The 2nd Penang Christmas Run (10km)

This was race number 5 in preparation for the Boston Marathon in April 2018. The distance was a little light at just 10km but felt that it would give me the opportunity to run in race mode. 

As the location was the Design Village, the expected start time and the fact it was only 10km – Hitomi & the boys joined me at the venue in the morning. It was fairly cool and there were plenty of parking spaces at the centre.

As we arrived there were already many in attendance who were queuing for their goody bags. As I was looking to run the 10km I certainly did not want to be running with extra baggage so I left mine until after I completed the run.

There was meant to have been a “snow lane” at the finish but we could not find this – (Was it there – answer in the comments if you saw it?).

The start was a little disorganised with both the fun runners and the 10km runners lining up together but with different time flag offs. This added to some confusion. The race start was delayed and by time we were flagged off I was already sweating as the sun was up and the temperature was rapidly rising too.

So into the race and this was fairly smooth in all honesty with the run to the roundabout (about 2km) fairly fast. It was feeling good at this point. At the 5km turnaround point you were given a wristband to confirm that you had completed this part (shame that there were no time checks instead?).

The return back to the roundabout was smooth too. Was able to see TEAM HOWEI member Kevin after the turnaround.

When we reached the roundabout though the fun run and the 10 km run combined on the road. This meant it was harder to stay in the shade as the fun run walkers were taking this space. It made it hotter but that is par for the course in Malaysia.

It was great to see Hitomi and the boys at the finish which was  1:02:56 for the 10km (average speed 6.18 per km).

 

Collected the unusual medal and then headed to the centre to move out of the sun and wait for the Starbucks to open at 10:00.

Also took the opportunity to head into the Brooks shop and buy some new kit too – great prices /value there.

 

#runRICKYrun #runhappy #howei #PrepForBoston

OVERVIEW:                                     More of a “fun run” than a distance race.

RACE QUALITY:                           6 out of 10

FUN FACTOR:                                7 out of 10

MEDAL & GOODY BAG:           4 out of 10 (but my son loved the design)