Running: Kuching Marathon 2015 (Sarawak)

Photo Courtesy of SeanWorld of Marathon

My first time running in the Kuching Marathon recently on 16 August 2015 held at Padang Merdeka, Kuching, Sarawak. Took part in the Half Marathon category at an early bird fee RM70 with runner"s entitlements such as finisher medal, race vest and also finisher tee.

Flew in to Kuching from Kuala Lumpur for a 1:30 hours travel time few days earlier. A large number of runners friends who flew in the same weekend from Kuala Lumpur and Sabah.

Once arrived, a runners welcome banner was seen at the Kuching International Airport arrival hall. Easy to spot other Kuching Marathon runners as everyone were taking photos there. Took the RM26 coupon taxi ride to my booked accommodation which was located less than 500 metres away from the event venue.

Race Pack Collection Day

The REPC was held at Plaza Merdeka, a shopping mall located just in front of the event venue, Padang Merdeka. Quite a long queue as early at 11am. REPC was somewhat fast with friendly volunteers at the counter. Felt like a runners parade there with  a lot of familiar faces in the running / marathon scene from all over the country. Regrouped with KKNER members Coach Jason, Donna, Erin, JLO, CheguCarol and others for quick meal afterwards.

Race Kit

Had some leisure time in Kuching city with runner friends until race day.

Leisure with Running Friends

Photo Courtesy of Azmi GME

Photo Courtesy of Danny

Race Day

Reached the starting line 40 minutes prior to the HM flag off time at 5:0 0am. The FM category was flagged earlier at 3:00 am. Met KKNER Donna, Gwen, Ally and some runner friends from KL like Elite Runner Mizan and Ken Lee before our flag off.

Running Friends

Running Friends

The race route was basically flat with minor elevation. Started my run at a slower 7" pace up till KM2 due to my first time running in Kuching city. There were some section within the race route which was pitch-black dark at the first few KMs. However, traffic marshals were seen with their flash-lights.

Water station with mineral water and Revive isotonic and medic volunteers were available along the race route. I was glad that the medic team was having muscle spray instead of ice cubes in plastic bags. At KM11 - 12, there was a water station with supplies or bananas and powergels. Tons of photographers were seen at the last KM from Hilton Hotel up to the finishing line.

I completed the half marathon at my standard HM timing. Felt that I could do way more better since the race route was cater for speed. It's unfortunate that I accidentally turn my iPhone onto airplane mode to save battery. I was running Nike+ Running app and totally forgot that the GPS mapping wont work without the cellular network. I received my finisher medal and finisher tee right at the finishing line. There was a Red Bull drink redemption coupon given too.

Finisher Medal

Went to find my running friends, Khairul, Masrul and Ben Hajar at the centre of the event area while waiting for the others to complete their race. Spent some time there for photography and chit chats with other running friends from Running Kaki, Sky Runners, LYN Runners, KKNER, Rojak Runners, Sabah Trail Seekers and more.

Running Friends

Running Friends (Rojak Runners)

Running Friends

Running Friends (LYN Runners)

Running Friends (KyseRun Krew)

Running Friends

Event Area

There were exhibition tents by event partners and sponsors set up at the field area. Noticed there were Revive giving out bottle water and Honda Malaysia printing instant photos. The Red Bull tent was the most stand out in the area due to its colors. 

Didn't bother about the baggage deposit tent since it was chargeable at RM5 per bag for 'charity'. Didn't see any event photowall in the area beside the one that was used during race pack collection day in front of the mall. Wish there were more photowalls set up in the area for photography.

Running Friend (Miss Top 200)

Running Friend (Azmi GME)

Congratulations to CheguCarol (KKNER) on her FMV

Running Friends (KKNER)

Comments

Love the finisher medal and finisher tee quality and design. The black limited finisher tee for those top 200 finishers was nice too but I still prefer the turquoise version. The Brooks running vest was decent.

No issue on water stations, markers and distance signages. I was glad that there was a water station with supplies or bananas and powergels along the HM route. Race route was well managed by traffic marshals and PDRM. However, no safety cones placed at some area of the race route which I find very dangerous.

Hoping to see my finisher photos by the official photographers for this event. Found some photos by freelance / runner photographers earlier on Facebook. 

Summary: An excellent race event by organisor, partners and sponsors. I will definitely race again in Kuching city in future. Looking forward for more improvements for Kuching Marathon.

Event Recommendation: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Kuching Marathon 2015 Completed!