At last!
After many weeks of busy-ness and all-around travelings, i'm now able to spend some quiet time to reflect all the happenings especially the last 26th of March event (Sunday) in Brunei i.e the Beach Bunch Trail Challenge 2018 #bbtc2018 😎
But before i dive deep into the details of #bbtc2018, let me summarize the preps done prior to the event.
Jom2!
And as far as my weight (plus diet) is concerned, there's not so much changes in between since it always hover between 73-74kg. The most that it went down was to 72.8kg and this was after spending 4hours looping in and out the Tumbina trail during the weekend of 17th March. But after that, obviously it went up again after some post run re-fueling. This trend did maintained until the final week except for a few days leading up to the race where i'm pretty sure it skyrocketed a bit due to some 'uncontrolled carbo-loading' and run-cation feasting with my family 😜😜
Other than that, i would say the preps went quite smooth all the way until the flag-off day where i'm all injury-free, but with few more kilos in weight obviously..syukur Alhamdulillah..
And with this year's registered participants only close to 400++ for all categories in total (35 from Malaysia), perhaps this is something the organizers can do better in the future in promoting the race since this is the one and only major ultra-trail race in Brunei (as far as me and my running buddies are aware of) and it even got the Asia Trail Master qualification points stamp all around it! So rugi oii!
But stepping into the school hall for the REPC, the environment was somehow different. Yeay! That previous mojo feeling of me going into an ultra event (this was my third) got into me again. Even my wife was super-excited (this was her first ultra REPC and her first experience with that mandatory items checking thingy..haha) and she was literally running around with her GoPro, snapping pictures and videos.
And then, there's that wall of fame at the end of the hall...woah!
The registrations process was a thumbs up from me since RaceYaya were the provider for the tracking platform. It was smooth and convenient although i believe this was helped by the not-so-many participants as well as me 'REPC-ing' nearing the closing time where there were less than 10 runners during that same period.
After all were done in the hall, me and the gals went for our late lunch before checking in into Parkview Hotel, just 800m from the flag-off venue.
After many weeks of busy-ness and all-around travelings, i'm now able to spend some quiet time to reflect all the happenings especially the last 26th of March event (Sunday) in Brunei i.e the Beach Bunch Trail Challenge 2018 #bbtc2018 😎
But before i dive deep into the details of #bbtc2018, let me summarize the preps done prior to the event.
Jom2!
Preparations:
Total mileages accumulated from 7th until 24th of March was 110.2km which include all kind of workouts such as the fartlek, tempo run, LSD (both trail and road) as well as the hill. And all of these were actually following the existing schedule that i have for my Penang Eco which already more or less into its 6th week of training. So it was all good i would say.And as far as my weight (plus diet) is concerned, there's not so much changes in between since it always hover between 73-74kg. The most that it went down was to 72.8kg and this was after spending 4hours looping in and out the Tumbina trail during the weekend of 17th March. But after that, obviously it went up again after some post run re-fueling. This trend did maintained until the final week except for a few days leading up to the race where i'm pretty sure it skyrocketed a bit due to some 'uncontrolled carbo-loading' and run-cation feasting with my family 😜😜
Other than that, i would say the preps went quite smooth all the way until the flag-off day where i'm all injury-free, but with few more kilos in weight obviously..syukur Alhamdulillah..
The 'REPC':
On my arrival day to Brunei, i was a little bit surprised as there's not so much 'hoo-ha's happening around the REPC venue i.e. the Jerudong Primary School. The preparations were very minimal to be honest with only few 'tear-drop' banners laying down on field (where the flag-off would be) and there were no other outdoor banners or bunting that promotes the race or whatsoever. Even the directional signages were not stationed anywhere along that Jerudong road although i did safely arrived thanks to Mr. Google Map and my prior knowledge of driving around Brunei.And with this year's registered participants only close to 400++ for all categories in total (35 from Malaysia), perhaps this is something the organizers can do better in the future in promoting the race since this is the one and only major ultra-trail race in Brunei (as far as me and my running buddies are aware of) and it even got the Asia Trail Master qualification points stamp all around it! So rugi oii!
But stepping into the school hall for the REPC, the environment was somehow different. Yeay! That previous mojo feeling of me going into an ultra event (this was my third) got into me again. Even my wife was super-excited (this was her first ultra REPC and her first experience with that mandatory items checking thingy..haha) and she was literally running around with her GoPro, snapping pictures and videos.
