What’s the idea of running the 100 km category road race in
Titi Ultra 2019? The course itself is almost 2.5 times of distance for
Full Marathon (42.195 km) and 5 times for Half, and this doesn’t account for the elevation changes encountered along the uphill and downhill road. To get things serious, there is a cut-off time allotted at each checkpoint (CP) to assure
that all runners are able to complete their race within permitted duration.
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| The Course Record |
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100km Race Elevation Chart
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| A-Z Preparation for 100km |
The 100 km category started at 4pm. Everyone
on the road were greeted with full blast of sun and devastating temperature on the Saturday afternoon. After the first kilometer mark, my buddy overtook and no longer be seen. From 4pm to 7pm, the runners had
to endure the extreme heat along the undulating winding road, while patiently
walk and jog toward the CP1 and CP2. Things were starting to pick up at dark
after overcoming all the negativities when the sun goes down. Despite being
alone on the course, my body and mind feel more relaxed on my pace. Slowly and
steadily I’ve entered the CP5 at Puom village at 1130pm. Now the remaining time
to cut-off is 10.5 hours now, with 52.5km to finishing.
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| Mandatory Item Check |
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| Game Start! |
The temperature is getting lower at night time. I put on my
long sleeve t-shirt and continue the journey. It was a long and quiet night,
yet the oomph factor keep on inspiring me to move on. Sometimes, at some point
on the road, it was only the headlamp on my head giving small lights of hope in
their darkness. Thankfully the volunteers and support crew were there to cheer
up the runners by handing out candies and power gels in the middle of race. A
little warmth goes a long way.
During the race I don’t get a chance to refuel myself with a
carbo-loading meal. All the food and snacks in my pack offered only temporary
relief from the real-food temptation. It was not until I met with a group of
support crew at CP9. They offered a generous bowl of warm broth and rice in
which I quickly chowed down to my stomach within seconds. It was proved to be the
most effective food for that morning. Now it was only less than 15 km to
completion.
I’ve finally survived my 100 km long distance race within
the cut-off and the time clocked is 17 hours, 24 minutes and 55 seconds. The
rest is history. Gladly It is the same lady waiting for me at the finishing, and
together we feasted the food served at the school canteen. After all, 100km is
just another attainment in my running life and I am proud that I faced it with
courage and everything.
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| Timing for 100km |
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