Hatyai Marathon 2018

This is my second time running this race for FM, and thank god to say I managed to squeeze into the podium again.  The weather was humid and hot with heavy rain just the night before the race.  Being a place that I hardly want to stay too long because I am neither a shopper nor a foodie.  But Hatyai has its charms in many other ways.

As usual being a Thai marathon, the price you pay is worth more that what you get, photos, drinks, food, race tee, medals and bandana plus half a mile of “race expo” “branded” goods, it is no wonder that I see more Singaporeans here in Thailand for races.  What is drawing the crowd is the chance to be on podium, with overall for men up to 30th position and each age cat of 5 yrs with trophy.  I think it is a good reason why not to come and try to boost your ego.

RACE PACK COLLECTION

As usual at the Jiranakorn Stadium, just a little off track out of the city of Hatyai.  I simply love that old school feeling of this stadium.  Brings back the memories of my secondary school days with a sports hall and a running track.  Race pack collection was smooth and glad to know that this year, they have proper time chip ( heard it started since last year).  With the time chip, there is no more manual tracking of the top runners and also timing is more accurate.  The on site registration has now become more challenging with only 5km available.  Reaching the collection site at about 12 noon on the day before race, it was actually still not so bad.  I managed to get my bib and race pack within minutes, you will need to scan a QR code to find out bib number and also fill up a form for faster collection.

Race pack consisted of a heat rub, one starter tee and a bag for your stuff.  Went to the race collection with my good friends, we all had a nice time roaming through the streets of Hatyai to get there.  Also managed to buy some good stuff from the “expo”, I realise most of the Thai races Expo, its either food or apparels for sale but never about physio stuff or nutrition wise.

PREPARATION

Maybe its because running marathon for too many times, I became complacent and did not really do much about the preparation.   First thing I did after check in was to go for a massage, there are so many joints out there and it was very cheap 200 baht for one hour Thai Non Oil massage.  This was just the thing I need before a race as deep tissue oil massage might trigger some old pain.

After the massage was a simple shopping time around the city centre and some simple dinner.  Never a believer of the so called carbo loading, I saw many runners gorging and dunking tons of street food and swarming the Thai seafood restaurants.  It is quite cliche , these runners like to wear some race tee shirts showing people the races they have been to, but for me ,  I usually keep the shirts and give away 😛 minus the 100km for sure.

As I went back, it started to rain in the evening around 6pm.  The heavy downpour and comfortable bed makes one really sleepy and besides having Scooting in here really early in the morning, I guess it is good that I rest early.

MORNING

The alarm clock actually went off at 1:45 am but I shut it to snoozey mode.  It was simply too good to snooze in after a week of hectic office work life.  Resting for another half an hour, I realise I need to rush off to the stadium for the flag off at 3:30 am.  A snip shot wash up with my usual dosage of Red Bull and Kopi O can, I rush down to set off.  TO my horror, the front door was locked and there was no way to open it.  Luckily I spotted the side window and did a climb out.  Just glad that I was at the ground floor.  Guess the lesson learnt was to inform the staff that you have an unearthly hour race to attend.

The race start point was already filled with runners when my motorcycle rode in.  I had to alight about 100 m out from the stadium due to road closure, this time the uncle was nice charged me only 40 baht for the cool breezy ride.  The humidity makes me wonder how much water I am going lose at the race.

The start line was not difficult to get to the front as I was relatively early into the pen while most people are stuck with the free coffee and drinks which were already serving early morning.  Met one or two Singaporean running friends and off we go on the dot 3:30am.

THE COURSE

Just as the same as 2016, it was a smooth course with minimal up slopes but it can get quite dark especially at the highway portion.  At times you will feel dizzy and a bit funny especially when there are no one around you.  But the mono road makes one want to discover what is at the end of the route.  Although I already know it is just a U turn 😛

The support was superb with almost every station with isotonic, water and also fruits or some food stuff.  After the turn back it is even better with cooling massage gel, sprays etc.  The volunteers were absolutely amazing cheering us on.  As you turn back, the rest of other categories start to join it.  At this point it gets a bit demoralising with people running past you still fresh while your legs at 28 km start to jelly out.  It is even more demoralising when 2 girls just dashed off me.  Kind of give me a sign that I must work harder to stay on the stage now.

HOME RUN

Was challenging with a Thai guy all the way from 30km, either he overtake or I overtake him.  Until 36 km I managed to shake the man off.  And with all the pain and grime, I charged my last few metres into the stadium, this time no one was singing song to welcome you but it was definitely crowded with many people standing around the end point.  I was glad that paper cards for potential winning was dished to me.  Next I did was to print my result slip and collect my finisher goodie, which included the tee shirt, medal, tons of food and also a plush toy which I eventually gave away to a local girl.

The finisher area was full of food , Fried rice with egg, pork trotter rice, porridge, local drinks like chin chow, soya milk.  It was a galore, too bad I was not able to eat much but the craving for the porridge make me went forth for a bowl or two.  Hanging around with Fowler, my friend, we waited patiently as my category was being called and I went on stage.  This time round no more cock ups or people challenging as the time chip spells it all.

OVERALL

Rushing back and a quick shower, I did some last minute souvenir shopping and off I went to the airport.  A touch and go race, but definitely loads of memories with good companions.  I probably will be back again but maybe a long time after!