Racing from dusk till dawn
With pit stops and paused timing, the race aims to make the ultramarathon achievable, writes Nadia Badarudin
THE inaugural Dusk to Dawn Ultramarathon has brought a fresh take to the ultramarathon scene in the country.
Hosted by integrated education hub EduCity Iskandar Malaysia, the event was held at Iskandar Puteri, Johor last November and saw 1,000 participants testing their capability and game plan in a new concept of ultramarathon.
Dusk to Dawn was created by HiVelocity Management, one of Singapore’s premier sports marketing and event management firms known for organising the reputable Asia’s largest night run, Sundown Marathon.
With avid Malaysian runners Muhammad Rasul Zahiri, Mohd Harris Mohd Noor Firdauz and Azrulhisyam Hussin as race ambassadors, the ultramaratahon was the first to initiate different challenge segments for various race categories.
The challenge segments required runners to strategise their efforts to run fast and complete the race in 12 hours from dusk to dawn.
ULTIMATE RACE
The event comprised five race categories, 5km Rookie (non-competitive), 12km Challenge, 20km Dare, 45km Endurance and 60km Dusk to Dawn.
It also featured two pit stops during the race course where the runners’ timings were paused when they stopped to rest and rehydrate.
HiVelocity Management managing director and Dusk to Dawn principal Adrian Mok said despite the ultimate test of strength and endurance, the two pit stops along the race route have provided a new racing experience, and made ultra running more achievable.
“We understand runners’ needs. The Pit Stops allowed runners to take time to replenish and recover,” said the former national triathlete.
“I hope the race will inspire runners to experience a rewarding journey of self discovery through both mental and physical assertion.”
EduCity Iskandar Malaysia chief operating officer K. Sugumaran said the ultramarathon reiterated its commitment in promoting sports, in line with the Johor government’s efforts to turn the state into a preferred sports tourism destination.
“EduCity aims to host more sports events and become a centre of sporting excellence with world-class facilities.
“Besides promoting sports professionally, I hope events such as Dusk to Dawn will also nurture a healthy lifestyle within EduCity’s surrounding community.”