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 1st
two water stations were set 5km apart & after the 10th 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!
Rating :
