Stronger than Route 68 Challenge 2016 : 50 km Race Report

Everyone knows that completing a 42.195 km full marathon isn’t an easy feat. To go beyond the distance, I have decided to participate in the Route 68 challenge 50 km category. This April 2016, it is the second edition of the challenge. Considering myself as a newbie to the ultramarathon, we decided to reach to the race site as early as 5am using the bus service arranged by organizer. To prepare myself in endurance running, I have engaged myself in functional training classes (by Country Club Fitness) and do hiking / running around KL parks at least three days weekly.

The race venue on 10 April 2016

Mandatory item (blinker, mobile, hydration belt and headlamp) display (and reflective vest)

Back at the race site, after performing our mandatory item check, the 50 km category race flagged off at 7am. For safety purpose, we runners had to keep the blinkers and headlamp on, together with the reflective vest put on in the first hour of race. At First 10 km, we passed by two checkpoints (A1: Indian Temple & A2: Digi Tower). The elevation was not as great as what we expected and my friend (NKY) and I were comfortable running on the route. It was until 15 km where we started to descent. The timing was great and it was a windy morning with all supporters and volunteers trying hard to keep everybody energized. At checkpoint A3 (Genting Sempah), there were no free Mcdonalds served to runners as what we have thought by looking at the course maps in website. We somehow passing a McD restaurant adjacent to the R&R Genting Sempah area J

NKY running ahead (Photo credit to Chan Wk).

At 10 am, I was checking on my phone clock at Checkpoint A5 (Bukit Tinggi T-Junction). To my surprise, I managed to complete the half of run in 3 hours.

Slow and steady swing... (Photo credit to Maui Taking Photos)

From here, the 50 km category runners are to make an U-turn back to the finishing point. There were Nasi Lemak served at the checkpoint. After having a quick meal and got my water bottle filled, the journey crawling back to uphill route began. I started to feel the tight pain caused by muscles on the back of both lower legs. It was not until 35 km distance where I rejoined with NKY, who was struggling to walk due to the killing pain of his right knee. We realized that we had to live with them and made it to the end.

Returning to the finishing point (Photo credit to Se7en Chiam).

Along the descending route, we were trying to increase the walking pace to catch up with fellow runners. At one point, we stopped at one curved road to help out a wounded motorcyclist who just had an minor accident while attempting to make his turn on the stony road. We managed to stop the bleeding on his hand with a cloth and urged to seek medical treatment at the nearest clinic. Sure hope he is doing fine now.

Happy face while crossing the finishing line :)

NKY at the finishing line.

Finally, we were at the last 2 km of our race and again, I picked up my running pace. It was obvious that the sun had treated us well on the race day and we were blessed with most of the route being covered by the shady trees. Proudly I finished my first 50 km ultramarathon in 7 hour 41 minutes, whereas NKY had clocked his timing at 7 hour 50 minutes. It was an achievement and absolutely, a moment where you have experience it to believe it.

Posing for our first ultramarathon (50 km) with the finisher medal.

Meet the 70 km Male category winners of Route 68 Challenge 2016.

We had a huge R68 banner with all participants' name in.

To come this far, again I have learnt that quote ‘you don’t stop when you are tired, you stop only when you’re done’. Thanks to SW who came to support us, my coach Chris and fellow ultra-runners, we did a Good Job today! 

The coolest 50 km finisher tee by 2ndSkin.

Had a great meal time at Sek Yuen Pudu :)