SKYHAWK NATURE RUN 2014

photo courtesy of Khairi Muin

Date : January 12, 2014 (Sunday)

Venue : Pusat Sukan Negeri Ayer Keroh, Malacca

Distant : 21km

Organised by : Malacca Skyhawk Running Group

The Skyhawk Nature Run is the first running event of the year that I participated. I always try to support local events especially road races organized by the running community. The first out-of Klang Valley that I supported is Sg Petani Half Marathon (SP Half Marathon). When I saw the SNR being published, I did not hesitate to sign up as I read that it is a small event for 300 runners only. I termed such races as Boutique run – a small, no frills event which I assume should be fun and hold no expectation at all besides treating it as my official LSD training leading up to my KL-Maran Walk in April 2014.

What is this run all about?

This road race offered a 21km running route only.

Due to overwhelming response, the organizer had increased the entry to more than 500 participants. Organised by a group of passionate runners from Malacca (I noticed that they participated in quite a handful of events in the Klang Valley), the run took the runners into some really scenic orchard road passing through a small village with many local fruits trees along the road. Some of us stopped to enjoy the rambutans & pulasan plucked direct from the trees. The villagers were extremely friendly. One can truly smell the ‘greens’ and feel the freshness of the air. That is what been missing in many of the road races within Klang Valley.

How this run set a new benchmark in road races?

About The Organiser

Their FB page was being updated diligently to keep the participants in the know.

They are very tactful in their approach and truly professional in their own small way.

The Volunteers

~Dedicated,  Passionate & Responsible in discharging their duty.

~Well informed and know their duty well.

~Every road marshal knows their positioning & able to tell runners the exact mileage.

~Everyone discharged their duty with a smile & very proactive

The Technical & Logistic Aspect

~Distant markers prominently displayed at every kilometer

~Marshals also verbally make known of the distance as runners ran passed.

~Sufficient water at all water stations. The 1^st two water stations were set 5km apart & after the 10^th km ~mark, its was set approximately 3km thereafter.

~Mobile marshals on bicycles, motorcycles & cars going around to check on runners.

The Medic & Safety

~It was posted in their FB that there are a few doctors on site.

~There was at least one Ambulance stationed at the venue.

The Downside

There was neither Ambulance making its round and nor medical personnel spotted along the running route. Giving the benefit of doubt that the doctors may be in one or few of the vehicles moving around, there is no signage being display prominently to alert runners of their presence.

What Can Be Improved?

Safety at Crossing junction & along the trunk road - the first & last 4km, took runners along the trunk road (or highway). It would be better to place some safety cones along this stretch even though there are road marshals manning the road. The cones are indication for on-coming vehicles to slow down or to drive on the far right of the road. While the Organising Committees has taken every precaution to ensure the safety of all participants, the safety of volunteers especially road marshals must not be compromise.

Medic Team

Paramedic personnels are more appropriate to be on duty compared to doctors. Since this is a 21km running route, it’ll be more appropriate to have an ambulance station at the half mark. This is to ensure that should there be an emergency, it’ll be much more efficient in deploying the nearest medic team to the distress participant in the fastest time possible.

Suggestions 

The Event – to retain the run as a fully Half Marathon only road race. Currently, all road races offer multiple distance. This will set the event apart from others & uniquely brand SNR as THE only Half Marathon event in the country. Hopefully the organizer will retain the race as a fun events rather than a competitive event by not offering high stake cash prizes. More prizes for lucky draws maybe a better option.

The Community Event – the villagers are truly supportive and friendly. Perhaps the starting line should be move closer to the people and let them be part of the event. This is also a way to give back to the Community in promoting running not only as a healthy lifestyle but also promoting Unity & camaraderie among all across ages, culture, religion & ethnicity.

The Size – keeping the number moderate in order to retain the quality of the event.

For an inaugural event, the Organiser has performed superbly and set a very high benchmark in road race organizing.

Well Done to the Organising Team & Volunteers! Thank you for us giving us such a wonderful running experience and looking forward to SNR Half Marathon 2015!

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