And then, there's that wall of fame at the end of the hall...woah!
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| The wall showing previous Champions in all categories and Tahira won it twice from 2016-2017. Terbaik! |
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| 50km vs. 10km (my sister in law) |
The registrations process was a thumbs up from me since RaceYaya were the provider for the tracking platform. It was smooth and convenient although i believe this was helped by the not-so-many participants as well as me 'REPC-ing' nearing the closing time where there were less than 10 runners during that same period.
After all were done in the hall, me and the gals went for our late lunch before checking in into Parkview Hotel, just 800m from the flag-off venue.
The RACE:
Whenever i registered any running event especially those that are more than 42k, one of my usual outlook would always be the flag-off timing. And knowing that Brunei is a very 'Syariah' friendly country, i was kinda expected when i saw the flag-off time was at 0600hrs albeit this was for all other categories except for the 100k. The reason is simple, to suit to the timing for Subuh prayer and i really applaud the organizers for this setup.
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| The Sikrit Team before the flag-off |
So, arriving at the starting line, there were already hundreds of other runners warming up here and there including my Sikrit buddies i.e. Firdaus Mansor (Aboi), Sudir Nazri (Suday) and Iswayudi (Syud). And not to forget, my sister in law who did her first trail in the 10km category. The setting was quite calm initially until the MC/announcers started the groove by welcoming all runners and reminding us on the safety side of the race i.e. mandatory items, running next to the highway etc.
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| With 'Aboi' |
Few minutes before the flag-off, many of us were still chatting and didn't even realize that it's almost 6am or close to the time to start the race...until the MC started the countdown 😵😵
And then it just happens...
All runners went out like 'hantu' flying out from a haunted house. So fast ya ampun! They dashed and even zig-zagging along the Jerudong road and the Tutong-Muara highway until the Shahbandar Recreational entrance where finally, the 10/30k runners got separated from the 50k runners. Fuuh...
The Shahbandar hills route was just what we were told it would be. The dreaded '14 hills' loop where the COT up until the 10k mark was set at 3hrs and 30mins! Even at its entry point, the runners had already being 'welcomed' by a long and steep stairs (45 - 50 degrees incline) up until its peak. And from there on, it was just like going into a 'dragon-back' course with an added fun that the 'dragon' bones were all 'patah' and you could only run at certain spots or single trails route before you continue to hike up and down until you went out at the other end.
There's also one or two small streams that required you to do that minor 'challenge' of crossing a small log while holding to a side-rope tight between the trees.
At the end of it, me, Suday and Syud managed to come out after 2hrs spending time 'cursing' and annoying our fellow 'Bruneian' runners on the same 'Bila nak habis loop bukit nih?' questions until we reached CP1. 😜 So next time if you guys see in any event the organizers put a very 'generous' COT in between checkpoints, trust me, there's ALWAYS A REASON why it is set as such. Hehe..
After this first loop, all of us then went into the McFarm trails where the route was a little bit 'forgiving' with several rolling hills (short and sweet) and some dirt paths. And this was where we crossed-path with some of the 100k runners who were coming back for their final loop into the Shahbandar hills (i saluted you guys for having the power and courage to do this!).
We even had the chance to 'stop' Jessica Lintanga and took a quick picture with her before she continued her way back to Berakas beach! Sorry Jess!
I remember also that along this path at around kilometer 13 or 14, Suday suddenly popped out with a 'I hate doing trails!' remark (Selingan)..kah3..
Arriving at CP2 before going of into the Agro Park, we had our first mandatory items checking by the on duty marshals. Though was a little bit stunned, but it was ok since we had being reminded during the REPC that there will be several inspections before you can get that designated CP 'wrist-bands' and continue with the race. Altogether, there were three (3) that need to be collected (hence, three inspections) before you are entitled to get that finisher tee and the medal (of course, if you finish within the COT as well).
In the Agro park path, it was a combination of road and single trails route up until the Empire trail entrance. And this was where all three of us started to put in some 'kick' into our strides (especially Suday since the road is like his second home) and it was all downhill (slight decline). Woohoo...
So what CP4 have in store?
