Nabil.Food.Art: Allianz Penang Bridge International Marathon (old bridge)

I came, I ran, I conquered

Forever alone, unprepared, and excited at the same time, this is my journey at the Allianz Penang Bridge International Marathon. This would be my furthest run event away from home so far. Initially, I was super excited for this run when I registered for it way back in June, but as the marathon date slowly approaching, I lost any sense of excitement as I felt that the run was a hassle for me, just to travel, run, and travel back. In the end, I'm glad I made the trip and it was worth it.

All the top reviewed guesthouses were fully booked during that weekend. So, I took the earliest bus from Shah Alam, tried my luck and walked in every guesthouses in Georgetown to see if there's any vacant bed/room. After almost 2 hour search, I finally came across Mallog Budget Hotel. It's not Shangri La, but you get what you've paid for. The owner was friendly. I had nasi dalca for dinner at one of the hawkers nearby before heading to the race site.

I registered for the half marathon category and the run started at 3 a.m. Free shuttle buses were provided from Penang Ferry Terminal towards the area opposite Tapak Pesta Sg. Nibong which was about 500m from the race site. Arrived at the race site around midnight and killed time by reading a book, catching a catnap, and walking around the race village snapping pictures.

The first and last time running on the (old)Penang bridge

The men were flagged off first where as the women were flagged of 15 minutes later. Imagine how the elite women runners must have felt when they have to run passed by a couple thousands runners in front of them. Why the separate flag of time? It still puzzles me.

Right off the bat, I had stomach cramps. Then, 4k into the run, started to feel knee pain on my left knee. This really caught me off guard because usually those knee pain will only hit towards the end of my run. Thus, I was running with slight gimp from that point onwards.

Clear night sky, warm and there was barely a breeze. I was expecting it to be mad windy on the bridge but it wasn't. Took plenty of pictures on the bridge. For those who didn't know, this would be the last time the marathon will be held at the current bridge. Next year it would be held at the new bridge.

The iconic Penang Bridge. Been there, ran that

Try running barefoot for 6 hours just like this pacer!

Dude on a wheelchair blowing a whistle passing through runners. Necessary? Elite women runners past us but didn't have no whistle nor escorts

Something to read along the way

In the last 4k, the knee pain in both knees reached its limit, but this time around there was no muscle cramps. Crossed the finish line with an unimpressive time of 2:41'53" (unofficial). I've noticed that I always underperformed in runs that were held during wee hours. Perhaps due to the lack of sleep and rest, or lack of training!!? Hit the 100plus, milo and cereal booth for some refreshments. Collected my bag at the luggage counter. First time leaving my bag behind and there was no problem what so ever. Tired and sleepy, so didn't hang around long and took the shuttle back to Georgetown.

Kudos to all volunteers who tirelessly helped during the event. I saw few budak pengakap already sleeping on the side of the road. See you guys next year at the new bridge =)