The Volkswagen Marathon Series 2014 - Open for registration!

First and only boutique on-road full marathons in Malaysia

In my earlier post I mention about the Volkswagen Marathon Series, which comprises two full marathons - the Island Ocean Marathon (10th August 2014) and the River Jungle Marathon (7th September 2014), and now it is open for registration. Last year I was lucky enough to be able to run both marathons. Click here to read about my experiences at IOM and here to read about my experiences at RJM. Last year if you signed up for the combo you got a bonus finisher t-shirt if you finished both full marathons. Remember this marathon has only one distance - 42.195km. It has no cut off time. The organisers will follow the last runner home like they did for the previous years. What's more the support cars will be filled with all the things needed to keep the runner going, from sprays to isotonic drinks. I know because I saw what was in the car boot. The crew will petrol the roads and they will inquire on the runners condition and lend support. This is truly crucial for the full marathon virgin (FMV).

Even though it is called a boutique marathon, don't be fooled, as both marathons are tough. Like running any marathon sufficient training is needed. Both runs are also ideal for couples who like running together and also for a runcation. This year instead of a bonus finisher, those who sign up for the combo package will get a running vest. The registration fees may seem a bit steep but the support the runner gets more than makes up for it. What's more if the runner signs up for the early bird combo they will get a much better deal. Like the previous year the two medals can be combined to make an even larger medal. The unique feature of the medal is that it is made of wood and steel. I for one will go run both again as I had the most wonderful experiences there. In fact when push comes to shove I always prefer the smaller runs as I feel the crew can manage the runners better. Also the camaraderie among the runners is really high. Not only is this run for first timers but the veterans like joining it too. For more information and to sign up do visit their website here.

Island Ocean Marathon 2014 finisher t-shirt

River Jungle Marathon 2014 finisher t-shirt

Island Ocean Marathon 2014 medal

River Jungle Marathon 2014 medal

IOM and RJM medals combined

Bonus running vest for combo package registration

Garfield Run 2014

Run like a fat cat

Those who are familiar with the fat cat known as Garfield, which was created by Jim Davies in 1978, will know that he is not a big fan of exercise. In fact Odie can run rings around him. Garfield likes to lie down and of course eat. However the cartoon cat knows the importance of being physically fit for everyone else that is. Garfield may not like to break a sweat, but he can race to the refrigerator for a midnight snack attack.  Now is your chance to show Garfield the benefits of regular exercise by joining the first Garfield Run in Singapore. It will be held on 19th July 2014 at The Promontory  @ Marina Bay. Runners can participate in the various categories together with the characters from Davis' comic strip and enjoy a post-race party. There is the 1.5km and 2.2km kids run and the 5km couples run, where the woman gets to be Arlene. A 3km family package is available for 2 adults and 2 kids. Lastly there's a 3km fun run open to both adults and kids. Do visit their Facebook page to learn more about this run. Those interested to know more and sign up can click here.

IMU Chariofare 2014

Live Run Love

This 3km fun run and 7km run is organised by the International Medical Universtiy (IMU). It will be held at 6.45am on 20th September 2014 at IMU, Bukit Jalil. Paticipation is limited to 2,000 runners.Registration dateline is 8th August 2014 or until all slots are filled. The run is officially over 3 hours after the start time. The 7km run is divided in individual or team category. Those wanting to know more can visit their Facebook page. Click here to register online. Manual registration can be made at Cashier Office, 2nd Floor, IMU, No 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, 57000 Kuala Lumpur.

Registration fees - 
7km - RM 45 (early bird before 1st Jul), normal -Rm55 . 
3km - RM 35(early bird before 1st Jul) , normal - RM45.

Ultra Run Papua 2014

Run 200km through the jungles of Papua (formerly Irian Jaya)

Jean-François Tantin and Thierry Robinet are looking for twenty adventurous souls with legs to match on a four day (96-hour) non-stop run through a region in Southeat Asia where nobody else has ever run. The pair have formed the Ultra Run Asia team which scouts regions that are off the beaten path. Those running them will have to face more than 200 km (tracks and paths), free style, with pit stops every 20 km, in pristine landscapes devoid of any tourism. The races will take place in different regions and countries, with a recurrence for some iconic destinations. These races are intended for enduring backpackers looking for thrills, and giving priority to the spirit of adventure. The Ultra Run Papua 2014 will take place from September 7 to 17, 2014. Those interested in knowing more can visit the official website here.

The Run 2014

Where every step matters...

Who wants to run a half marathon in Brunei on 8th June 2014? The Run is in support of Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam. This NGO and non-profit charity organization  is seeking the support of the constant runner in its endeavour to provide a better future for the Special People in Brunei. The second Charity Run last year had 7000 participants, and was an overwhelming success.Those who sign up with receive an official race t-shirt. While those who finish within the cut-off time will receive a medal and certificate. Please see below for the medal design and the various t-shirts coloured according to race distance and type. Registration closes at 3pm, 8th May 2014. Those who want to know more and also how to register for this run can click here.

Rat Race Run 2014 - Report

Running in the Rain

Oh what fun everyone had running 4km in the rain during the Rat Race Run in Kuching. It was supposed to have been a 4km walk and a 7km run. However the rain gods had other ideas. So the distance was shortened to 4km. The speedsters did their best to avoid the downpour, while the rest of us walked the route. Some brought umbrellas, while others took taxis or phoned their loved ones to pick them up. The route was littered with men in drag. I guess this is Kuching's version of Thailand's famed Ladyboys. See me being 'molested' by them along the route in the above pic. So now I will be prepared for any trip north of the peninsula. All this was in the spirit of fun and also for charity. Six hundred participants wore various office clothing and took to the streets at night. I chose the more conservative shirt and jeans. Others came in uniforms. Some left nothing to the imagination. Lets say that self-censorship should have been imposed. 

Luckily for those who finished they were given the Brooks running vest to change into. There was free flow of energy drinks and beer. One participant (pictured below), but who will remain nameless, supposedly had nearly a crate of the happy juice, much to everyone's joy. The highlight was the lucky draw and also the best dressed participant. Since this was the first time such an event was organised in Kuching I was surprised at the good turnout. I suspect many had no idea what they were getting themselves into. However now that they know hopefully come next year when this even returns they will be dressed to kill. The pics below are taken by various individuals who shared them with me. Some came from the cameras of Nasa Zaidul, Gjull Azizul Razak a.k.a Selfie King, Teresa Attley, Nur Nahsuhah, Kong EeXuan, Josh KMT and also Albert Tan. Also a big thank you to the marshals who kept us all safe along the route while braving the downpour.