Bali Marathon 2013 : Race Report

Just four days after I returned from my Phuket Marathon trip, I left Kuala Lumpur yet again - but this time to Bali, also a destination I've never been to before, and yes, for another running event. :)

At the airport before taking off to Bali, I made friends with Asrul, a runner who's flying on the same flight as me, who also happens to be joining the Bali Marathon. He was traveling by himself, so my friends and I thought it'd be nice for him to join our mini-troop - And he did. :-)

We arrived in Ngurah-Rai Airport on a cloudy afternoon. Most of the Klang Valley Running Club (KVRC) comrades have already arrived a few days before. Knowing that I'll only be arriving in Bali on Saturday, I've therefore gotten Emma (a friend from KVRC) to help me collect my race kit at The Westin Resort in Gianyar on that day.

I caught up with the rest of the KVRC teammates that night for our carbo-loading dinner and to also collect my racekit from Emma. (By the way, did I tell you that I was so happy when I saw the jumbo-sized Pocari Sweat sports tumbler in my race kit? SO HUGE! TOTALLY RAD!). So we hung around to have dinner, and at around 10pm, we wrapped up.



RACE DAY
At about 3am on Sunday morning, we gathered at the Kartika Discovery Mall with the rest of the runners who opted for shuttle bus from Kuta pickup point. Journey to the Bali Marine Park took about 30mins.

Pic courtesy from Ena

By the time we arrived at the race venue, the place was already buzzing. Baggage drop was smooth and I was happy that I had an ample time to properly warm-up and stretch (and yes, camwhoring with everyone).

With my KVRC Girls, Ena and Emma - Marina is missing in the pic.

 

The race started off in the 6am darkness. As soon as the we were flagged off, I settled into my easy pace while many runners zoomed past me. The street was very dark as there were no street lights.  Luckily that stretch of road is mostly flat.

Here's an overview of the course:

The dawn was just breaking as I took the first turning after the first switchback at KM2.5 that took us runners through small villages, and green paddy fields of Gianyar Province. It was a beautiful scene.

The first rays of sun were dappling through the palm trees and foliage as we approached the first village. The noise and commotion from the cheering locals were deafening, and this was to be a similar story as we ran through each new village. Hundreds of children, all immaculately dressed in their school uniforms and some in traditional costumes lined the narrow street, equipped with flags and multi coloured noise makers chanting and cheering with huge enthusiasm. These boys and girls were REALLY excited to see us, some even tried to “high five” me as I ran past them. I was completely overwhelmed. (Gotta say that it was also a great excuse to slow down and "high-five" them back!) :P

Pic courtesy from Ena

Pic courtesy from Ena

At some villages, there were traditional performances and I just had to stop to take in the atmosphere.  It was awesome.  The aid stations, which was positioned approximately about every 2.5km, served mainly water although some had isotonic drink and fruits. Stations were well manned with plenty of water in bottles or cups for those who preferred them. Usually when I still have some water in my hydration belt, I wouldn't bother stopping at these stations - unless I was in dire need of some cold fluid.

I found myself slowing down a little as the sun and the temperature rose higher. It was hot, but I was coping well. Elevation climb was rather steep in the first half, but it eventually got easier in the last 3-4KMs as it was more of a downhill course.

I continued further to finish up the remaining distance and eventually made a final left turning into the bypass, and straight onto what felt like the longest stretch to the finish. It was somewhat intimidating to see the finishing chute from afar and the constant cheer from the crowd, but yet you're still plodding along! -,-

Right as the timing clocked 1hr 1minute, I crossed the finishing line! :D

On the way to the medal collection point, I headed straight to our meeting point which we've decided on earlier before we started the run (this is important if you're running with a group of friends at a new place!). We then merry up with the rest of the KVRC group and spent the rest of our morning taking group photos.

Pic courtesy from Ena

The KVRC Girls - Again, Marina is missing in the picture. -_-
Pic courtesy from Ena

The obligatory post-race shot. Hehe

My race results:

Total Ranking (Men & Women Category): 158th / 931 runners

Total Ranking (Women) : 34th / 367 runners

I didn't get to achieve my sub-1 target in Bali (I finished 1hr 1min, remember?), but anyhow, I was happy that I participated in the race with the rest of the KVRC family. Not to forget, two of my bestfriends (who are non-runners) also flew in to Bali to support me! Thanks Juju and Wanee!!! :D :D

Oh, and I made a new friend too!

And finallyyyyy... here's my blingies! :D