Runners all set for challenging Genting Trailblazer on Sunday

What say you on the issue below?

DRAGGING my colleague Tan Karr Wei out for an evening run isn’t as easy as asking a five year old out to the park.

She would come up with a list of excuses, before finally agreeing to tag along in the hope of losing some weight.

So when it came to signing up for the Genting Trailblazer challenge (which I had been wanting to participate since last year after hearing and reading about it), I left her out to join photographers Ong Soon Hin and Chris Gan thinking she would probably be angry with me if I submitted her name.

All the way up: (from the front) The writer during a recent evening run with Ong, Tan and Gan.

However, after looking at how the guys and I had been going out for evening jogs, Karr Wei decided to come along but reminded me with her usual line, “You better make sure I come out alive.”

We had taken her plea so seriously that we all go on our jogs around Taman Tun Dr Ismail in Kuala Lumpur more often than the hours we see each other at work.

With only a few days left, I am starting to worry about myself and my team mate Ong while Karr Wei who partnered Chris are trying to work out a plan that suits them best for Sunday as the trail is definitely not an easy one.

Whatever happens, we are all set to have fun, get dirty in the mud pools and also try our best to finish the 14km challenge in the fastest time possible.

To all the 560 participating teams, we wish you all the best and see you at Awana Genting Highlands this weekend!

Those who are taking part for the first time like us, can use some of these useful tips given by the organisers (see box left).

1. Water up

Carry your own bottles (or water reservoir system) and fill-up before the race or refill at the stations during the race. These stations will not serve drinks from paper or plastic cups.

2. Dress up

Long pants or tights with long-sleeved tops will help minimise cuts while running through the jungle. Other accessories such as trekking poles, sunblock, gloves and shades may also come in handy.

3. Train up

Practice trail running with your partner. New or unfamiliar equipment that you plan to use for the race should be tested before the actual race. It is a team event.

4. Remain focused

The jungle can seem an unconquerable challenge half-way through the race, especially if one has underestimated it. Do not give up, focus on the goal, it’s a mental game. Motivate your partner! Work as a team. Cross the finishing line together.

5. Know the Run

FTAAA has introduced another mandatory requirement for Genting Trailblazer last year. All registered participants must report on race day (Nov 1) at the Awana Football Field Reporting counter. Participants who fail to do so will be disqualified. Participants can log on to www.gentingtrailblazer.com to download and print the Awana Football Field setup sketch for reference on exact location of relevant tents & counters.