Relay Without Barrier 2008

Photos by Mr. Tey

EVENT: Relay Without Barrier 2008 organised by 3R Circle
VENUE: Taman Bukit Kiara, KL
DISTANCE: 4km loop x 3 runners
ATTENDEES: Javier and Shahrizal (Tri Latinos) and Chan, Jaya and Fuzahir (Slowmovers)

A relay event where I was a last minute replacement for one of Javier's South American teammates. Along was supposed to be the runner, but due to her aging knees (still sore from her half marathon exploits in Penang a week ago), she asked me to bail her out.

No problem, it's just 4 kilometers. Then I suddenly remembered the 'Hidung Kembang Run' (KLAVA Deepavali Relay Run) held at the same venue last year, which almost burst my lungs due to the steep hills. By then it was too late to back out.

So with zero preparation (no running since the full marathon in Penang) I drove to Taman Bukit Kiara with Along. We stopped at Bandar Baru Sentul to fetch Javier.

Reached the venue about 7am and warmed up while waiting for the third member of the Tri Latinos to turn up. Five minutes before the start, Javier was still frantically trying to call his friend but that fella was 'incommunicado' for unknown reasons.

Desperate times calls for desperate measures. Our friend and volunteer for the event, Steven, was 'forcibly persuaded' to be our third runner. Being a good sport that he is, Steven agreed. Thank you Steven for without you, the Tri Latinos would probably DNS.

And so, with Steven 'Capucchino' and Shahrizal 'Kopitiamo' as the replacement runners, the Tri Latinos were ready to battle it out with 13 other teams in the open category.

Alas, with only Javier as the reliable runner while Senor Capucchino and Senor Kopitiamo were more intent on making sure they don't pass out before the finishing line, the Tri Latinos were placed 13th, while the Slowmovers finished 10th.

Medals were given to every runner according to their teams' position. Bottled mineral water and watermelon were also served to runners. Overall, the race was fun and simple, and I believe everybody enjoyed themselves. I hope more such races will be organized in the future.

By Shahrizal Sanusi