In memory of the Wild Wild Run 2009, where I actually completed the whole race and decided it’s the point of my life to start running because I wanted to. Who wouldn’t be glad that this event was even mentioned on papers. Of course you won’t get to see me on it.

So here’s quoting from The Star.

KENYAN Nicholas Merica continued to set an unbeatable pace in the Wild Wild Run hosted by the Pacemakers at the National Zoo in Ampang recently.

The 24-year-old newcomer to the local running scene completed five laps around the 1.85km circuit and clocked 31:48 to emerge as champion in the men’s 29 years and below section.

Strolling around the zoo: Merica setting the pace at the run.

Merica finished with more than a minute advantage ahead of Ghanian Richard Habeya (33:15) while local Jasni Khairil came in third (34:24)

Pacemakers captain Ronnie See said Merica was in good form and other competitors found it hard to keep up with him.

Merica began his debut season on a good note when he bagged the men’s open (16 years and above) 30km category at the fourth Great Eastern Pacesetters 30km Run before settling for the second spot in the men’s open section at the KL Tower International Forest Towerthon Challenge at Menara Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, the fairer sex only completed four laps on the circuit with Ameba Chan Chui Miew stamping her mark as the best performer. She registered 36:36 to clinch the top spot in the women’s 34 years and below category.

The meet drew 130 runners in five categories — men’s 29 years and below, men’s 30 to 39 years, men’s 40 years and above, women’s 34 years and below and women’s 35 years and above.

When they began registration in February, it took them only four days to reach the maximum capacity of participants.

“It was an unique event because they had fun savouring a different experience. Running around the cool and lush surrounding in the presence of animals was certainly the highlight of the day,” said See, who set up the http://pm1.blogspot.com to cater to recreational runners in the Klang Valley.

Besides the 30 volunteers from the group, zoo employees also helped the organisers to direct the runners around the undulating terrain.

At the end of the event, five winners also went home with a hamper each from the lucky draws.

Saucony was the main sponsor of the run. Two other partners were Ccube Sports Hub and Milo.

This year, the group began their season and ushered the New Year with the third edition of the Pacemakers Network Run at the Lake Gardens in Kuala Lumpur.

And See also hinted they are considering to organise their third event of the season with a night run schedule at Putrajaya in August.

RESULTS

> MEN’S

- 29 years and below: 1. Nicholas Merica (Kenya) 31:48, 2. Richard Habeya 33:15, 3. Jasni Khairil 34:24

- 30 to 39 years: 1. Casey Lim Khon Seng 33:16, 2. Murali Nathan 33:31, 3. Rozmi Yunus 36:01

- 40 years and above: 1. Ridzuan Sulaiman 36:58, 2. Mohd Sowoto Indi 38:22, 3. Alam Shah Ismail Ahmad 38:51

> WOMEN’S

- 34 years and below: 1. Ameba Chan Chui Miew 36:36, 2. Haslinda Dollah 38:08, 3. Chan Yen Nee 40:40

- 35 years and above: 1. Carol Low Peng Keat 42:06, 2. Veronica Schokman 43:01, 3. Wong Mee Yoong 43:26

Excerpt from The Star written by NG WEI LOON

Now who knows I could be front page.

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Finally, after what seemed like just a week ago, it has finally ended and the run is still fresh in my mind. Not knowing why did I actually wanted to run at first, maybe it was just because I just had too much time. But then looks like I came out of it alive. It was a very tired run. Yes I ran for the Zoo Negara Wild Wild Run 2009.

It all began with me thinking, oh yeah, Zoo Negara is just a very short round. Little did I know, I can’t even get myself to run one whole lap non stop without gasping for air. That’s how unfit I was. Well, partly due to I got the confirmation to join this run 5 days before. So it was a bit expected.

I am glad though I took up this running hobby and sport. It helps myself to keep fit. Yes~~ totally UNFIT.

See me running in this kind of shape. I was darn darn tired. Oh man, this shot doesn’t show me what number I was. Look at all the other runners. They’ve finished the race, while I am still running. Noooo…..

But what’s done is done, I can even lose to someone elder than me. Look young but have the stamina of someone apek. *cries*

I was pacing with the cyclist towards the finish line. Determination.. determination was what I needed and to have something to push me was what I needed. Looks like I still have some leg muscles to spare.

Then I decided let’s give myself a push to finish the race in the best possible time. I felt happy that the finish line will just be a few metres away. And then a final shot of victory for achieving the final finish line. Though my face shows more sign of relief instead of joy. HAHAHA!!

The photos above are thanks to pmtey2.multiply.com for taking these shots so I could use them. I shall remember this as my first running that was done out of school curicullum. So what was my result. I got 2nd from last in my age group with a time of 68’27. For a first time runner, I think I can do better than that. But nevertheless the most important thing is to finish the race and finish the race I did. The token of finishing the race.

Presented with a Zoo Negara Wild Wild Run 2009 Finisher Medal. Now what more can I ask. I just had a few jog training these few days to build up my stamina and I can tell you what’s next on my plan. I am going to try to participate in the next race which is the Orange Run in the following month. Well, wish me luck. But all activities won’t be good enough without a group photo to commemorate the event.

Click The Photos to View Larger Version

Now how can I say no to a next run. Look at the amount of people there. Looking forward to my next zoo run next year.

ps : I had to attend a wedding dinner during night time on the same day. Now how tired can I be!

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