One of my 2012 goal was completing a ultra marathon. I skipped TNF Singapore because I was full participating running event in during that time. The year end MR25 Ultra Marathon looked like a better choice. It was 4 weeks after Singapore Marathon and I should have enough time to recover. The 12hrs event requires completion of 5+ laps (51km) of designate route in MacRitchie Nature Trail (total ascent less than 1000m in 5 laps) to claim the medal, and the most laps in least time won. And it was cheap, only S$40, as much as a 10k road race. I joined with some of my SAFRA running club members.

2 days after Singapore Marathon, when the DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) is gone, I resume my training and clocked 100k each week followed. I also visited the venue and did on site rehearsal 1 week before. The 2 laps run killed my quads for lacking of trail running mileage. I had to rest 3 days till it recovered. I didn't think I was ready to run rehearsal pace (8:15/km) an so I decided to slow down to 9:00/km. To play safe, I planned to walk the 1st and final lap and rest 10min between each lap for refuel. I only need to run 3 laps now. And it would take 9hrs, hope my Garmin305 could survive.

Race was started 7:05am in front of MacRitchie Reservoir Park Amenities Centre. Around 400 runners participated and it was slightly raining. We winded our way about 500m along the lake to reach the trail entrance.

Then followed by a upper slope. The out going part of the route was mainly ascending and muddy terrain. So walking the 1st lap was a good idea.

After the largest slope in 3.5km mark, we climbed to the Island Club Road and switch to Terentang Trail, mainly gravels.

Before 4.5km mark we entered the most tough part: Sime Track.

First we need to pass a sever ponding area which existed since the raining season.

Then the uneven rocking part.

After ~600m we finally reached 5.1km turning point, Petaling Hut. I planned to cover the part in 1hr but I was fresh and walked really fast despite the climb, I was 10min ahead of schedule.

The return part was much descending and I began to run. Forget about the plan, I was warmed up enough. I was careful to be relax and not to push during upper slope. My lap time was 1:39 instead of planned 2:00 when I get back . I was in the mode and not hungry at all. So I just pick up 3 bananas, leaving my supplies in the package deposit.

The 2nd lap was even more smooth. I just follow my strategy: run at down slope and walk to climb, taking pictures all along the way.

The 2nd lap only took 1:31. This time I use my supply: 1 piece of bread and 1 pack of pickled cabbage. The pickled one was a genius idea. Most supplies were carbos and sweets, the pickled cabbage brought juicy and fruity flavor and provided sufficient salt in more natural way. The 10min refueling break totally refreshed me.

I headed out for another round and hope to be back by lunch time. The 3rd round took 1:38, the legs were a little bit tired and even in the more descending back part I walked more. I was right back in lunch time and finished another piece of fruit bread with my favorite picked cabbage. I left organizer's supply along because I had no experience to eat much normal food during run--They supplied rice, mee goreng.

The 4th lap was full of eateries. At the turning point the staff handed me a red bean bum. They must worried about the runner missed lunch at start, so sweet! And 1km before the trail exit. A group of supporters were cheering for the runners. They handed out fruits, drinks, and even Sng Bao! I picked up mu favorite flavor, Ribena. These people were really adorable!

The 4th lap was slow and took me 2hrs to finish. I had already finished my pickled cabbage and this time only ate 2 pcs of bread with peanut butter. The last lap I had planned to walk, but I still try to run on the flat part, avoiding to run both upper and down slope to save my quads for the next week run. At the same point I encounter the supporters again, this time they offer me a Tau Huey treat. I was full of surprise and gratitude. Eating Tau Huey and ran away.

In the final lap, every step was a achievement. I walk, run when not tired, and took photos to record the moment. At last stretch, I met one of my colleagues and we walked together the finish line. As well, we were greeted by the group of supporters and enjoyed another round of muscle spray : ) At last we clocked 8:44 for the 5 laps. We qualified us as ultras!

In this race, there are a few iconic figures encouraging me on future running.

Uncle Oliver Ker, was in his seventies, very active in the running field. You would hardly missed him in most long distance races. Salute!

Sifu Rich Chai, a veteran barefoot runner, founder of Malaysia barefoot running group "Bare with Me". This time he finished 6 laps with handed made huaraches! MR25 is just his training run for next month's Vibram HongKong 100. Wish him good luck!

Torren, my SAFRA running club barefoot buddy. Inspire me a lot in barefoot running. It was him I decide to train more hilly session and increase my weekly mileage to 100km. This time he complete 8 laps in 11hrs, looked like still could run another day, awesome!

The organizer and supporters for the race are first class. We have many volunteer photographer following all the way, thanks to there great effort! Kudos! Here is their albums, enjoying the tons of happy faces!