Another one of those unplanned act to join this race. It was more like a celebratory stint for me and Fowler Tay, as we became friends a the Hatyai Marathon last year in May. Was trying to look for a suitable race where we did not have to go too far, more like a day trip. Then I chanced upon this race on Facebook events. The Facebook can sometimes really recommend very good activities.
The race is organised by Hive Altitude Event Management and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Official time keeping and registration is done by Race Matix. To speak the truth, there were not many promotions on this race. Most people were unaware. But being a Malaysian race, there is bound to be some Singaporeans joining as it is really near.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is in Skudai within Johor Bahru. It is actually about 20 plus Km to Singapore. Surprisingly, the place feels very nostalgic. The university occupies quite a large area, there are hostels within in and participants can actually stay within the campus grounds. The race route also brings you to the inn too. As we wanted to do a day trip, we did not then bother to go book a hotel. However, I actually made an AirBnB reservation because I was worried that there might not be any place to bath after the race.
RACE REGISTRATION AND RACE PACK COLLECTION
The registration is done at the Race Matix site. I found out about this race at the FaceBook recommended event page. Event information is not very detailed but their Facebook page is very informative and new information keeps coming up to inform the runners on the updates. The cost for my race which is only 25Km is about 150 RM that is about 50 SGD.
The race pack collection is in the University itself. You can collect on the day before or on the day itself just 2 hours before the race. As I do not intend to stay there, I opted for the race day collection. You just need to e mail them about it.
RACE DAY
Banner around
Red bull station in the runners pen, they only open when race finish
Early in the morning, 3:30am, I drove up to North to pick up Fowler and set off to the Woodlands check point. Although it was wee hours in the day, there were still cars around. However, the good part is I went pass the Causeway (bridge that links Singapore with Malaysia) within like 30 minutes. At the checkpoint, I realised I did not have the Touch N Go card, which is required to pay for the tariff for the Malaysia customs. Good thing is that the card could be purchased from the customs itself at counter 11. One card is about RM50.
With the help of Google navigation, we were able to find UTM without much amiss, the race start is at the Lake Park in The Tasik Ilmu Carpark. There were ample car park for all. That is the good part about boutique races.
Early morning in the carpark
Mandatory gear check (GPX watch or waterproof map, whistle, first aid kit, 1.5 litres of hydration, backpack, foldable cup)was also at the same place where you collect the race pack which consist of the tee shirt, the race bib and some vouchers.
Race pack
Race pack collection and mandatory check
After that it was just hanging around to wait for the race start. 50Km category flags off at 7am while the 25 is 15 minutes later. The Start and finish is at the same place, there were also bag drop and also toilet within the area ( not the portable, its real toilet).
Start and finish point
RACE ROUTE
Hard climb up
Race is within the Uni compound and the greenery around it. About 70 % is road and 30% in the forest. There was only one very steep hill throughout the trail. The forest is not so technical and quite easy to navigate.
There were hydration point around but they encourage you to use your own foldable cups. There were watermelon, banana and also a special drinks like bandung and lemon tea , Coke was also available.
Actually this race allows you to see the most part of the university. We went through the stadium and also the various faculties.
Ending refreshment
Most of the participants are Malaysians, only a few Singaporeans came for this race. I did not see other nationalities.
On the roads
Passing through the end, you will be awarded the Medal and Finisher tee. The finisher tee size is a bit off even though it was sponsored by Ultron. I got and XS but it was really too large for me.
There were no showers in the toilet but you can get yourself cleaned up and freshened at there.
Finisher Medal
Me and Fowler managed to come in pretty early, and a little surprised we both got into the Top 3 for Female and Male Veteran. Nearby the university, there is a University town with restaurants and some shops. There is also a large AEON, Japan chain of supermarket.
Half way through at check point 1
Catch the podium!
OVERALL
For a short trip to practice some trail and also getting out of Singapore, this race is really not bad. I was impressed with the good organisation and tons of after race pictures. I think I will come back again 🙂