UOB Heartbeat Run 2012

I've waited long to run this as I missed in on the first year joining UOB in 2011. As this was an annual event, I had every opportunity to run it again. It was held in Padang Merbok on May 13 and the distance was shorten from 7km to 5km. The run is open only for UOB employees and held co-currently with UOB from other region, e.g. Singapore, Indonesia, etc. It is divided into a 5km run or a 3km fun walk. Maybe it's a way of encouraging more runners to take part but the way I see it the turnout wasn't that great. The committees of the event were also quite generous this year by throwing out prizes for the Top 5 runners in the mens and womens categories. Then there is the lucky draw with Samsung Galaxy Tab up for grabs. For the winner of the running event, it'll be an Ipad 2!

I was quietly confident that I can win it but have not been feeling well since I got back from US of A trip. Anyways, I wasn't going to put too much pressure in winning the race, after all, there are 5 prizes up for grabs and I was quite sure that I will win one of them. The main purpose for this event was to support the Start Society, a provider for children of lesser privilege.

Had to pick up a few of my colleagues who car pooled with me for the run. The race director for the event was Mr Wan, from Runners Malaysia. He got a few volunteers whom I am very familiar with. Jamie, Yin, Pueh Tian and many more. Alex Au-Yong who ran 100km to raise the awareness and funds for The Start Society last June was one of the guests invited to lead the warm up session. More info on Alex can be found at this link (an interview he did with Jamie).

From left: Tony, Me, Jamie and Lim Tee Kian

Jamie and Alex giving the thumbs up for the event

Mr Wan says, "Bankers better not be late!"

A priceless picture taken with our UOBM CEO, Chan Kok Seong

Mr Wan giving his safety precaution speech

Alex and Jamie led out the warm-up session

Keen participants

Mr Chan giving a big smile before he flagged off the race

With Tai Lee Fei. He just ran 21km @ PJ Dawn and came straight for this run

Before the flagged off, Mr Wan made some comments about me to the CEO saying I should start from the back since I am a seasoned runner. That was embarrassing. So I had to quietly take a few steps back to hide.

The flag off went smoothly, no pushing and shoving. I still had a good view of the front eventhough there were couple of guys who went out like a rocket. I waited  patiently for them to tire since there was a slight uphill slope a few hundred meters from the start. Before the 1km mark, I was in the lead. I wasn't sure whether I should just go faster or just holding on to the pace. I decided to go slightly faster to put some distance behind the second runner. By 3km I already had a huge lead, so I slowed down a little bit to catch my breath. I was seriously out of breath!

With just slightly less than 600m from the finish, I caught a glimpse of the chasing runner, so I went for it. Didn't want to make a mistake of waiting out and he pipping me to the line. I crossed the finish line in 1st place and Ipad 2 was mine! : )

Me and my big boss, Mr Wee (he is very active in the world of  hashing)

My fellow colleagues, Loh and Koon Koon (and her daughter)

Azizul walked the 3km with his children

A speech by Mr Chan after the run

Performance by the kids from Start Society

Sue Ling receiving her prize being the top female runner

Yeah...that's me receiving the prize from Mr. Chan

All the winners for the 5km run

More performances from children of Start Society

The man with many masks

Fellow colleagues: Loh, Vic, me and Koon Koon

My prize unwrapped - Ipad 2 16GB with 3G and Wi-fi

I've played with it for a while but decided to give this to my mum, just to keep her mind active. Anyways, it's easier to connect with a lot of family members who are on Facebook. So thank you UOBM for the amazing prizes given out for this year's event.

Too bad UOB is not sending any teams for the annual Rat Race organised by Bursa Malaysia. Otherwise, we may have a chance of finishing in a good position!