I normally post unique experiences of an event, focusing on mostly the good parts with areas of improvement where applicable.

This is one of the few occasions where I am sharing a less-than-positive experience, where the negatives outweigh the positives.

Starting with the good bits, my run buddy and I signed-up for this all-female run on 3 March because –

• it is held in Petaling Jaya (PJ) instead of Shah Alam
• option for no-frills package (no medal / T-shirt)

We opted for the 10km as this distance doesn’t require extensive training which we didn’t have, as Race-day was right after CNY.

Now, for the not-so good bits prior to Race day

Loops / U-turns in run route
The 10k, HM and FM routes, when shared drew criticisms due to the multiple U-turns.

Race kit collection on weekdays only
This is totally absurd and inconvenient, as is the standard reply of ‘this was stated on our registration site’ in response to outstation/overseas runners request for Race kit collection on Saturday.

Similarly, for collection on behalf, the organizer finally allowed and listed down documents required. However, when I collected for my buddy, they didn’t even want to see the authorizing documents.

RACE DAY
We got to Padang Timur run site 30 minutes before flag–off. Being a smaller race, I wasn’t expecting the energy and vibes usually associated with SCMKL. There wasn’t much going on, with pockets of people scattered on the field.

I liked that the race started on time, led by two pacers – expectant mums with noticeable baby bumps. We passed one of these inspiring women at the Siamese temple, but was left to eat the dust of the other. No complaints on the water stations along the route, which served its purpose.

Runners STOP for cars
At the roundabouts, runners had to stop for cars to pass, as only one lane is closed to traffic. And yes, I now have intimate relationship of the many roundabouts on this side of PJ.

Congestion at last 3 km
Bad planning with runners from all categories merging at this point, which was also the only real elevation of the entire course. We were not able to maintain our pace and make the push for the finish. This last section took us 30 minutes as we had to dodge and weave through the 5km participants who were walking.

Confusion at queue for medals
Again, poor communication and planning, suddenly a line formed and the word being passed was ‘Queue here for 5k /10k medals’, while an official directed the HM/FM runners to proceed ahead.

As there were 2 of us, my buddy went ahead and found out we were in the wrong Q. The 10km queue was up ahead and much much shorter.

Muddy ground at collection area
Somehow, the organizer aced it, picking the muddiest, soggiest possible place to set up the collection area. Granted, it was not raining when the organisers where setting up, but it did rain, yet nothing was done to mitigate the situation from when the rain stopped till 8.00am, when the bulk of runners crossed the finish line.

We had to walk on mud to collect the medal and other goodies (no bag was given) then wade through more mud to get out of the area. While I can understand why it was not feasible to relocate the collection center, couldn’t the organizer have arranged for plastic sheets to line the ground?

Uncoordinated organizing committee
My run buddy was one of the lucky draw winners. Post run, we had problems locating the elusive, non-existent Secretariat counter, officials sent us from one tent to another, and finally we met the person-in-charge with the prizes, but she didn’t have the winner’s list so couldn’t verify and therefore couldn’t give out the prizes. Duh!

I will end my venting here. I am disappointed that despite this being the 7th edition, MWM appears not to have learnt from organising the previous 6 runs, even in the very basic areas. I went in with no expectations, finished the run, and did what needed to be done.

I like to end on a positive note, which is why I have left this for last. Though MWM is a run for Women only, I was very heartened to see many other-halfs coming out to support, either by running alongside their better-halfs or providing drop-off / pick-up service.

I also saw a male participant assisting his visually impaired friend and a father encouraging his special needs son to cross the finish line. These heart-warming acts of kindness demonstrates the sporting spirit of Malaysians.