ATTENTION

2009 calendar updated!!!


Tuesday, March 10, 2009

The Wild Wild Run 2009




EVENT: The Wild Wild Run 2009
VENUE: Zoo Negara Kuala Lumpur
DATE: 8th March 2009
RUNNERS: Along, Angah, Alang, Izzat, Iylia and Javier

THE big bad wolf must have been eyeing Along at the Wild Wild Run 2009 at Zoo Negara last Sunday. Instead of puffing and huffing at the three little pigs' hut like it normally does, it decided to choose Along as it's new target, possibly because of Along's meaty build.

Along told us she suddenly wobbled and fell like a sack of potatoes while running the second of the four lap race, with Angah as her witness. Maybe the bad wolf was in the bushes and waiting for the right time to pounce on her, and Along swore she felt a gush of wind just before rolling to the ground. Luckily her aging bones wasn't damaged in the process.

She got up, smiled sheepishly and looked around for the bad wolf, but it was nowhere to be found. Perhaps it got scared and fled when the lions in the nearby enclosure suddenly roared (or maybe laughed at Along).

Fairytales aside, it was an enjoyable run for the Slowmovers. The route was basically flat, and we also get to see lots of animals during the run. This is also a run where aromatherapy (in the form of the animals' dung) is made available to the runners for the whole duration of the race.

As usual Javier was the first Slowmover to finish the 9.2km race in a time of 40 minutes, coming in 18th in the overall men's category. Eleven year old Iylia later arrived with her time of 54 minutes and 17th placing in the overall women's category (distance 7.35km).

Izzat finished in 58 minutes (87th), Along in 59 minutes (26th), Angah in one hour (29th) and finally me in 66 minutes and 93rd placing.

Javier also introduced us to an Ironman from Slovakia, Miroslav Blanarik and his German friend, Nicole Hauffe. Miroslav finished the recent Langkawi Ironman in 11 hours plus. He had that typical triathlete build - tall, lean body with a six pack.

After the race, we had the normal chit chat with fellow runners and the photo session. After the prize giving ceremony, we walked around the zoo to see more animals before leaving and having our breakfast at the McDonalds nearby.

One more thing, I realized my bib number (C323 or 'see tree to tree') is really meant for a jungle run...

By Shahrizal Sanusi

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

KL Tower International Forest Towerthon Challenge 2009



EVENT: KL Tower International Forest Towerthon Challenge 2009
DATE: 1st March 2009
VENUE: Menara Kuala Lumpur
PARTICIPANTS: Along, Alang, Halil, Fairul, Izzat, Javier, Chan and the Bernama gang
CAMERAWOMAN: Angah
SUPPORTERS: Acik, Nina, Iylia and Hannah

"LOOK, up in the KL Tower! He's a Cuban, he's a journalist, he's Javier!" Showing his Superman-like ability to 'reach the top of a tall building in a single bound', Javier Clavelo Robinson emerged champion in the media men's category at the KL Towerthon 2009.

His triumph (plus cash prize of RM1,000) brought joy and pride not only to Bernama, but also the Slowmovers because it's the first time a member of the group became champion in an individual category.

Last year Chanthiran finished third in the same category but hampered by a leg injury, he failed to defend his position this year. Never mind Chan, it's the participation that counts, right?

Among the Slowmovers, Halil the Hustler is the most improved, slashing about 20 minutes from last year's timing of 80 minutes. Sure you're not on steroids for this event, bro? He he, just kidding.

Fairul the triathlete wannabe also improved by four minutes to clock 25 minutes. Me and Along went downhill, both of us finishing several minutes slower than last year's timing. The tell tale sign of old age? Hmmmmm...

This year the Harian Metro newspaper team were represented by me, Rama and Halim (men) and Ayu, Sue and Nini for the ladies media category. All of them performed admirably for a first timer. Good showing guys and gals!

A new category (celebrities) was created this year as an attraction for the event. Comedian Yasin emerged champion, completing the 2,058 steps in 25 minutes.

I also met and chatted with Nezz, who used to be active in the local running circuit until about two years ago. She's part of the main Technical Committee and also head of the Results and Winners' Committee (all this mentioned in her blog).

She also studied at the same school as my office mate, who recognized her immediately when I showed him her blog. I took a picture with her as proof to my office mate that I really did meet her.

We left after chatting with many friends and watching the prize giving ceremony, with the biggest cheers reserved for Javier. Next event for us will be the Wild Wild Run at Zoo Negara this weekend. We might have a picnic there after the event.

By Shahrizal Sanusi