This was the place that i stayed long ( i remembered close to 15-20mins) just to 'recuperate' and do whatever needed to re-fuel the body before re-turning back to CP5 (plus the 2nd mandatory items check + 2nd wrist band). And so i ate the instant noodle (was damn hungry since i only managed to eat 2 Belvita before the flag-off), 2 ice-cream and drank 500ml of tailwind cocktail. Haha (if i couldn't continue after getting all those in, then something was wrong with me stomach then...). The crews here were so much friendlier as compared to the previous CPs. They cleaned my Milo-filled soft flasks and helped to filled them up with the Tailwinds'. They even ushered me if i want to freshen up at the shower facilities just next to the tent (and i did and it felt sooooo good!).
Owh, before i missed out, i actually arrived here first before Syud since he took a break halfway along the Pantai Tunku for a quick refueling with an energy bar. And when he did arrived, i've already prepared myself to return to the race. And so the 'fun' continued..
The 'return' journey to the finishing line was rather a straight forward one. What we need to do was to run back the same route that we did from the Empire trail and return to the Jerudong highway (of course passing thru the CP5 - Pantai Tunku entrance for our last mandatory items check and the last of the wrist-bands). Once we got there, it was all road for 2km until we were back at the Jerudong Primary school for our photo finish (but mine, a video ...hehe).
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| Picture perfect 😵😍😍 |
All runners went out like 'hantu' flying out from a haunted house. So fast ya ampun! They dashed and even zig-zagging along the Jerudong road and the Tutong-Muara highway until the Shahbandar Recreational entrance where finally, the 10/30k runners got separated from the 50k runners. Fuuh...
The Shahbandar hills route was just what we were told it would be. The dreaded '14 hills' loop where the COT up until the 10k mark was set at 3hrs and 30mins! Even at its entry point, the runners had already being 'welcomed' by a long and steep stairs (45 - 50 degrees incline) up until its peak. And from there on, it was just like going into a 'dragon-back' course with an added fun that the 'dragon' bones were all 'patah' and you could only run at certain spots or single trails route before you continue to hike up and down until you went out at the other end.
There's also one or two small streams that required you to do that minor 'challenge' of crossing a small log while holding to a side-rope tight between the trees.
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| That 'small stream' challenge |
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| Climbing up that 2nd last hill. |
At the end of it, me, Suday and Syud managed to come out after 2hrs spending time 'cursing' and annoying our fellow 'Bruneian' runners on the same 'Bila nak habis loop bukit nih?' questions until we reached CP1. 😜 So next time if you guys see in any event the organizers put a very 'generous' COT in between checkpoints, trust me, there's ALWAYS A REASON why it is set as such. Hehe..
After this first loop, all of us then went into the McFarm trails where the route was a little bit 'forgiving' with several rolling hills (short and sweet) and some dirt paths. And this was where we crossed-path with some of the 100k runners who were coming back for their final loop into the Shahbandar hills (i saluted you guys for having the power and courage to do this!).
We even had the chance to 'stop' Jessica Lintanga and took a quick picture with her before she continued her way back to Berakas beach! Sorry Jess!
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| With Jess - 2nd runner up in the 100k categories |
I remember also that along this path at around kilometer 13 or 14, Suday suddenly popped out with a 'I hate doing trails!' remark (Selingan)..kah3..
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| That moment after the CP2 at 21k mark |
In the Agro park path, it was a combination of road and single trails route up until the Empire trail entrance. And this was where all three of us started to put in some 'kick' into our strides (especially Suday since the road is like his second home) and it was all downhill (slight decline). Woohoo...
Running downhill within Agro Park was pretty fun to say the
least since the condition throughout was very ‘runner-friendly’ especially the
weather. It was cloudy and cool as drizzle came in intermittently right after I
passed a small lake before went into some ‘abandoned’ road (with two lanes on
either side) that took about 2-3km to complete. Though that ‘short’ in
distance, somehow it felt ages before I finally reached the end of the route
and lastly the roundabout just before the entrance of Empire hotel. And then, a
slight ‘drama’ happened…
As I continued running until the hotel guard house, my mind
somehow slipped and I just went straight towards the parking area without even
realizing that I supposed to turn right and enter the Muara - Tutong highway.
But luckily before I went further, one of the security guards stopped me and
told me that I’ve went a wrong way. &%@%#..
