from the start to the end.

Did not want to waste too much time after getting my medal, finisher tee and others after crossing the finish line.
Then I looked for some friends and quickly took some photos together because I need to rush back to my room for me to rest before driving to Kundasang.
Below are photos with fellow runners who were finishers of the day.

Photo by Harry Richard Piti

Also met an old friend from UKM after almost 20 years since we left UKM Bangi. Have been connected via FB for years but never had the chance to meet but finally running has enabled us to meet again.Happy to see my friend Jerry Gungkat who is now based in Sabah and also from Sabah finished his first FM after running HM three times previously in this event. Congratulation Jerry!

Hope to meet you again and we can have more time to chat.

With Jerry Gungkat

Photo by Harry Richard Piti

Walked to the bus pick-up point but no bus or anyone there available. So frustrated because I need to rush back to the apartment. I won't trust such service anymore for future events here.

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The post-run activities - family sight seeing trip!

Reached my room by a taxi at about 10 a.m. and quickly cleaned myself and had some rest. At about 12p.m. and with the almost perfect weather, we left KK to Kundasang.

I thought roads that I need to go through to Kundasang will require me to drive much slower because I was told it would be hilly areas.I had a fairly nice drive because it was not so much different compare to drive at many roads in Peninsular such as East-West Highway or when driving up to Cameron Highland. What slowed me down was due to some lorries were in front of me at certain stretches and need to wait until  some stretches along the road that allowed a vehicle to overtake other vehicles.

However, it was a heavy rain when we were about 30km from Kundasang but the weather was perfect again once we reached the Kinabalu Park. I decided to go to the New Zealand-like Desa Cattle Dairy Farm first and will return for the sight seeing at Kinabalu Park on oyr way back.

Reached Kundasang town at about 2p.m. and stopped for short toiler break before continuing the journey for another 5km to the farm.

The roads towards the farm as truly the country side  of Kundasang and I drove passing the housing areas , vegetable farms in between and with the amazing views of scenery along the way. All of us were very quiet and just allowed our eyes and mind to appreciate and enjoy what we were seeing.

Finally we arrived at the much awaited to see farm as highly recommended  by many of my friends to visit for many years.I came to KK many times before for work but have never reached this amazing place.

Yes, we were amazed the moment we entered the farm area after paying the fee at the main gate. I have been in some countries  such Japan, India and China but not New Zealand other than seeing it in movies, TV and photos. The views truly made me felt like I was not in Malaysia and honestly I must admit that my friends are absolutely right. 

Now I understand and agree for those who claimed being there is more or less like being in New Zealand. Views and ambient are so fantastic and also calming! So lucky that the weather at the area was so perfect as well when we arrived.

All of us were so overwhelmed and the only regret was we did not have much time to stay much longer there because we have to leave by 4p.m. as advised by many for a safer driving back to KK.

The farm is opened for public with some activities for visitors are outlined for certain hours. Other thing that made the farm unique other than the environment about its cows which have black and white skin colours like we always seen at New Zealand farms that  breeding for milking purpose. It was quite unfortunate we did not have the chance to see the cows much closer other that its calves where visitors are allowed to feed them with milk.

Stopped to perform our prayer at the mosque located on the hill side of the Kundasang town where we can see the views of the whole town from up there.

Kinabalu Park
Unlucky because we arrived when the rain just stopped. Hard to see the Kinabalu Mountain views from there because of  heavy fog at about 4 p.m after the rain. I just drove in the park area, made one circle and stopped a few spots to take some photos to record and for keeping our short memories for being there for the first time.To come back is for sure in our mind but only time will tell when it would be.

The entrance of Kinabalu Park

Only heavy fog as the background for us this time. No Mount Kinabalu view

Seafood dinner at Anjung Senja

Thought of going to the signall hill before the dinner but my kids were all felt so starved when we arrived at KK.So, I opted to have the dinner before going back to rest at our room.
We arrived here just after the sunset and the views  of the sea and sky from the place was still amazing for my eyes and mind to enjoy.

Seafood dinner.Very tasty but simple

7 May 2018
Signal Hill Observation Platform
We finally made it to be here before leaving to the airport that morning. We spend about half an hour here to see KK City from the hill.

Arrived at KKIA

Like last year, the banner to tell runners that the next Borneo Marathon date was there to see the moment we entered the airport.
28 April 2018.My kids also asked whether I will come again or not for the run  but I just left them unanswered...he he he.

Boarded to the plane...
So, the amazing running and vacation trip finally came to its end.We left Borneo Marathon and Sabah with very special and sweet memories.

Landed at KLIA2 safely and bumped into fellow FM runner at Borneo Marathon  Badli Ihsan and both of us were proudly wearing the finisher tee to mark what we have accomplished at the event this time.

Badli Ihsan

It was the best running and vacation trip for me and my family so far. Running not only maintaining my good health and fitness level now but also has strengthened the bond within family while enjoying much healthy lifestyle together as well. Yes, more a father like me can do to make my family happy when I am much healthier now than few years back.

Good bye KK and can't wait for the last run of GBS 2018 at Kuching on 12 August.