Terry Fox Run 2009...

Event: Terry Fox Run 2009
Venue: Tapak A, Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 1 November 2009
Time: 9am
Distance: 3KM or 5KM
Shoe: adidas adizero Tempo
By Frank

It's the time of the year again when everybody from all walks of life, young and old come together for a run walk event to honour Terry Fox and also for cancer research.

All for a good cause...

I was initially suppose to join the Genting Trailblazer event which happen fall on the same day. I eventually happily opted out after Chee Kong said that he intends to partner Mei Ee as even without it, I will still make my way to the Terry Fox Run. In the end, all 3 of us ended up at the run. Hahaha...

I ran a 19KM run before hanging out at the Bukit Aman carpark chatting away with friends while waiting for the event to kick start. I have earlier gotten myself the t-shirt from Amelia so there is no rush. Thanks Amelia! The t-shirt this year is black in colour which I somehow disagree on. To me, the pureness of white is the colour to go especially for a charity event which represents cancer research. Although I do understand the t-shirt is the same elsewhere in the world, black was a heat absorber especially in the hot and humid country of Malaysia. But still, this t-shirt will add to among my collection as all in all, it's for a good cause. So in the end, instead in the sea of white, we have a black sea this time. Hehe...

Mr. Terry Watkins and the organising committee...

I proceeded to the the start venue at Tapak A with Choi and Lionel some 15 minutes before the start at 9am. Just in time for a short speech from Terry Watkins who flew back from Bangkok just to join in this event. Soon after, the air horn blasted away to indicate the start.The air horn sounded twice this time which indicates a staggered start to help in crowd control although not much. Those on wheels like roller blade and skates are let go first before the runners and walkers. While pasing the start gantry, most of the people tried to touch it which eventually caused it to collapse. Luckily, it's made of balloon material. Phew...

Oh no... There goes the start gantry...

Instead of joining the huge crowd for the 3KM route, myself and Choi opt just for the 2KM which brings us to Carcosa. Lionel opt to have a rest though as he ran a pretty long distance earlier. Just an easy run with only 2 of us on as the volunteers look on. We eventually stopped at an intersection just before the boat house to see the other runners coming in.

The crowd making themselves up the hill at the start...

Muffins galore...

We then proceeded back to the start venue for some light refreshments which was excellent. Muffins, buns, bananas and mineral water were served and there were all served with a smile. The ever famous Milo van had a long queue to it and therefore, I just drank more water which was just as good as the weather was really hot! Soon after, Chee Kong and Mei Ee came by and we were joined by Pueh Tian, Niki, Andrew and Yin Yin. We were too reunited with Lionel. Soon after when the crowd was forming back again, we made our way back to the car park for a short rest before heading home.

I felt this year's edition of the Terry Fox Run was an improvement over the previous. Though held at the same old venue which I felt couldn't accomodate the large number of participants, I felt it was more organised with the usual smile from the organising committee and volunteers. But still, sorely miss will be the certificates and also seals which disappeared since year 2007. I do hope they will bring it back as it does serve as an important memento to most of us, especially cancer survivors like me. All in all, well done again to the Terry Fox Foundation for making this year's event a successful one. And also thanks to everyone who attended the event and also to those who purchased the t-shirt for you all gave the fight against cancer a major boost. Till next year....