And so I made a u-turn and ran back into the highway for
almost a kilometer extra in total. But one thing good about this ‘supposed’
mishap was that I then met Syud again just when he about to enter the highway
himself. But prior to this small ‘reunion, I then realized there weren’t any
signage or markings that direct runners to make a right turn and go into the
highway. Again &%$@3 and some improvement needed by the organizers within
this area.
Once on the highway and after some small talk between me and
Syud, we were then caught by surprised by one of the leading 50k runners (a mat
Salleh) that was already running back towards the FL. And the first words that
came out from his mouth was ‘Where is the next direction yea?’..Me and Syud
looked at each other and we knew this is definitely another marking/signage
error by the organizer. But fortunately for this particular guy, we managed to
direct him to run back into the previous route but once he reached the earlier
roundabout, he just need to go along it until he finds Jerudong highway at the other end. And from there on, he should
already knew where he’s should be heading to. (Selingan: After the event
finished, that guy was actually the 2nd runner up winner in the 50k
category. Oi…you should thank us for this you know..hahaha).
Anyhow, once the guy continued his winning run, both me and
Syud just pace ourselves slowly until CP3 at the entry of Pantai Tunku before
moving on to Berakas Forest. And whatever we saw in front of us from there on,
was all sand, sand and more ‘annoying’ sand until CP4, the 35km marker accompanied by our lovely friend, the sun. Hot, humid and again, the annoying
sand.
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| Panas oi! |
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| Woot woot...camera lady please take picture please! |
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| Arriving CP4 |
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| Keep on moving... |
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| That 'wind' when i saw CP4 nearing.. |
So what CP4 have in store?
This was the place that i stayed long ( i remembered close to 15-20mins) just to 'recuperate' and do whatever needed to re-fuel the body before re-turning back to CP5 (plus the 2nd mandatory items check + 2nd wrist band). And so i ate the instant noodle (was damn hungry since i only managed to eat 2 Belvita before the flag-off), 2 ice-cream and drank 500ml of tailwind cocktail. Haha (if i couldn't continue after getting all those in, then something was wrong with me stomach then...). The crews here were so much friendlier as compared to the previous CPs. They cleaned my Milo-filled soft flasks and helped to filled them up with the Tailwinds'. They even ushered me if i want to freshen up at the shower facilities just next to the tent (and i did and it felt sooooo good!).
Owh, before i missed out, i actually arrived here first before Syud since he took a break halfway along the Pantai Tunku for a quick refueling with an energy bar. And when he did arrived, i've already prepared myself to return to the race. And so the 'fun' continued..
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| The CP4 trademark logo |
The 'return' journey to the finishing line was rather a straight forward one. What we need to do was to run back the same route that we did from the Empire trail and return to the Jerudong highway (of course passing thru the CP5 - Pantai Tunku entrance for our last mandatory items check and the last of the wrist-bands). Once we got there, it was all road for 2km until we were back at the Jerudong Primary school for our photo finish (but mine, a video ...hehe).
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| The finisher medal with Nasi Goreng Belutak Penyet 😋 |
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| Fuhhh...out of 91 (overall), 78 (gender) |
Overall Event:
All in all, it was a very organized ultra event though a lil bit subdued due to a very small numbers in participants. The REPC was smooth and met my expectation in all of its departments i.e. entitlement kits/designs, the information boards, the sales booths, tracking facilities/tech. The designated route were terrific plus challenging. And, it's definitely not for those who just expect a 'walk in a park' kind of ultra since you really need to put in some 'homework' upfront especially those in the 50k and the 100k categories.
The check-points were all 'super-sufficient' to cater the basic needs such as the isotonic/hydrolites drinks, fruits, noodles, coke, sponge, ice-creams, ice cubes, showers and the long list of it. You can name it all. It's all being provided. Even the marshals were all friendly and helpful eventhough they had to stay there for more than 30hrs, from starts till finish.
My only suggestion for improvement is the markings in some of the routes/path especially at the trail transitions between the Empire and the Muara-Tutong highway. Other than that, it's being clearly marked and stationed wherever needed.
And so last but not the least, will i be joining this event again in the future? The answer is YES! but depending on the fees since it's in BND. So, the future conversion rate will be the decisive factor in this for sure. Haha...
Till we meet again folks...and thank you for reading this!...Ciao
