ONG UNBEATABLE IN KAMPUNG RUN
He looks fresh after running 100km
K. KANDIAH nstsport@nst.com.my
STEVEN Ong was simply ahead of his rivals in the Tailwind Penang Eco-100 Super Trail of Asia Trail Masters recently. The Malaysian won the gruelling men’s 100km endurance race in 15 hours 47 minutes and 22 seconds.
The race was held in the rural parts of Bukit Mertajam in Seberang Perai Tengah, starting from the eco village of Sungai Lembu.
After completing the punishing race, Ong looked fresh as though he had just completed a 10km race.
“Ini semua biasalah (this is normal) for die-hard marathoners like me,” said Ong, whose next target is to win the 100 miles race next year.
Finishing second in 18 hours 10 minutes and 58 seconds was Wilner Iglesia of the Philippines while Malaysian Yim Heng Fatt settled for third place in 19:31:36.
In the women’s 100 miles race, Malaysian Christine Loh emerged first in 34:28:58 while Indonesians Ruth Theresia and Lily Suryani clocked 36:10:28 and 37:15:43 to finish second and third respectively.
The participants came from Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand, China, the United States, Brunei, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Canada, India, Kenya, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Sweden and Malaysia.
The endurance run took the athletes through oil palm, rubber and pineapple plantations, paddy fields, kampung, new villages and Indian temples.
They also ran through the challenging hills of Seraya, Mengkuang Dam and the iconic Tokun Hills.
Organising committee chairman Ng Seow Kong said the race showcased Malaysia’s geographical, social and cultural heritage.
During the race, the runners had the opportunity to sample the local cuisines and drinks at the aid stations along the route.
1 Jethro (SA) 10hr 22 mins 49 sec, 2 Muhammad Najih Md Khair 10:49:49, 3 Richard Oeter Bull (UK) 10:50:37; 1 Steven Ong Soon Seng 15:47:22, 2 Wilner Iglesia (Phi) 18:10:58, 3 Yim Heng Fatt 19:31:36; 1 Andres Villagran (Ecu) 28:13:33, 2 Yuen Wan Ho (HK) 29:22:40, 3 Arief Wismoyono (Ina) 31:46:48.
1 Doan Thi Tim 11:37:20, 2 Jeradine Alexis Chua Chin Chin (Sin) 11:46:06, 3 Lim Miow Chin 11:48:50; 1 Dong Minfei (Chn) 19:53:43, 2 Kimberley Tara Matthews (Aus) 20:07:25, 3 Katannya Kapeli (US) 20:34:18; 1 Christine Loh Woon Chze 34:28:58, 2 Ruth Theresia (Ina) 36:10:28, 3 Lily Suryani (Ina) 37:15:43.