Some runs take you far from home, chasing new adventures. This one brought me back to where my heart belongs. This year, I signed up for the 12km category — a shorter distance than the half, but still a good challenge, especially with the hills I knew were waiting. And oh yes, the rolling hills did not disappoint. They rose and fell like waves, testing the legs but rewarding the eyes with beautiful, familiar views.
The morning air is cool but buzzing with excitement. Runners stretch, laugh, and snap photos at the starting line. I’m in the 12km crowd, and I can already feel the warmth of being home — these are my roads, my people.
KM 0–2: The Buzz at IKON
The gun goes off and we surge forward, feet tapping in rhythm. Almost immediately, we pass IKON, the familiar building standing proud as the morning sun starts to rise. The crowd’s still thick here, and there’s an energy that makes the first kilometres feel effortless. People chat, wave at supporters, and settle into their pace. A cheerful beginning with runners full of energy and chatter. Soon after, the route carried us past Aeon, a landmark I’ve passed countless times, but today it felt different — dressed up in race-day excitement. Just a little further, we ran by the site of the new Aeon 2, still under construction, but already a symbol of how much this place is growing. It was like running through a living story of my hometown, where the old and new stand side by side.
KM 4–7: Rolling Hills, Rolling Thoughts
The first real rolling hills greet us here — a series of gentle climbs and descents. Each uphill makes the legs burn just enough, but the downhills give that wonderful, flying feeling. The roads were a mix of ups and downs, each hill revealing another stretch of kampung charm —
tunnels, fields, houses, and neighbours waving as we passed. The route this year was fantastic: scenic, well-planned, and just challenging enough to separate the competitive runners from the fun runners, while keeping everyone smiling.
KM 7–9: The Separation Point
By now, the runners have spread out. This is where the fun runners and the competitive runners naturally separate. I find my rhythm, greeting my “commamorates” as I pass — quick nods, small words of encouragement, and shared smiles that say, we’ve got this. Hydration stations appear right when we need them, staffed with smiling volunteers who hand out cups with genuine cheer. Those familiar faces you’ve shared miles and stories with over the years. We exchanged waves, little bursts of encouragement, and knowing smiles that said, yes, the hills are alive… and we’re still alive too.
KM 9–11: Familiar Roads, Familiar Faces
For my family, it was a shared adventure. My hubby ran the 21km like it was just another morning jog — not surprising since it’s almost exactly his daily training route. My son nailed his 12km, his determination shining all the way to the finish line. Seeing both of them run so well made the day even sweeter.
KM 11–12: The Home Stretch
The final kilometre is a mix of fatigue and pure joy. My legs are tired, but my heart is full. I can hear the emcee’s voice growing louder, hyping up the crowd, announcing finishers, and keeping the atmosphere alive. Supporters line the way, clapping and cheering. As I cross the finish line, I see families reunited, lost items being returned, and runners congratulating each other like old friends.
Organisation-wise, the event team nailed it: hydration stations were well-placed and well-stocked, volunteers were friendly and encouraging, and the emcee kept the atmosphere lively, cheerful, and full of heart. They even took care of the little things that make a big difference — reuniting lost family members, finding missing keys and ICs, and making sure no runner felt left behind.
Post-Race Reflections
It wasn’t just a run. It was a tour through my memories, my community, and my family’s shared love for running. Crossing the finish line wasn’t just the end of a race. It was a homecoming — a reminder that running isn’t only about the kilometres covered, but about the stories you collect along the way. The hills, the landmarks, the people — this is why I’ll always come back for this run.
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