As usual, browsing through the events on Facebook and came across this race. Was actually looking for drinking events then end up signing for a trail race. What attracted me to this place was that I had been to Kota Tinggi when I was young and wanted to go back again. Another thing is that I was quite sure that there will not be many Singaporeans in this race.
Day Break in Adela
Early Morning in Adela
Selfie with Homeboy Fowler
At first, I was still quite hesitant to go as I need to navigate and drive about 120 Km to the town of Adela Felda. I was also not sure whether it will be safe as I will be driving in the dark. This town seems like a project by the local government to create a sustainable neighborhood for the locals. The town itself looks very organised. There are schools, shops and also mosques. Its tranquility kinda brings one back to the Kampung village days.
RACE INFORMATION
Goodie bag received after the race
The race is really not that expensive only RM73, it includes the Race Tee, Bib and Medal. Of course, a small goodie bag with refreshment was also provided.
After looking through the map to Kota Tinggi, I was confident to drive to the race starting point. Good thing the Google map was reliable. I invited my run buddy, Fowler to the race and glad that he accepted my invitation.
RACE ITSELF
Early Morning at the race venue
Only 10Km, 3.5Km categories were available. A lot of locals signed up for the 3.5km. Could see quite a few serious runners were here to vie for the top ten. Hampers were given to the 6th to 10th runners and 1st to 5th runners get not only snacks but also cash in kind for the effort.
Running through the plantations
The route itself is a mixture of trail through the Oil Palm plantations and some roads. Oil palm plantations are not so technical as the forest are neatly laid out but it is just a little muddy. Overall, it was very relaxing to run around the area. We also got to see the Kampung area, running through the schools etc.
water point
I passed about 3 water points, they had isotonic, water and some homemade Popsicle. It was really very old school. The ending point is also the starting point which is the Felda Adela Multi-Purpose hall. There were booths around selling local drinks and foodies. The drinks were really a little too sweet for my liking, so I never really drank much.
Some parts of the race is on roads
Finishing Line
Goodie bag collection
As usual there got to be one crazy up hill before we end. The good thing is that the up hill was not a trail. As we crossed the finish line to the Multi purpose hall. The runners can chose to laze around in the open or inside the hall itself away from the sun. The multipurpose hall was beside a community mosque, there was a pavilion where the runners can chill out and relax to enjoy the kampung feeling.
Lucky Draw Prizes
Big lucky draw
The good part about the race is the lucky draw, there were many lucky draw prizes, and most participants stayed back for it, from electrical appliance to protein powder. The atmosphere was really good. It made me felt like I was back to the 80’s where people were closer with their neighbours. Being the only Singaporean people in the race, it really felt special. Luckily before the race I had checked and realise most ladies wore scarves for the run, I took a more covered up option of the tortoise running tee. The lucky draw grand prize was a 40 inch TV screen. It was won by a young boy taking part in the 3.5km race.
Medal
Finisher Medal
The finisher medal was uniquely designed and its pretty nice with the Palm tree design on it.
Although I did not manage a lucky draw prize. I was lucky to come in as 1st for the Women Veteran group. It was indeed worth the 100km drive up.
Thank you Adela Trail Race