Mizuno Mount Faber Run 10K 14/06/2009
VGO Mt Faber Run 2009
Just like the previous year participants gathered at the Open Space between Block 121 & 123 Bukit Merah View on a special Sunday Morning to challenge themselves in completing the 10k Mount Faber run which was organised by the VGO Corporation. The route will test the runners as they make their way across the Bukit Merah area and towards Mount Faber, where a series of uphill and downhill terrains awaits them.
Flag off time was at 7:30am. The start was alright, with the usual congestion at the start line due to the masse of people rushing to sprint off. The first 2-3 km were a series of uphill and downhill terrain, following the contours of the township of Bukit Merah. Then came the first hiccup. VGO Corporation did not have the rights to stop traffic, therefore anybody unfortunate enough had to stop for the traffic lights, the first of which were at the bridge crossing over the AYE.
Route Map 10K across Mount Faber
A minor hindrance, but after that everything was smooth. Up next was the route up Mount Faber. The route required everyone to run uphill to reach the peak of Mount Faber. The road width was quite large but we were relegated to only 5 meters of the side. While there was minimal congestion, the corners uphill caused many to slow down.
Even so, my friend and I decided to sprint down the slope to catch up with time. We kept our body straight and hope for the best. As much as we wanted to stop to take a breather, in our minds we knew that if we were to do that at the speed and momentum that we are going, it might cause us to trip and fall. We made it to the base of Mount Faber, I looked at the time and was proud that I had completed about 7km of the run in 35mins and I am sure that I am able to complete the run in under 55mins.
The next 3km was on road pavement, along the road back to Bukit Merah. The terrain was mostly flat so it was easy to sprint. There were many traffic lights, therefore runners had to wait patiently to cross and continue on their journey. Some runners felt that it was irritating as it contributed badly to their timing.
Victory - Shaiful enjoying a cup of H-Two-O
Crossing the finishing line, I was able to beat my goal of finishing the run in under 55mins. As soon as we crossed the finishing line, everyone gathers at the H-TWO-O booth for some refreshment and bananas. There was a sea of runners in their green event running jerseys, and everyone was smiling and congratulating one another on their accomplishment in completing the 10K Mount Faber Run. This was soon followed by the prize giving ceremony and the lucky draw events.
Finishers - New Friends made as we conqured the distance
Overall, it was a challenging Sunday morning run with a beautiful view at the top of Mount Faber. I had so much fun participating in the run. The main thing I wish the organiser to improve on for next year’s race was to implement traffic blocks throughout the route, so we would not have to wait for traffic lights (which inversely added more seconds to our timing. Other things I felt the organiser could improve on was probably to have a water point at the peak of Mount Faber, more portable toilets and a wider route up Mount Faber(if they could block off the whole road it will be perfect).
I will definitely look forward for the next year.
Cheers! (.^_^.)
My Running Addiction 