Photo Slideshows by FatBirds Keonz, Spencer, Max & DO (as they roll in)
Location reporting by Team FatBird Media (FatBirds YN & Spencer)
Team FatBird runners @ StartlineAfter allowing the competitive runners to run ahead, I ran at a non-competitive pace, pretty much alone. When we hit Northern Route, my Garmin shutdown, and there went my timing and heart rate measurements.....hmm, how would I keep motivated? hehe. Saw Mrs. RealRunner manning the water station at the junction of SICC/Pump House route...thanks. I completed the first lap in about 55min...pretty uneventful.
Saw the Tean FatBird crew of YN, Spencer, Charmane and more at the end of the loop, and posed for a nice shot. I went to keep the 'dead' HRM and watch in my car, before going on the 2nd loop. I 
kept to a rather slow, but steady pace....when I reached the golf course (about 7km mark), I spotted Eileen. She was running steadily. I went ahead to check with her if there were other ladies running in front. She mentioned that those in front were going for the team event. I ran along with her, and showed her the way around the 'tree roots' area. She got a minor sting by a bee, but recovered well to move on....she is one determined and strong runner. We completed the second loop in good time, and was cheered by the growing crowd of Team FatBird supporters.While I stopped to take a kopi-O from Beng and Suan, Eileen ran ahead. I had a short chat with the rest of the TFB before proceeding to 'chase' Eileen. I did not notice any ladies behind her at that point in time. I caught up with her in the mid-section of Northern Route on the 3rd lap, and I proceeded to the SICC junction water point to wait. This time Yuji was there with his daughter. We chatted a bit while waiting for Eileen. Also spotted Senza doing her 2nd lap of personal training. Lexxus came by in his usual speedy form....a quick drink, and off he went again. Eileen showed up shortly, and had some quick gulps of water, before proceeding on. She was on course to be the first woman finisher.
Guided a 'lost' runner and Eileen along Sime Trail, and before long, we were on the 'tree roots' section again. The 3rd lap was finished well by Eileen to rousing cheers from Team FatBird. Time was 3hr18min for 3 loops. It was quite fun and interesting to see the group having so much fun. Many of them like Mashie, Keonz, June, DO, Charmane, cfred, Andy have already finished their 1-3 laps of training runs, and were resting and cheering other runners. I stayed behind after the 3rd lap, and wished Eileen all the best for the final lap. I heard from the team that Henry and Darren were on course for podium in the men's open category.
Oh Yes, Women's Open winnerAfter a short wait, Henry finally showed up. He finished very strongly in 3hr40min....a mean feat on such a challenging trail route. Loud cheers and interviews by Team FatBird Media greeted him...hehe. After some monkeying around and mock interview sessions, the second Men's Open runner came back. We too gave him some rousing cheers. It wasn't long before Darren came back for top 5 placing...wow, a good performance by the young lad. Melvin also did well to finish in top 10 position for Men's. Finally, someone shouted 'Eileen coming'. There she was, ambling back steadily. DO ran up to hold her hands up to finish victoriously in 4hr33min...Women's Open Champion.
Victory Smiles @ MR25 X-Country MarathonIt was a great outing for all, and we were heartened to know that these runners who have been so much a part of Team FatBird have come back strongly with solid victories. Team FatBird is so proud of them, and would like to congratulate all of them for courageously completing the challenging MR25 X-Country Marathon...special mention to Henry Yang, Eileen Yap and Darren Goh for finishing in the posdium standings.
On site reporting from Team FatBird Media
No comments:
Post a Comment