Run With Orang Asli 2011 - Runners Give Back

This was a magical run. Different from the norm running events you and I have ever participated in. Different because not only could be do a trail run but we also had the opportunity to give back to the Orang Asli. In our daily hype of chasing our Personal Bests, or more finisher medals or the 100th marathons or the 100miles ultra marathon, we tend to forget about the needy ones out there.

Many thanks to the likes of my good running buddies comprising of Karen Loh, Dzul, Irwan, Julie Wong and many many others for making this come true. All proceeds from the registration as well as donations in kind and monies were channeled back to the Orang Asli. We were glad and utmost happy to have them, as they were of us.

The location was at the Bqatu 16, Jalan Gombak lama. This road actually leads you all the way to Genting Sempah, and I do frequent this stretch on Pooky (my road bike lah). Love this stretch where it's all hilly all the way to Genting Sempah and be rewarded with a delicious downhill on the way back. Anyway, I'll leave cycling for another day.

These puppies were glad to have us playing with them. I guess it's not every day you get about 70 odd runners trying these virgin trails. More on that later why it's virgin.

Was just about 7.30am when I got there. That's the starting/finishing banner. Simple, no frills run. Those lovely creation of banners/buntings/book marks were contributed by Fred, Karen's hubby. Many thanks for the effort Fred! They are terribly beautiful to say the least.

There were no bibs given out. Simplest form is to mark it on your body. I chose mine on me arm. For a while, I kinda fantasized this was the body marking for my first triathlon event :).

Volunteers at the registration desk working hard to ensure everyone registered and had their bibs 'etched' on their arms/hands/palms.

Part of the many artwork pieces in the form of a poster done up by Fred. The colour and design certainly befit the them for today.

Even our celebrity fitness trainer/chef/swimmer extraordinaire Ian, came and participated. I haven't seen him for a while now and it's good to catch up once more. Still waiting for your delicious but yet healthy food bro!

The usual suspects turned up to be part of this event, all with big hearts indeed. Including David Ong aka Happy Feet from Singapore that graciously came all the way with some friends.

From left, Dzul, Julie and Karen giving the last minute briefing about the trail run and what to watch out for.

Karen of course, was the one beaming and grinning ear to ear on the success of this event which she has toiled hard for. Including those lovely artwork pieces on display that gives a bit of an history on the orang asli (aborigines) people.

We even had a celebrity runner! And I mean a BIG celebrity. Notice that lady in full black with the purplish back pack? Go have a guess who she is. Hint: big voice!

We were also introduced to our 'marshals'. None other than the orang asli themselves. They know the route very well and they don't need fancy running shoes to run fast! Them yellow boots will do hahahaaa.

Soon, it was flag off time. 3 different groups to flag off, with a gap of a couple of minutes in between. This is to ensure we won't be faced with congestion on the trails later. Incidentally, the last group whom I was with had the most celebs lol. These includes Iron Men, ultra runners and ultra swimmers! Can you spot them?

And finally the last group were let off and off we went into the deep jungle. Not knowing what to expect although we were briefed that it's virgin jungle which the orang asli has helped cleared the path. And also we would be crossing 3 streams! And be prepared for leeching visitors on you!

There were plenty of ups and ups and ups! Just like a real trail run where it will work you to your bone! But it was nice and cooling in the jungle. Path was marked with those red/white strips and a marshal stationed every km or so.

One of the few streams that we would need to cross, about a foot or two high. No, there's no other way but to get your feet wet! The streams were crystal clear and darn cooling to dip in.

This is as close as you'd get to mother nature in its natural state. The hues of green and foliage were to die for.

 Plenty of climb to tackle. And sometimes on all fours to really really get up to the top. But hey, I tell you it's great fun! Although I think you might disagree with me on my last statement lol

And then we came back out into the main road. We thought that was the end, or rather nearing the end of the trail as we made our way down hill.

Another lovely bunting poster littered along the trail which you cannot absolutely miss and marvel at.

It wasn't long before we met another marshal, which told us to get back into the jungle trail! So more trails to be had before coming to the finishing line. Yellow boots very da power!

The last bit of the trail ended with a BIG BAD ASS incline that went on forever and ever! The incline was like 60 degrees and was it tough work just to ascend it.

After which another small little stream to cross and we were close to home!

And there it is, the finishing line! A rough total of 8km of trails that we've conquered in about an hour's time. Some opted to even do 2 loops!

We helped ourselves to the delicious lime/lemonade which tasted like heaven along the abundant of watermelon and pears. Courtesy of Chef Azhar! Chef Wan punya protege lah hahahaa.

Yes, this little bugger hitched a ride on my foot to the finishing line. I had 4 of these. This one in the picture I kept it until it was fat, which indicated it was full. At least I can say now, I did give back to mother nature lol.

The orang asli were also very kind to cook us rice in bamboo (just like lemang) as well as various types of fish cooked in bamboo and local vegetables. All which was super delicious!!! Thank you!

Surprisingly, we had this as the special orang asli 'finisher medal'! Hand woven with pandanus leaves by the orang asli themselves. Priceless!

Still couldn't figure out who this celebrity runner is? Well, it's none other than our very own Jaclyn Victor!!! Our first Malaysian Idol winner! Very the rugi if you didn't come and participate in this event and rub shoulders with Jac! Jac did very well to complete the trail run although I knew she was very afraid of the leeches lol. See? We do have singers and runners too weehoo!

We were then also treated with a performance by the orang asli. Shown here is Bah Raman, who plays the flute with his nose, accompanied by the children in the background on bamboo sticks.

A final group shot, the runners as well as the orang asli. The children also participated in the trail run and I think they were the most happiest lot of them all!

I had such great fun with wonderful people at this trail run event and I've learnt quite a bit of the orang asli themselves. And the orang asli have also benefited from the collection of monies, food stuffs, clothes, toys and daily essentials which we have all managed to contribute. All of you have truly big hearts and I thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of the organizing committee. There's no better way for me to spend a wonderful Sunday! If you were there, I think you'd agree with me wholeheartedly!

This isn't the end of charitable events from runners. Stay tuned cause there's something cooking in the pot ... soon!