GENTING TRAILBLAZER - CROSS COUNTRY 2010

A last minute contest sponsored by Oriental Daily News enabled me to participate in the inaugural Cross Country event of the Genting Trailblazer 2010 held at Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort on 30 October 2010. This race is actually an extension of the Adventure category which is in its 5th edition. In comparison this was a lot easier than the Adventure race in the absence of the obstacle course.

Being a first timer in this sort of event, I was very unsure of what to expect. So I opted for the 6km category. During the briefing, we were told not to take or leave anything except our footprints in the jungle. Wearing gloves also help but I didn't bring any. Shoes with good traction will be an added advantage.

Venue : Football field 300 metres from Awana
Contestants : Approx. 331 in 6 categories

The route started very ordinarily on flat land passing through the Awana Resort and onto a driving range. I had to avoid stepping on golf balls. From thereon into the jungle trek. As it had rained the previous night, the ground was soft, soggy and slippery. It led me into places that I've never treaded on in the highlands. I had to climb over or crawl under fallen tree trunks, jump over puddles and jungle drains. After a kilometre or so, the course went uphill and uphill until my speed was reduced to a slow climb. On the top was the one and only water station. The only suitable spot to set up one but a little late for this was the 5th kilometre already. Unbeknownst to me, the worst was yet to come. In the last kilometre was a very steep hill in the open. I'd say the gradient was about 45 degrees (if I'm not mistaken). This was the final hurdle followed by a very steep descent. The last 150 metres were just flat, so I sprinted to a 19th placing finish with a time of 49 minutes 10 seconds.

I collected my thick paperboard finisher medal (that's right, it's not metal or pewter) and help myself to a light buffet breakfast of fried mee, garlic bread, cakes, hardboiled eggs and bananas.

This event with an entrance fee of RM98 must be the highest in the country. And no certificate was awarded.

Here I would like to salute my running mate Catherine for achieving her greatest victory so far, first runner up in the women veteran category.