PJ actually stands for Petaling Jaya, for some you might know that Putra Jaya is also nearby and might confuse there with Petaling Jaya. But I think Malaysians will not have mistaken this. Joined this race the last time in 2018 with the Tortoise runners and did the half marathon. Then it was their first time having the 30km route, which this time I decided to sign up and see for myself what is it like.
This year is their 35th Edition and being one of the oldest running events organised in Malaysia, it does attract a wide array of runners from the country and international. The event is organised by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and Puncak Ventures SRA. What surprised me the last time was that there were African runners joining the race too. Most of them are still joining the 30km category, this year there were about 2000 runners in the 30Km category, even more than the half marathon. There were also runners from over 34 countries in the race.
Race Sign Up
The race cost about S$80, I personally felt that it was considered cheap. The sign up is over their Race website at Racexasia. I foresee that this time the competition will be tough since it is the anniversary year also. All categories were sold out the month before the race.
Race Logistics
Originally we wanted to all go up together on 16 August ( day before the race) and return the next day but half the group decided to go up in advance to join a Park Run there. Me and my usual Monday Khaki, Sally and Wanxin took a private car from the Johor Bahru check point as many pick up cars are unable to come into Singapore to pick customers up anymore due to regulations. The trip was faster now that we avoided the jam at the causeway by walking in ourselves. To speak the truth most people just want to avoid hassle of walking and having to queue in the check point. To me, I felt that was pretty fine and in fact being able to save time was a plus point.
We reach Petaling Jaya earlier than expected and ended up checking out the race expo as the bibs have been collected the day before by Rand, our tortoise club member. We did a little shopping there, there were many sporting goods there and also promotion of other races in Malaysia. The race expo is held in the MBPJ office building which is very near to where we were staying. We had booked the hotel way before the event , which was a right choice because the hotels near the race start was all sold out for the two days also. As the rooms were not ready, we went for some more shopping around the malls and checked in around 3pm. After a short rest, it was time to venture out for dinner again.
The town is pretty tranquil but still had all the amenities and the malls. I was actually feeling under the weather that day and was feeling giddy the whole time, was quite worried that I might not be able to run the second day. After dinner, with my room mate Katherine who just arrived from KL, we slept packed and slept early for the next day although her race is only at 7am.
Race Day
I was the only one taking the 30km, originally I thought of going together with the 21 Km folks ( Rand and Sally) but since I was going to have a drop bag, I needed to be at the start line earlier. I woke up at about 2am got ready all the stuff and washed up and went out of the hotel at 2:45am , as the start line is very near to our hotel PJ De Inn. The start line was already bustling with noise and action in the morning, sponsors and vendors were setting up the booths. Many were at the bag drop and also hanging around the camper chairs provided. It was busy but not too crowded making the scene kinda cosy.
I drop bag with items to give to Joey was she told me she was coming from Ipoh to join this race. Was very happy that she came as I did not see her since the last Mud Fest trail run in Ipoh. Together me ,her and her friend Ben was doing the 30km. The pen was getting crowded and we walked in waiting for the start. Took a couple of pictures and off we go.
Race Proper
The route was hilly total I had 222m elevation for 30km. There was also winding and turning, good thing I had downloaded the GPX to prevent getting lost just like Twin City. There were really couple of Africans in the race. Originally I wanted to take it chill and easy and take it as a training run for the Ironman in Sep, but the race mode got the better of me and I saw myself dashing past the crowd trying to get to the front. Its also a good thing to avoid the crowd as I will be secured of hydration at the water points. There was also a gel station at around 22km mark with N8 energy gel. Overall, I felt that the race was pretty well stocked. The only thing is the route is hilly and turning around the whole town. As it was the wee hours in the morning, there were not many supporters, guess all were sleeping. from the flag off at 3:30 to the ending around 6:18 am. I took about 2hr 48min to complete the 30 K which was my original target of sub 2hr 50 min.
As I was coming in the last km I dropped my water bottle. I thought it will be lost for good and did not bother much, then as I passed the finish line, moments later a guy who I managed to over take at the last 2-3Km came up to me and pass me the bottle! Turns out he trains with a local group and he invited me to join them. Unfortunately, I am not residing in Malaysia. To speak the truth, I felt that Malaysia has more and more capable and hardworking runners and their standards are pretty high also.
For the 30K and 21K , the finisher tee were given out at the end with the hydration and bread. You can also walk around the finish point mini expo for more goodies from other sponsors like Kao. Some food stalls were there selling breakfast and coffee. Me, Sally and Rand finished and sent the 10km runners off, we lingered a while more before heading back to the hotel for a wash up.
Overall Feeling
I personally enjoyed the race even though it was sun down, was a bit sleepy though, but we have the rest of the Sunday to chill while heading back to Singapore. The hydration was sufficient and the route was pretty manageable despite the slopes. Most importantly is that the race was not exactly super crowded and we got a lot of after race photo despite having to pay. Would definitely come back again maybe in the 40th anniversary.
