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Click here to view 63 photos taken by yours truly (KC); group photos by courtesy of Michelle Looi.
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There was so much excitement in the air when we discussed about the food and the journey to Penang to run in the Penang Bridge Marathon. The group was considering when was the best time to start the journey; the choice of food and where to take breakfast. On the other hand, we have to be cautious to avoid crossing Penang Bridge from 12 noon to 2 p.m. in order not to be caught in the traffic jam, which we have had enough already in Kuala Lumpur.
Accommodation in Penang
When Tony Q first told me that the Group of 18 (yeah, a prosperous number) are going to stay in a double-story house, that sounded like Hotel California to me... [OK, imagining the song is playing in the background... Welcome to the Pearl of the Orient (replace with Hotel California), such a lovely place, such a lovely face ...]
According to the owner, the 5-room D/S house provides comfortable living for 11 people. I was amused that the condition would sound like Bangladesh workers cramping in a rented house for temporary shelter.
After sizing up the situation, I actually brought along my sleeping bag with extra Yoga mat (that I bought at Carrefour the day before) for additional cushioning. One runner said we were like going for a camping trip albeit in a house with toilet facilities.
click here to return to main page of KC & the Sunshine Runners.
.
There was so much excitement in the air when we discussed about the food and the journey to Penang to run in the Penang Bridge Marathon. The group was considering when was the best time to start the journey; the choice of food and where to take breakfast. On the other hand, we have to be cautious to avoid crossing Penang Bridge from 12 noon to 2 p.m. in order not to be caught in the traffic jam, which we have had enough already in Kuala Lumpur.
Accommodation in Penang
When Tony Q first told me that the Group of 18 (yeah, a prosperous number) are going to stay in a double-story house, that sounded like Hotel California to me... [OK, imagining the song is playing in the background... Welcome to the Pearl of the Orient (replace with Hotel California), such a lovely place, such a lovely face ...]
According to the owner, the 5-room D/S house provides comfortable living for 11 people. I was amused that the condition would sound like Bangladesh workers cramping in a rented house for temporary shelter.
After sizing up the situation, I actually brought along my sleeping bag with extra Yoga mat (that I bought at Carrefour the day before) for additional cushioning. One runner said we were like going for a camping trip albeit in a house with toilet facilities.
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The Runners
Most runners in the group were participating in the half marathon. Only Siok Bee, Raymond Ng, Fai and Meng were competing in the full marathon.
Girls:
Siok Bee, Michelle, Christine, Yap, Chooi Wan, Doris, Meisee, Shih Ming, San, Siok Leng, Joanne.
Guys:
KC, TonyQ, Lee, Raymond Ng, Fai, Meng, Kelvin Lee.
The Ride
Three vehicles started at 6 am and have Dim Sum at Ipoh while Tony and I (in separate vehicles) started the journey at 8:30 a.m. At around 11 a.m., we stopped at Ipoh Old Town for the famous Ipoh Hor Fun and Old Town white coffee. We were all having good appetite to eat and Kelvin (a small size runner) even ate two bowls of noodles.
At around 12:30 p.m., we arrived at Nibon Tebal for lunch. It is situated in Seberang Perai on the mainland side of Penang. According to Tony, this shop served delicious seafood. Crab Porridge is the specialty of the restaurant. Hmm... that was really a yummy lunch. We arrived at the toll booths of Penang Bridge at 3:30 p.m. Even at that time, there was still massive traffic jam: the vehicles were then slowly squeezed from 12 lanes into 2 lanes.
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Lots of happening in front of Queensbal Mall graced by the gorgeous models
Pretty models (flank by macho guy?)
Notice that all the guys are looking up (at the models) and not down (at the vintage cars)
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Collecting Bibs
The sign leading to Queensbay Mall was a little unclear. While we were in a flyover (just next to the Mall) leading us away from the mall, then only we realized that the correct one was just the next road. So we were directed to a roundabout (where B-Suite Hotel is located). It took us almost another 25 minutes (after going further away) to finally arrive at the Mall.
The moment we arrived the Mall, we knew that was the happening spot of Penang and the staring point of the Penang Bridge Marathon with canopy tents were still been erected.
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The sign leading to Queensbay Mall was a little unclear. While we were in a flyover (just next to the Mall) leading us away from the mall, then only we realized that the correct one was just the next road. So we were directed to a roundabout (where B-Suite Hotel is located). It took us almost another 25 minutes (after going further away) to finally arrive at the Mall.
The moment we arrived the Mall, we knew that was the happening spot of Penang and the staring point of the Penang Bridge Marathon with canopy tents were still been erected.
