1st Putrajaya International 12-Hour Walk Race Report

Participating in this year’s event wasn’t part of the plans, having done 2 in the preceding years. The clincher, however, was that the venue was moved from Penang to Putrajaya. Deciding between a 4-hour drive to my homestate and a 15-minute one is a no-brainer. I save on fuel, time and money and along with the nagging unfinished business of trying to hit 60K in 12 hours made me put my John Hancock on the form.

After a 30-minute afternoon nap, I rendezvoused with Frank and the other guys at Bandar Puteri Puchong for an early dinner of noodles and caffeine. We were running a little late as our cars pulled into the car park adjacent to the event site. There seemed to be more younger folks this year and a nice crowd of approximately 500 if the organizers were correct

Number pickup was quickly done and we each received a nicely stocked environmentally friendly goodie bag courtesy of Genting group. Putrajaya is a nice place to hold events needing ample space and the wide divider stretch between the avenues made for an ideal area for the cooking, information, control and rest locations. There were tents set up for these purposes. On one side were some camping tents erected by supporters and on the other, 6 mobile toilets.

I spotted many familiar and regular faces as I joined the gang in gearing up for the start. I made sure I lubed liberally in all the potential trouble spots, and checked that my salt packs and iPod were kept in a plastic bag inside a clip holster. On top of that I carried a Powerbar Triple Threat to munch. Weather was cool and a gentle breeze was blowing. The race director led the participants in a Birthday Song for one of the walkers before starting us off at 8pm sharp for the long long walk. I hung out with Choi and Frank right at the back as there was no hurry. First lap was covered in excess of ten and half minutes.

For the full report, please click this link.