Categorised under the umbrella of long distance running events, a full marathon is traditionally held around the world with major and emerging cities welcoming thousands of both elite runners and avid running enthusiasts on a weekly basis.
Such an event is a celebration of unity, solidarity and diversity that transcends geographical boundaries. People from various backgrounds and cultures unite with a common and shared interest.
Signing up for a marathon has always been a lifelong ambition on a personal level and I was overwhelmed with emotions when I finally realised it last year.
Despite having competed in numerous competitions beforehand, the first-hand experience of completing my first marathon signifies one of my proudest moments in my life.
A year on since basking in the glorious moment in the streets of Amsterdam during the TCS Amsterdam Marathon, I pursued a similar challenge but at a different venue and continent.
At the start of the year, I arranged a schedule specifically for competitions and it is appropriate to include a full marathon- the epitome of running. It would not be complete without adding a full marathon (covering a distance of 42 kilometres (km)) into the list especially when I have already fully experienced it.
For me, completing a marathon once does not suffice and it is an achievement I intend to repeat continuously. Not content with crossing off my bucket list, it is my wish to make participating in a full marathon as frequent as races in shorter distances such as the 5km, 10km and even the half marathon (21km).
While hearing murmurs of one of the biggest races of the year, I found myself engaged in an intimate conversation with a cousin on fellow Bruneians signing up for the Sydney Marathon.
At the time, I was considering a familiar scene with a return to Amsterdam in the cards or even travelling to Rotterdam, Munich and Prague to have a different atmosphere but still feeling the excitement a European city offers.
Nonetheless, the conversation went so well to an extent that it convinced me to register for the Sydney Marathon without a second thought. Learning that the Sydney Marathon was a candidate race to be absorbed into one of the World Marathon Majors races perhaps has a strong influence in my decision.
It is not easy to register for a World Marathon Major – you either have to meet a qualifying time or you are selected as part of a raffle.
But, the probability of the race gaining the same prestige as Berlin, Tokyo, London, Chicago, New York and Boston was too good of an opportunity to dismiss.
Like any other competition, I underwent a training programme to build on the main aspects of the race such as endurance, speed and possessing a strong mental strength which is as important as the physical traits.
Over the course of the following months, preparation was in full swing with the accumulation of mileage to get myself competition-ready.
As the competition drew closer, the excitement started to build with updates on Instagram constantly sending me reminders. After a nine-month wait, it was time to fly to Sydney via Melbourne for my first visit to Australia in a decade.
For every runner, the reality of joining a race finally kicked in once they attend a road show or festival to collect their race pack and entitlements.
As I scanned the contents of my drawstring bag, seeing my name imprinted on the bib never cease to amaze it even though it is something I often go through during my competitive career.
As per previous experiences, I normally took the time out to unwind and explore the city’s sights and sounds.
On the eve of the competition, I strategised myself to ensure that I’m well equipped nutritionally by carb loading. After browsing through eateries around the city, I eventually chose a pasta parlour where I enjoyed two authentic pasta dishes served full to the brim.
When we arrived at the hotel, I made sure that I had enough hours of sleep before leaving early in the morning.
It was a short walk to the metro station whereby runners were permitted to use public transport for free as part of an arrangement between the race organisers and the travel authorities. There, I saw a group of runners young and old making their way to the venue like me depicting a picture of calm. We waited excitedly in our wave zone and I should have had kept myself warm under a blanket or a wrapping article you see runners wear pre or post competition.
As daylight set in, we assembled according to our flag-off time and by 6.54am, I took my first few steps towards completing the 42km distance race. After taking a quick peek on my watch which reads a distance of nearly 2km, the iconic Harbour Bridge descended into view.
It was truly the highlight of the race and running underneath the famous arch on an empty road without the worry of motorists passing by is surreal.
Running through Sydney’s Centennial Park enables me to admire a combination of lush greenery and the city’s high-rise buildings. The race barriers located at strategic points on the road were tell-tale signs that the end of the race was approaching and the finishing line was in sight once the Sydney Opera House was in my view.
Determined to finish strong, I sprinted to the finish line amid a sea of runners and paused my Garmin watch.
Having the medal wrapped around my neck was a reward of my hard work, dedication and sacrifice I had gone through ever since I made Sydney Marathon my personal mission.
It was an absolute privilege to participate and complete the Sydney Marathon and I rally my support for the race to be accepted into the World Marathon Majors and join the other exclusive six cities as the grandest stage in full marathon. – Fadhil Yunus
