First joined this marathon in 2015. The marathon is held in Shah Alam, very near to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. The MWM ( Malaysia Women Marathon) is an all women marathon held in Malaysia. The distances covered are 5km, 10km, 21km and 42,195km. The half and full marathons has seen increased number of international participants especially from the region. While locals tend to go for the 5km and the 10 km races.
Race essentials
Race Starting
Background of the race
Personally knew a few very fast Malaysian women runners, and I must say the Race Director , Ms Karen Loh is one strong runner herself. Having cliched the podiums in Malaysia races, she took up the challenge to organise this run to help bring women out and and exercise. She manage to bring this race to the ladies in Malaysia to promote healthy living and sisterhood. Absolutely loved the good cause. This year 2016, they even got Ms Stephanie Case as MWM 2016’s Key note speaker, who is also a ultra trail runner cum United Nations Human Rights Lawyer.
To speak the truth, the first year where I joined the race, the route was rather confusing, especially for the FM runners. I guess many of the participants got lost in the midst. However, the race is still very enjoyable as you can see all the women coming to do some exercises together. It is also a chance for me to meet up with the strong Malaysian lady runners yearly.
Race end is always hot weather
Location and Accommodation
Shah Alam is near to Kuala Lumpur, to get there, you can either drive from KLIA, or like me take a train to KL Sentral and change the KTM train to Shah ALAM, it cost only about RM 4 to get to the station and about 40 min.
KTM Map Network for KL
For the FM, the flag off is usually 4:30 am, for both the years it has been so and it is always at the Dataraan Kemerdakaan at the Shah Alam Musem. The nearest hotel that you might want to check in is the BLUE WAVE hotel. Although both the years, Concorde Hotel is their official hotel and also discounts come by staying at the Concorde, it is not exactly near , and you need to run a bit just to get to the location. Nearby the Alam Vista has a couple of really good Air B & B which I managed to try out this time. The price is cheaper, better facilities and also nearer to the race starting point.
The race route are mainly road races taking on the major roads in Shah Alam. But for 2016, they actually closed off the high way to allow participants to run on the road to avoid confusion. The bad is, there is a cut off time, if you are unable to finish within the stipulated time at the check points, it will be difficult for you to finish the race or rather, you will be sweep out of the road.
Despite saying that, there are actually still cars on the roads and you have to be careful, always watch the road. Running the route is actually relaxing, there are not much elevation except up the bridges. Other that that it is rather flat and the roads are well build. The only trouble is that hydration points are rather limited so have to make sure that you bring your own hydration if required.
After Race scene
The race end never fails to amaze me. With the sponsors pouring breakfast at the crowd. There is the usual Milo truck, Fitness Cereals and also Maggie Mee. Besides that , you can also chose to pay money for other food trucks around like Nasi Lemak, Hotdog buns etc. The organisers will give you banana and also Isotonics and water. For the FM runners, this year, there is the finisher’s cap instead of the usual Finisher’s tee. This is very useful item esp for the hot weather. It really shields off the sun. There are also make up booths, manicure stations for the ladies. This was amazing, especially for the podium winners to doll themselves ups before the stage prize presentation.
Sharing some nice breakfast
Winner for the FM
Milo Give you the energy
Cereal for the champs
It is always nice to mingle with the ladies and enjoy their company, especially catching up with the previous years participants. Overall, if you are a single lady or even with family and just want to try out an overseas race, this is the place to go for as a stepping stone to other races. I find it easy to handle and also the absence of men, makes it less stressful. Run your own race!