NB Pacesetters 15km

I used to clip my bib, select my socks, careful diet, study the route etc., at latest the night before the race. Over time, I have slackened and only do the essentials on race day morning.

When I got up, there was only one thing that troubled me. Should I take a risk and wear the brand new untested Asics Gel-Empire 2 shoes which I bought yesterday? Temptation overcame the fact that one should never wear a totally fresh pair of running shoes in a race. I lube Vaseline all over my toes (which I don’t normally do for distances below 21kms), as a precaution to mitigate abrasion. The other 2 factors were that the US size 9.5 shoes fitted snugly and I am not a fast runner.

Mee Peng was assigned to assist at the 1st water-station. The starting point was not properly cordoned with an entry point causing several runners to look for the “out-of-stock” elastic wrist ribbon-strap.

The regulars: Choi, Jamie, Kenneth, Tey and Geraldine were there. Shortly, after the start Kenneth ran up to me and said to pace with him. I told him I may not be able to keep up.
As it turned out I ran ahead.

After passing the National Monument the 2nd time, I thought I was heading towards the finishing (I didn’t study the route) at Padang Merbok. I use all my reserves and was astonished by the impressive time I was achieving.

Ha! It turned out I had to do another loop at Bank Negara! Even though it was a downhill, my strides dwindled. I soon ran out of gas.

Kenneth eventually caught up and overtook me in the last 1 km near Bank Negara. It was also at this point, my shoes which had been performing so well in the last 14kms began to feel constrictive.

At the finishing line, my fellow faithful photographer Mr. Tey Eng Tiong was again there to snap the finishers.
I finished in 1:44:04. I am much slower this year. What is important is to keep going, for better endurance or for better health. The latter is assured.

This year's route will be different. RM15 new PACM T-shirt.

My first Asics shoes. Gel Empire 2.


The Porridge Tow-Kay. The bubur was silky smooth.

The NB 1221, Mizuno Strada and Brooks Forza are going to Charity. Fabric and insoles still in good condition.


There were quite a number of veteran photographers.


Laptops at work.

Captain Ronnie taking results.

Left is our house neighbour Ling.

Km-5 waterstation.

Bukit Putih

Many parents brought their young children to tackle the slopes.

William our Guide is a resident of Cheras and a regular hiker here.

Fook Shing descending. The trees' roots formed natural steps.

The locals sell fruit, desserts and laid tables strategically right at the entrance.

Crossing a mini stream.

At the foot of the hill, a hiker had a bath here openly in public!

Level 1

Spiralling root or branch? I had seen many of these snapped by curious visitors who abused it.

Shao Lin training?

Bukit Putih aka Wangsa Hill aka Ah Pak San is a hidden escapade secret in Taman Cuepacs, Cheras. Having lived in KL for umpteen years, it was a first visit for all 5 of us. William Low was our guide, his regular weekend hike site.

Parking woes

Upon arrival the parking area right in front of the entrance to the hill was packed to the brim. William told us to wait for cars to vacate the area as there were bound to be hikers who had come earlier, leaving soon. Just as one car was about to leave, Yew Keong was getting ready to reverse his car when suddenly, out of nowhere, a car sped forward. The lady driver wound down her window (she had a wooden stick) and started flaming us. She said she had been waiting “in line” with 3 other cars behind and accused us of jumping queue.

Not wanting to squabble over such trivial matters, we relented and let her have her parking. She was still upset despite our explanation that we have no idea that there was an unwritten parking rule here. I suggested perhaps a parking numbering system could be adopted or a sign-board to inform the public of the parking procedures.

What puzzled me most was why hikers can’t park a little further (which we did eventually), after all we are here to exercise.

The hill trail was an interesting one. There is an option to choose a more difficult rope section or an easier path. Fook Shing and I went up the easier way and came down the tougher path.

Incidentally, Mee Peng and Anne bumped into the lady driver and again she started bickering over the parking issue.

We went as far as Level 5 before turning back, just under 3 hours to complete. I will be back to venture into the waterfall area which we didn’t manage to go since William advised that we should be heading back.

Next destination: Gunung Nuang.

Ketumbar Hill

Ketumbar Hill is located at Taman Cheras neighbourhood, in the vicinity of Ketumbar Heights and Hill condominium. An abandoned rubber tree estate, the hike takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. Not much of scenery or flora, a moderate degree of difficulity in climbing. It is on private land, RM1 for carpark, no entrance fee and well maintained by the locals.

William Low, J, Hui Leng, Sylvia, Yew Keong, Mee Peng, Anne and Fook Shing.




Mid-way rain shelter. Many trees above became "headless" after being struck by lightning. May not be a safe shelter afterall.

Kim and Tony Lim.

Home-made cement cast dumb-bells.


Yew Keong's metal hiking pole bent.


Tony and I always meet in religious sites. There was a Chinese temple at the foot of the hill.

At a view point. Probably around 1000 feet above sea level.