November 17, 2013.
The day that we've all been waiting for finally arrived --> Allianz Penang Bridge International Marathon 2013. It is one of the largest marathon event in Malaysia with millions of participants every year.
Here's a little info to share:
Allianz Penang Bridge International Marathon has been held every year since 1985. This is the only tie when the bridge is closed for several hours. The biggest run in the country incorporates a marathon (10km), a half-marathon (21km), a full-marathon (42km) and a fun-run.
It was said that 2013 will be the last year for this marathon to be held at the old Penang bridge. Next year it will be held at the 2nd Penang bridge which will be opening by end of this year.
Me and my friends registered in the 10k marathon open for men & women. The registration was opened earlier this year on March. We were naive to think that it would still be too early to book for hotels that month. End up all hotels nearby were fully booked and me and my friends will have to stay a night at my cousin's place.
We hit the road one day earlier before the marathon. Took ferry to the island instead of the bridge. It has been a long long time since the last time I ride the ferry :) Me and my friends spent some time in town and did some shopping. Of course, we also spent some time searching for some famous local delicacies like cendol, laksa, char keuy teow and so on.
The next day, we woke up at 330am and started off our journey at 430am. The area near the bridge was totally jam out with cars, buses, taxis and never the less, participants! We had to park quite far away from the starting point and walked. Well, take it as a little warm up before start XD
10k marathon open for women flagged off at 6am; while 10k marathon open for men flagged off at 630am. Short while after flagged off me and my friends got into own ways. I put on my earphone and started to run. I have been training myself for this for quite a while. Not for the winning, but to see how far I can go.
There were quite some runners, especially Kenyans. They were fast, like really really fast. Then there were some runners who outstand other participants not with their speed, but with their colorful and rather creative costumes. Some runners also stop by at the side to take some selfie pictures. The view of the bridge was stunning at dawn with the lights still on. Running along the bridge with the refreshing breeze... It was awesome!
I hit the end point at 728am. It took me around 1.25 hours to complete the run. Slightly better than my previous run :) My friends also hit the end point at almost the same time. We wondered around the booth, grabbed ourselves some free drinks and breakfast, took some pictures and wrap up the day.
It was tiring but fun! I'm proud of myself, proud of my friends cuz we all completed the run. Winning isn't important in this case but the spirit is! The spirit of pushing ourselves to a limit where we all have no idea of, the spirit of not giving up.
Thank you guys @Fai, @PohKuan, @Mevis, @Ben, @WaiMun for doing this with me and making this the best marathon memory I'll never forget!
We're gonna rock the new bridge next year! PBIM2014, are you ready for us?
**end
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| A little Black & White for my friend Mevis <3 |
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| Seaside view from the ferry :) |
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| We made it! |
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