Running: La Salle / Sacred Heart Charity Run 2015 (Sabah)

Here's an update on my recent experience running as an participant at the La Salle / Sacred Heart Charity Run 2015 held 2 August 2015 at my very own beloved hometown, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Since I am 'home' for a long break, had to look for local race event to prep myself for my future marathons and also to catch up with long lost friends and to make new ones. As at date, I have signed up for a few including TMBT 2015 and Save the Bornean Elephant Charity Run 2015.

Successfully signed up for La Salle / Sacred Heart Charity Run 2015 online via EventBrite portal early June 2015 at RM64.49 (inclusive GST). Manual walk-in registration was also available at Performance Sportz, Likas. Participants will receive a dry-fit running tee with BIB during its race pack collection a week prior to race day. Race pack collection was fast. No timing chip but was fine since this was a charity race. Met running friend, Miranda who was handling my race pack collection there.

Race Day

Reached the race venue 40 minutes before flag off at SM La Salle, Tanjung Aru. Parking was ample but on first come first serve basis. Decided to park at SK Stella Maris instead which was 100 metres away.  Met running friends from KK No Excuse Runners (KKNER), Jason, Donna, JLO, Caroline and others at the school main entrance. Met few familiar faces there too like Jeffrey with Jocelyn and Rachel.

Running Friends

Flag off was at 6.00 am running towards Tanjung Aru beach area. The race route was a little congested up to KM3 as only one lane was closed (with safety cones) for runners usage. The initial race route should be along the sand beach within that section. However, changes were made for safety reason due to weather.

There were two water stations along the race route with 100 Plus and mineral water. Runners received a checkpoint rubber band at both water stations. Medical volunteers (PBSM) were seen there too. There were traffic marshals with bicycles on duty.

Race Route

Race Route

Participants

Official photographers were also seen at the event area. There were finisher pictures taken by them at the finishing line. Noticed some freelance photographers along KM4 with yellow shirts.

Completed the 9KM race within an hour but at an average pace. This was my first official run after Ramadhan month and Hari Raya. Finisher medal was given at the finishing line by friendly volunteers. 

Finisher Medal

Event Area

Very basic event area setup. There was one 100 Plus tent giving out free cans of isotonic drinks. Noticed some merchandise sale on the event ground too. Good positive event crowd up till the end of the lucky draw session.

Event Area

Event Area

Spent some time catching up with friends, new found friends and also some of my teachers too. Went for post-race breakfast with the group afterwards.

Running Friends (Sabah Trail Seekers)

Running Friends (KKNER)

Running Friend

Running Friends

Running Friends (Rojak Runners)

Comments

Love both the finisher medal and running tee design and quality. Tons of friendly participants and volunteers at this race event. A nice bicycle as lucky draw prize up for grab. 

Under-distance race route. Clocked 8.5KM instead of 9KM which was minor. I assumed this was due to the last-minute change of route at the beach section. No photowall for photography nor goodie bag. Not really sure if there was any volunteer on duty at the parking area for security reason since no baggage deposit the event.

Also, it is best to share the running tee size measurement for participant reference during registration.

Overall, I had fun running in this event with the positive support by other fellow runners.

Summary: A good charity race event by La Salle, Performance Sportz, sponsors and partners. Looking forward for more improvements at your future race events.

Event Recommendation: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

La Salle / Sacred Heart Charity Run 2015 Completed!

Sabah, I'm home!