A runner’s tale of grit and glory in ultra-trail racing.
Trail running, and its more extreme counterpart, ultra-trail, stand out as physically demanding activities that put individuals to the test not only mentally but also physically.
To excel in these pursuits, one must possess a unique blend of mental fortitude, endurance, physical strength and unwavering willpower.
Ultra-trail, a widely popular running event, has surpassed geographical boundaries, captivating enthusiasts not just in Europe and North America but also in Southeast Asia.
Competitive participants in this region often strive to accumulate qualifying points, granting them access to more prestigious competitions showcasing the world’s foremost athletes in the sport.
Earlier this month, I took on the exciting challenge of participating in my inaugural overseas trail competition, set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kinabalu in the picturesque location of Kundasang, Sabah.
Even though the distances range from a manageable 7.5 kilometre (km) to an impressive 100km, this race was still a real test of both mental and physical strength. It really showed what you’re made of if you’ve got the right qualities to finish it.
Obviously, I was overwhelmed with nerves and anxiety thinking about how the race would unfold considering my lack of experience navigating through hilly terrains and uneven surfaces but it was a thought that I refused to withdraw from.
Undeterred by the possibility of failing to finish the race, I registered my interest and signed up for one of the most popular events in Borneo.
Joined by my loyal companion, with whom I had previously competed in Chiba, Japan, we embarked on a lengthy drive from the city centre to the secluded town of Kundasang.
As we climbed higher up the mountain, we were hit with a sudden increase in altitude, and we could really feel that chilly breeze as the daylight broke through.
But when the race kicked off, that cool, breezy weather quickly turned into scorching heat, just as I’d wrapped myself up in my running jacket, thinking the initial weather would stick around.
As we covered more and more kilometres, the challenge of dealing with the changing weather conditions gradually faded from my mind.
Sure, our main aim was simply to finish the race, without obsessing too much over our finishing time.
Reflecting on my experience, the initial phase of the race involved a downhill stretch. I navigated this section with caution, aiming to descend swiftly while minimising the impact on my joints.
As the terrain levelled out, bordered by dense, untouched grasslands, a surge of determination propelled me to quicken my pace. I settled into a comfortable rhythm, venturing into a nearby jungle.
Shortly thereafter, I reached what seemed to be a quaint village, where the residents greeted me warmly with their hospitality.
Following an extended stretch of continuous running and savouring the breath-taking vistas of Mount Kinabalu, I encountered a significant elevation gain as I approached a looming hill.
This demanding segment of the race unfolded just prior to our mandatory check-in at the initial checkpoint.
This uphill stretch, although expectedly slowing my pace, posed a formidable challenge, particularly in the context of the relatively short 7.5km distance compared to the longer routes.
Nevertheless, I persisted and managed to find my stride, channelling the power from my leg muscles as I climbed the hill.
My hours of diligent practice on targeted muscle strength exercises during my training sessions in Brunei came to my aid, proving their worth in the heat of the race.
As I continued along the race route, I found myself genuinely relishing the experience. In fact, I struck up a brief yet meaningful conversation with a fellow Bruneian runner.
He graciously allowed me to pass him when he noticed I was pacing ahead, and we exchanged pleasantries along the way.
However, amidst the camaraderie, I couldn’t help but notice that trail running differed from road races in a significant way.
Unlike the crowded and competitive atmosphere of road running events where your rivals are always within sight, trail running often felt more solitary, with competitors scattered along the course.
Given that I’d opted for the 7.5km run, you can only imagine how long it felt, being out there in the wild, surrounded by nothing but nature.
But as I glanced at my trusty smartwatch, tracking my progress, a surge of excitement began to bubble up inside me.
I could see the finish line looming ahead, and the thought of conquering my very first overseas trail run filled me with exhilaration.
With the finish line drawing near, I could hear cheers from the crowd and the enthusiastic volunteers. I crossed the finish line with a time of 01:12:38s, just seven minutes behind my colleague.
It might not have been the fastest time in the world, but it sure ranks high up there among the most celebrated moments of my competitive career. – Fadhil Yunus
