PBIM-Race report

A record of 54 KPAC members registered but sadly less than half actually ran the PBIM.Anyway the KPAC would like to thank Mr William-an organising committee of PBIM-for his kind assistance to help us register and collect in advance our goodies bags.We didn't have any problem to sort out our running bibs and t shirt because everything were well packed.

As for this successfully organised trip to Penang,our president deserves a pat on the back for his initiative and hard work.With experience bus driver on the wheel,the journey went on smoothly as planned.

At 7.10 am,the bus left Padang Sultan Sulaiman, heading to Ipoh town.Reached there at about 1130am,we had delicious 'tim sum' for our 'breaklunch' at two popular restaurants-Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum and Yoke Fook Moon Restaurant before resuming our journey an hour later.

After a 6 hours ride on the bus,we finally reached our destination-the QueenBay Mall to collect our goodies bags.It didn't take us long to check in Sunway Hotel which is located a walking distance away from the tallest building in Penang Island-Komtar-eventhough the counter staff faced some difficulties in handling long list of guests due to overwhelming bookings.

Food was not a problem there but the extorbitant hawkers enjoyed good business.A plate of 'Char Koay Tiau' meant for one person costs rm5.00 and a can of isotonic drink sold at rm2.10.Surprisingly,hardly any empty tables available.

All KPAC members who ran the PBIM gathered at the lobby to have a light breakfast specially pre packed by the hotel at 1.00 am.By 1.45 am we were heading to the mall again as most roads will be closed soon.

Only 9 KPAC members took the challenge to compete in the full marathon including 3 first timer.They were Lim Chong Ping,his wife Dr Sia Lay Cheng and me.There were not many participants in this category and only a handful of international runners took part especially the Kenyans,a couple of 'mat salleh' and yes, the Thais.

At 3.00 am,the race was finally gunned off.There were water stations at every 2.5km intervals not until km17.5 where the half marathoners coincided and grabbed everything,the refreshment and sponges.The funny part was Powel gels were given at 18km mark and without a drop of water,l hold the gels in my hand till the next water point at 25km mark!

Then at km35,we bumped into a sea of fun run runners,blocking the entire running path.Again most of the water stations were quickly dried up by all these fun loving participants.Due to lack of training,i hit the wall at the 33km mark and managed to drag myself to the finishing line clocking 5hr 01min 20sec for my maiden marathon.