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Joanne at the bibs collectin centre
The entrance of the Mall was full of people – the display of vintage sports cars graced by the fair-skinned and beautiful models. Everyone was busy looking at the models. Needless to say, the photographers were zero-in on the models too. I was curious as to how many would actually admire the cars.
We finally arrived at the bibs and T-shirts collection centre which was located at the first floor of the Mall. There were not many runners at that time and the collection was swift and hassle free.
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We finally arrived at the bibs and T-shirts collection centre which was located at the first floor of the Mall. There were not many runners at that time and the collection was swift and hassle free.
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The great expedition ...
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We just have to walk from the housing estate and cross the road ...
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Short-cut to Queensbay Mall
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Kelvin, Joanne's uncle and Joanne - analysing the map to the next destination
Overcoming Road Closure
My next duty was to send Joanne, one of the members in my car, to her grandmother’s house, which was located opposite the Mall across the highway. We must be lucky. Joanne’s uncle was most kind to teach us where to park our car and showed us the short-cut to the Mall.
When that was done, it was time to look for the Hotel California located in Jalan Permai. So with our experienced navigator, we have no problem at all arriving at the double-story house. The 24-feet wide D/S house located at the end lot has four air-con rooms upstairs, one downstairs and with a spacious living hall. There were ample car parking space surrounding the house. So my initial thought was wrong.
Dinner
When that was done, it was time to look for the Hotel California located in Jalan Permai. So with our experienced navigator, we have no problem at all arriving at the double-story house. The 24-feet wide D/S house located at the end lot has four air-con rooms upstairs, one downstairs and with a spacious living hall. There were ample car parking space surrounding the house. So my initial thought was wrong.
Dinner
The moment we sent Joanne and her uncle home, the Group was calling us to meet for dinner. It was decided to eat at the food-court next to the B-Suite Hotel. To my surprise, we met at least 30 of the Pacesetters runner friends there: AB Tan, Michael Lim, Kelvin with his three daughters, Jimmy Thong, Tammy Lim, Teresa Goh and many others. Most of them were staying in the B-Suite Hotel. According to AB Tan, who would be running in the full marathon, the room and hall in B-Suits Hotel were huge and value for money.
The hawkers’ food there was about 50 cents to RM1 cheaper compared to the price in Kuala Lumpur. The icing on the cake was that the food was tasty and delicious.
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Meng, San, Christine, Yit Ting, Khoo, Siok Ling, Siok Bee, Michelle, Shih Ming (photo courtesy of Michelle)Post-Race Gastronomical Delights
After the run, the group checked out of the accommodation and proceeded to the famous ice cendol off Penang Road. The moment I drove into the lane, I was surprised to see that there were many people standing next to a narrow lane, just enough space for a car to squeeze through. Later, I realized that they were standing there enjoying their bowls of ice cendol. I could attest that it tastes better than any of the ice cendol in Kuala Lumpur. Well, after finished the first bowl, I ordered another bowl of the delicious drink.
Later, we went to buy the famous Penang tau sar piar. The most famous one closed on Sunday and another famous one (Ghee Heang Biscuit) ran out of stock. We passed by the controversial tennis court (for the King of Tennis matches) which was in the process of dismantling.
Many thanks to Heng and Vin Yeoh for their hospitality to lead us the way to the various places in Penang.
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Later, we went to buy the famous Penang tau sar piar. The most famous one closed on Sunday and another famous one (Ghee Heang Biscuit) ran out of stock. We passed by the controversial tennis court (for the King of Tennis matches) which was in the process of dismantling.
Many thanks to Heng and Vin Yeoh for their hospitality to lead us the way to the various places in Penang.
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Back Row (L-R): Yit Ting, Ai Ling (of Singapore), San, Shih Ming, Khoo, Raymond Ng, yours truly (KC, in acid green T-shirt), Heng.Front: Siok Ling, Vin Yeoh, Siok Bee, Christine, Michelle, Meng, Kelvin (photo courtesy of Michelle)
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Runner-cum-Bond Girls: Jenny, San, Shih Ming, Vin Yeoh, Cherry, Christine, Siok Bee, Michelle (photo courtesy of Michelle)Homeward Bound
We started the journey home at 3:30 p.m. Crossing the Penang Bridge again, it was much comfortable driving in an air-con car. This time, there were no footsteps of runners, no leg pain, and no water stations.
The journey took 4.5 hours traveling at 110km/hr. Much like running a marathon, we only stopped for toilet breaks. Distance (both ways): about 800 km.
* * * The End * * *
Written by KC
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