14th Hatyai Nature Run 2008

August 10th 2008 Hatyai,Thailand
Sawadee,gen dee torn lap so Hatyai (Hello,welcome to Hatyai)

As most of us aware,there were many runs to choose on this Sunday,some KPAC members and friends decided to head to the north for some different running atmosphere. It took us 9 hours to reach Hatyai town via Bukit Kayu Hitam by coach and of course we stopped at Changlun for early breakfast before the immigration check point at Sadao open at 6 am.

Beautiful view of Hatyai town captured from Hatyai Central Hotel

Registration for the run was made so easy even though some of us face some communication problems as most of the volunteers are university students and they speak little English.But the systematic procedure and professionalism enable one to register and collect the bib and vest at the same time not more than 10 minutes.And you can choose either vest or round collar T-shirt as well.Most of the foreigners registered on the eve of the race.

This 14th Hatyai Nature Run was organised by the Prince Of Songkla University to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the university with the supports from the local government and its associates.

Free bus shuttling service was provided for those who were staying in the heart of the town as the starting point is situated quite far away.

The race was flagged off by the mayor of Hatyai district,Mr Prai Patno at 7.00 am (Thai time) for the half marathon and 10 minutes later for the 10.5 km at the campus of the university.The running atmosphere is similar to ours and there were plenty of water stations for runners.The police traffic and volunteers were placed at every junctions to control the traffic flow and to ensure the safety of the runners.

Group photo of KPAC members and friends.Behind is the picture of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadei the great-the King of Thailand.From left to right:Mano,Siow Kek Keong,Maniarasu,Ilan,Lingam,Mohen,Gopal and Sathi.

The running route was comfortable and rather flat with only few turnings.As for the quarter marathon,the runners made an U turn back at the half way mark.The Thais are strong and fast runners.They dominated almost all the categories.Only few Malaysians and Singaporeans managed to finish among the top ten positions.If l am not mistaken,the highest position achieved by a Malaysian is Sarjit Singh of Kelab Runner Ipoh.He emerged third in his category.

Students and volunteers cheering the runners at the finishing point.

There were two things that really amazed me.First was the breakfast after the race.It was more like a big party with plenty of foods and drinks.Secondly it was the prize giving presentations.They didn't wait for all runners to complete the race.All top ten winners were required to get themselves stand by .There were so many categories in both half and quarter marathon and yet the presentation only took less than an hour.

Glutinous rice served with omelette and tomato sauce


Chicken porridge's stall.


Soya bean drink


They even prepare the dough and fry the "Yaw chak kwai"on the spot for runners


And this is something different-it is called lumprok,mixture of coconut milk,flour and rice and is baked similarly to our 'kueh bauhulu'


A mountain of rambutans instead of the usual banana


.....and the thirst quencher


The most popular stall-'mee goreng' finishing fast and the cook had to prepare from time to time to adequate the demand



The Ozone Stations for runners to cool down


As you can see,there are hundreds of trophies to be given away


Uncle Ee Ah Sing of Singapore still going strong and completed the half marathon with a big trophy


Maniarasu missed the top ten positions-he finished 11th in the age 45-49 half marathon category.


The only trophy winner,Sathi (left) finished 8th in the 10.5 km race-age 30-34 category with a time of 47 min 11 sec.

Results at glance:

Half marathon - 21 km

Age group 40-44
No:00--2h 05m 17s---Mohen

Age group 45-49
No:11--1hr 45m 07s---Maniarasu
No:00--2hr 30m 32s---Ilan

Quarter marathon - 10.5 km

Age group 30-34
No:08--47m 11s---Sathi

Age group 35-39
No:00--56m 42s---Gopal

Age group 40-44
No:00--48m 40s---Lingam
No:00--54m 32s---Tee Kuan Meng
No:00--65m 55s---Mano

Age group 45-49
No:11--46m 23s---Siow kek Keong