Malaysia – ASICS Penang Bridge International Marathon 2014 Run – Longest Bridge in S.E.A

Hi … Just wanted to share with you my experience on running on the longest bridge in South Eat Asia last weekend; 22/Nov 2014. This is the first time it was held on this bridge as it was just open to the public in March 2014. Previous runs were held on the 1st Penang Bridge since 1985.

The Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge or Penang Second Bridge was completed on Feb 2014 and it is 24km in length (Length over water is 16.9km) and it’s main span is 250m long.

Each year, this run attracts thousands of people locally and also internationally. This year’s run saw more than 62,000 people participating in the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km and also the 7km Fun Run. The races started in staggered time where the Full Marathon started as early as 1.30am. For me, I took the 10km Men run which only started at 7.30am. Yup, so the bridge was totally crowded with people from early morning. LOL!!!

Anyway.. here are some shots. Runners warming up and getting ready for the run.

 

While some lazying at the side while waiting for the race to start to enjoy the beautiful sunrise.

 

Shot of the Penang Second Bridge from the shore from the island side.

 

Starting point for the runners. All ladies gathering up waiting for the countdown.

 

Look at the crowd!! That’s just only for the ladies open. I believe the line stretches all the way back to 200m to 300m behind (or even more).

 

 

It took about 30 mins to get 99% of the ladies to cross the starting line before the men could get ready for their starting.

 

This was the starting for the Men’s 10km run. Yup… you can see that the sun was already up in full force.

Approaching the Main  Span…

 

Some runners taking a slow walk to enjoy the view.

 

Yeah… the finishing line..

 

Anyway.. to cut it short. I made it within the stipulated time and I got my Medal. Kinda nice right?

 

My goal for 2015… is to run the Half Marathon for this run. =)

 

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Taiwan – Tainan; 2 Days Trip on History (9)

Hi… Thanks for staying with me on my last posting on the 1st day in Tainan Old city. After a long day walking, I finally checked in the hostel in Tainan city; near the National Cheng Kung University. It’s on the opposite site of the Tainan railway station. A 20 min+ walk from the train station.

It is located in a small alley of the main street. Took me a while to look for it. In fact I walked passed it the 1st time but in the end I found it. No sign board as I was looking for one.

This is the entrance with a door bell. Opps… I forget to mentioned. The hostel is called Dorm 1828.

Nice reception area and also very friendly staff who can speak English and also Japanese. =)

Lounge area on the 1st floor.

Lovely and cost dining cum kitchen area.

Free flow of light snacks and tea/coffee for the room guest.

A separate lounge area behind the kitchen. So cosy…..

1st floor to my dorm.

Open area inside the hostel compound. Yup.. you can rent bicycle too to cycle around.

Ok… enough for the 1st day. I will be posting the 2nd day walk in my next posting. Wanna to know where I headed? If yes, follow me and you will know. =P

 

Taiwan – Tainan; 2 Days Trip on History (8)

Hi….. Still in old Tainan City. More specific, in one of the little alleys off Fuzhong street.

In fact, it was a weekend and there were many street stalls along the street. You could see a lot of interesting things that are sold. Not sure about weekdays though.

 

hmmm… what’s this? Anyone can tell me?

 

Saw this stall selling dessert; tofu with jelly. yummy…….

 

This is what I had.

 

Towards the end of Fuzhong Street, I saw this shop selling skewed food; they put a selection of food on a skewed and customers will choose what they like and dipped it into hot soup and when it’s cook, they can choose to dip it in variety of gravies. In Malaysia, it is called lok lok. What’s it call in Taiwan? Any guess?

 

Customers are spoil with some many choices…… =)

 

Walking back… saw this old Catholic church by the road side.

 

Another posting to end for the 1st out of the 2 days in Tainan Old City. Do stay with me, k? =)

Taiwan – Tainan; 2 Days Trip on History (7)

Hi!! Thanks for staying with me.

Still at the Tainan Confucius Temple ground which on Nanmen Rd; next to the  Old Tainan Martial Art Academy.

Beautiful old buildings inside the compound and also good for morning or evening walk. Lots of locals and tourist can be seen around these times.

These are some of the architecture in the temple ground.

 

Shot from the ground up.

 

Street entertainers performing in the temple ground on  a weekend. Not a bad crowd.

 

After a short tour or walk, I headed out and headed to Fuzhong Street. What’s there you may ask?

 

Well for a start… at the entrance, you will be welcome by a beautiful stone arch; Pan Gao Stone Arch. Built in 1794 and once served as the entrance to the temple. It is now the entrance to Fuzhong Street, a European-style pedestrian street where you can find street stalls along the pedestrian street.

 

While walking along the Fuzhong Street, I diverted to one of the small alleys and saw this wishing tree which is in front of a small  temple.

 

Beautiful sight to walk along the alleys….

 

Want more? Well… stay with me on this walk and you will see more. =)