On 25 June 2011, saw a new milestone in my running chronicle when I became an ultra runner with the happening of Sundown Ultra Marathon 2011. After 8 marathons, I guess it's about time to give it a try. In its fourth year, this time it’s slightly different because the distance had been increased to 100 km ( previous years 84 km ). Held at a new venue, the Marina Barrage, about 1000 participants took the challenge. The course started at the venue, headed to the East Coast Park, onto Changi Coast Road, passing through Changi Beach Park, Pasir Ris Park, Tampines area and ended at Bedok Reservoir, the 50 km mark. From here it was a U-turn back to Marina Barrage.
The race started at 6 pm Saturday evening and with every 10 km, there was a pitstop for runners to refuel, eat, rest, refresh, use the loo. There were 100 Plus and Ice Mountain water, snacks like bread, buns, muffins, sandwiches, biscuits, cut orange slices, bananas, potato chips and an abundance of other foodstuff. After an hour and 11 minutes, I reached my first pitstop. Had my fill, did my stretching and 5 minutes later, I’m on my way again. At the 18th km, it started to drizzle. Wow this had me worried for a while. Lucky for all, when I reached the second pitstop, the rain stopped. Same routine here, stretching, snacking and drinking. Another 5 minutes break here. But after 30 km, I just couldn’t eat anymore. So I hit on the 100 Plus and power gel only. When I reached the 42 km mark, I noted it was exactly 6 hrs.
At the 50th km pitstop, soup and hotdogs were also available. So much food but I was not hungry. Food don’t taste good when you’re running a 100 km race. The breaks were now longer than 5 minutes, as long as 15 minutes. At this point, I started the walk-run routine as my legs were getting weary. Through the rest of the run, I only snacked on raisins and power gels that I had pocketed earlier. Some kind supporters offered me a chocolate bar and a very refreshing coke. It didn’t matter how much I drank, there was never really a need to go to the loo. But I went anyway just to feel more comfortable.
This is really the longest and most gruelling run in my life. I can’t remember everything that happened along the way. After 60 km the runners were getting very scattered because their numbers were greatly reduced. I wasn’t sleepy but I had to focus my mind on other jovial matters in order to forget about the boredom, the pain in my legs and the fatigue. And when daybreak came, I was on the 84 km mark. A very slow run led me into a slow walk for the last 4 km. My feet were getting heavier with each step. With only 200 meters to go, I forced myself to run again just to finish the race in glamorous style, clocking in at 15 hours 41 minutes ( placed 78th ). My rewards – a finisher medal, T-shirt and towel.
There was also a sunny buffet waiting for all finishers but unfortunately I did not have any appetite at all. This is one buffet I will never forget because I only took one banana from the wide selection available. And I mentioned 'sunny' because you really have to eat the buffet in the hot sun. That’s right – no shelter not even an umbrella was provided.
This is the most expensive event I’ve ever participated. Entrance fees were S$165.00. I probably won’t be taking part again. Not because of the cost but I wouldn’t want to go through that kind of ordeal again.
