Every year I saw nice photos tagged to OP Bandit when he took part in Sabah Adventure Challenge (SAC). So, I decided to try it out this year. Actually, I was not keen on trail running before this but I made an exception this year after I've done Gunung Nuang 12 hours challenge earlier in March and I kinda like it. TNF Philippines is another ultra trail running I signed up in April this year. This time 3 OPs and an OPs wife taking part in SAC.
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3 OPs and an OP's wife |
OP Bandit, OP Stupe, his wife Aileen Har and me leaving for Kota Kinabalu a day before race check-in. We stayed at a hostel for a night and get together for a dinner with OP James (MAS Engineer in KK) and OP Tuck Loong (MAS Pilot stop over in KK for that night).
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View always amazing during sunset at waterfront |
The next day, we went to Mega D'Aru Hotel at Tanjung Aru for race check-in. Here I met Aman Avtar for the first time, the man behind SAC. I always hear good things about him how efficient he organized races in Sabah. I think we are in good hands in this race.
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Transportation was provided from KK to Mersilau |
The journey started in a van no. 6 to Mersilau and we had the opportunity to get to know other competitors.
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9 people from 4 different nations here in the van |
We stayed at Mersilau Nature Resort which is also part of Kinabalu Park. This is the starting point of Mersilau Trial for those who want to scale Mount Kinabalu.
After dinner we had race briefing for day 1 and map distribution
Day 1 is the toughest of all 3 days. The race started from the resort to Layang-Layang via Mersilau trail.
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We are ready to rumble! |
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Group photo first |
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Smiles before suffering |
First 10km route covered from Mersilau resort up to Layang-Layang then descended to Timpohon Gate.
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Everybody takes the opportunity for a photo |
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Trekking poles did help |
After Timpohon Gate, we passed through 5km Liwagu Trail. Most of the time I was running alone in the jungle.
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Approaching CP 2 |
After CP 3, the route mostly tarred, gravel & sealed road. At some point we had to cross through the farms and a small stream.
I completed Day 1 in 11 hours and we covered 34km distance. By the time I crossed finish line, the day has turned to dark.
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Happy birthday to me!! |
My birthday fell on Day 2 of SAC. This is the second time I race on my birthday. The first time was during KLIM in 2008.
The race started from Bongkud and finish at Poring. It was a very hot race! I'm mean really hot until my Timex melted down.
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At starting line |
It was mental race too.
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One of a few bridges along the route |
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The first river I jumped in |
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40 degree Celsius. |
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Pit stop at the one of the stalls |
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The village was very clean. Not a single rubbish on ground |
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Managed to have a chit chat with the locals |
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Hot & Cold |
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The second river I jumped in. See sunburn on my shins |
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I took a long break here |
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More river after the last CP |
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Walked with Zhariff & Peter at the last 4km |
Completed Day 2 in 7 hours and covered 26.5km.
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Let's go back to the resort |
Day 3 started about 1km down from the resort. It was very scenic route and we were lucky the weather on our side. So, this 15km route took me nearly 4 hours to complete because of a lengthy photo session. Yup, blame it on the nice weather.
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with JJ & Chee Ming |
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Should buy a house over looking Mt. Kinabalu |
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Highly recommended to bring your wife along |
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Friends from Brunei & Sabah |
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I would run everyday here just to enjoy the scenery |
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The most beautiful cabbage farm in the country |
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Si Comot... After hard day work at farm |
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Si Comel... She also helped her parents at farm |
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Arghh... bicycle ran over me |
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Finally, I completed the race. Yatta! |
Total distance was 75km (according to Endomondo) . According to Stupe's Garmin Fenix (it can calculate elevation) the distance was 83km.
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Bandit tuang star jump |
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Well done Bandit, Aileen & Stupe! You guys are awesome!! |
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At closing ceremony |
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Closing ceremony |
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Another one for my collection |
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Finisher medal & T-shirt |
To sum up the race, I think SAC is the best 3-day holiday package, where we would be able to see the wild side of Sabah. If they still have ultra running category next year, I will take part again. Well done to Aman, Doc Dev, Claus, Rudy, great people in organizer's team and everyone in support team medics, radioman, photographers, drivers, hotel staff, etc.
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
Comments
LS
Hei, subhanAllah... Chantek gler scenery in all your pics! Especially pic yang u tulis 'buat rumah berview kan GK...' *lebih krglah ayat*. Chantek gler. Tenangnyalah rasa. Bguslah byk lari. Byk dpt tgk view chantek. Keep it up, man!