This is a series of races organised by the X trail blazer. Not sure when this was started, but I only started to join this year’s edition and I am not prepared to join the 100Km which will take place later in the year.
Signing up
At the flag off
The race is pretty no frills and cheap, like only $35. I do not know what are the entitlements but thought of signing up just to get some ITRA points. Most of the information were passed inside their Face book page and also the whatsapp chat group after you sign up.
They even did a recce group so that you will not lose your way or miss a turn during the route. Unfortunately, I had the Dieng Trail race and could not attend the recce.
Website: https://xtrailblazers.com/
Race itself
Got lost at Bukit Brown
It was a physical race held on 29 July, just one week before I did the Dieng trail. It has been a while since I do back to back action. The race was carried out in 6 waves, I was in wave 4. The reporting time was 06:50am. I took bus 165 to the start point at Macritchie Reservoir early that morning. Still feeling very sleepy and stuff. I reached just in time for registration. Met a couple of fast runners like Cheong Yee and Sammy Wasabe, and of course my Idol Goh Lian Boon. They were in wave 2, while my MR25 make Wang Li was in wave 1, the woman is no joke fast, I later realise she only too 5 hours plus for the whole 50km.
The day was breaking and I could feel the humidity and heat building up. I was still waiting to see if I can see Yeo Kim Song, a long distance runner. But with no luck, he was supposed to be in the wave before me.
Route En Route
Although called UTSG, I was quite alarmed why MR route was not inside the plan. Later I thought, if we are going to have 6 waves of runners , going into MR might cause a choke. Furthermore, since the race is on a Saturday, the public crowd could be one of the concern.
About 80% of the route is on roads, it might be a good news for me. Main trail was the Mandai portion and T15 track. Its been a while since I went there as I do not like the mountain bikes inside. From MR, we took the Granstand and some unusual Swiss Club Road trails to the Rifle Range area. From there some of the elevations at Lor Sensuai and Bukit Batok Nature Reserve. I guess the organiser want to prevent a lot of choke points and used the less tracked paths. Then it was over to the Zheng Hua area, pipeline trail and final the T15. There was a Uturn there, with some supporters replenishing us with Tail wind, water, some small snacks, bananas and fruits.
Met many X trail blazer runners, it was really nice to meet with like minded people. The signages are very clear and easily understood. But I still got a little lost inside the Swiss Club and Bukit Brown trail. Luckily there was GPS and I also met other runners who gave me the right directions.
The support for this race is very good considering it being mostly volunteers from the X trail blazers. There was always cold water and drinks at the Zheng Hua station and another one at T15. Volunteers were also on bike to marshall at the more confusing points.
Some support points are really out from the car!
Although I was actually pretty tired from the Dieng, somehow the rest improved my performance. I was doing pretty well despite the heat. I was still thinking to walk most of the route, but somehow I could run and even at the hottest part in Bukit Brown towards the end.
with Kim lai and the very fast Deric Lau
Ending it
Did not know that they are giving out trophies for finishers, so those who can do it below 7 hours are silver, Goldies are below 6. While for me I managed a bronze ending at 07:01. It was a bit wasted but I was just happy to complete it. Was happily surprised that Kim Lai the photographer was at the end taking many nice photos for us. I also got a nice UTSG cap with an energy gel for the completion. Highly recommend this local race for every trail runners.