STANDARD CHARTERED KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL MARATHON 2011

Kuala Lumpur, 26 June 2011. Today was Standard Chartered's third year as the main sponsor for the Kuala Lumpur International Marathon, Malaysia's biggest marathons and in just a short span of 3 years, I have to give this year's Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur International Marathon a two thumbs and 2 toes up!!! I have ran more than 60 races in the past 8 years and this was the best organised race that I have participated. Everything from registration, race-number, vest & goodie bag collection to the last point of medal and left-luggage collection was so well organised.

Baggage left-area.

The event organiser was Golazo Sdn Bhd and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). It is sanctioned and supported by the relevant international and local sporting authorities – the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), Malaysia Amateur Athletics Union (MAAU), Federal Territory Amateur Athletic Association (FTAAA), International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF), Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), and National Fitness Council (NFC). The race is also fully supported by the title sponsor, Standard Chartered Bank (Malaysia) Berhad.

The organiser prepared sufficient toilets throughout the race route, many water stations, a lot of free-flow both water and isotonic drinks at water stations, bananas enough to feed the whole Zoo, very cheerful and energetic supporters, pretty and sexy cheer leaders (which had slowed me down substantially), first aid people were scattered everywhere, many ambulances, marshals were seen at every corner, perfect distance markers and good signage.... to top up the good weather!!

Until 3 days ago, I was not even sure if I did register for this year's SCKLM. Well.. it turn out I did not but Rose Emini Pahamin registered for me!!

..and Rose Emini Pahamin happily register TWENTY ONE KILOMETER... 21km for her ~~younger~~ brother.

This morning, the alarm almost failed to wake me up but after the 3rd snooze, followed by two other alarm clock, I jumped out of bed and was immediately on the way. Parking was seriously bad........ but luckily we drove a 4WD and had the luxury to climbed up the road curb for illegal parking without obstructing any other traffic.

Someone tried illegal parking too and was caught.. booby trap?

It was still dark when we arrived. In our car were Rose Emini Pahamin, Nyna Mohsen, Nawal Aini Zulkifli and me. We arrived at 5:45am, half an hour before the scheduled flag-off time.

and at the starting point, we met other Kiasu's from the CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP...

There were 22,000 runners running 21km!!!and participants form over 45 countries!!

At 6:15am sharp, the 21km runners were flagged off by the Standard Chartered Chairman. We began our run in the dark cold morning. I think I was sleep-running after just about 15 minutes..... being on runner's high... that moment... when the body lacks the oxygen, the lactic acid kicks off and the adrenaline rushed in.... Woww.. heaven!!! it felt as if I was flying........ but actually was so slow and almost walking ceh...

I did not know when but the morning darkness disappeared and the day suddenly became all bright. and spotted!!! Vivien Luyen Ow whom was all excited about today's run but ended up a paparazzi!!! Hey.. that's my department!! and she snapped this photo...

She also took other bootcampers photos...

Ilyanna Aylin Ayob

Uncle John Chuah & Nurfazura Jaafar

JOE LIEW

Lilian Lee & Nawal Aini Zulkifli

The run was good. There were water stations everywhere even before thirst kicked in and there were so many toilets. there were distance marker at every 5km? Coincidentally my polar footpod played tantrum and the marker really did help. The volunteers were great!!! this is the first time that I saw ALL VOLUNTEER supporters cheering endlessly blowing whistles and never stop shouting to encourage runners. Usually, volunteers just stood still without energy or yawning in bore.

The last 5km was very challenging!! The energy worn out... The endless leg cramps since the 13th kilometer... but to top it further, the hilarious entertainment before the crossing line.. there were.. err human blue smurf??

Cheer leaders!!!

and finally, the finishing line!!! I crossed it in 2 hours 53 mins.. lousy timing but cant expect any better time without consistent training...

After crossing the finishing line, went to collect the 21km finisher medal & goodie bag. The traffic-que was smooth!!! There was no queue!!

After collecting the finisher medal & goodie bag, I went to search for the others and found MANIKAN from Allianz group instead.

Manikan coordinated 300 runners from Allianz group nationwide!! Woww I was dissappointed, Allianz never invited PEDA along but I was told, its their 1 running event that they organised. After circling around for almost 15 minutes, I checked my hp and saw mek yam's message that state, meeting place change to the first stop after 21km finisher medal collection booth.