The World Diabetes Day Walkathon and Fun Run is an annual event organized by the Malaysian Endocrine & Metabolic Society to promote healthy and active lifestyle as a means to prevent diabetes. It basically combine a 10km and a 7km road race with a 5km speed walking race.
It was still raining hard when we left our home about 6:15am. Somehow by the time we arrived we found out that the venue has been changed from Padang Merbok to Dataran Merdeka and the flag off time changed to 7:30 instead of 7:00am. There wasn't much problem because it is only a few steps away and due to the wet weather, there was plenty of parking space in the surrounding area.
Things were pretty slow then, the crowd wasn't as big and probably due to the rain and also because of other races that were happening on the same day. Despite this, I noticed that quite a number of the top runners in the Junior Vet. category were present. The flag off was punctual.
The route was the usual Bomba Run route, which measures about 10.87km in most GPS watches. The very hilly terrain along the route, when combined with the wet weather was pretty challenging, as the road became quite slippery up and down the slopes. Despite this, traffic safety precaution was good, and I must say kudos to the guys from FTAAA and the rest of organizing team. Most of the road we ran in were either closed completely from traffic, or they are clearly demarcated with safety cones and with a traffic policeman guarding all the of the junctions.
Faster runners were rewarded with a nice good quality but limited finishing medal, and there are plenty of refreshments after the run.
Some may say runners are spoiled in Malaysia. I say this is the typical runners 'entitlement' as I remember when I started running. Basic cotton T, affordable joining fees, limited finisher medal for those who worked for it, and plenty of refreshment with good place for runners to mingle after the run. But most important of all, the consideration given when planning the running route and also the assurance effort to ensure that runners are safe from the city traffic. A double giant thumbs up for the event organization and also a big thumbs up for effort to raise health awareness.
More photos here
Students from Klang
Winners waiting for prize presentation
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