Central Retail Mini Marathon 2013 summary
For once I arrived early to the start venue today. At 5 AM I could hassle-free pick up my bib number for the Central Retail Mini Marathon. Just 15 minutes or so later, the area was packed with people queuing up to register. The long lines of waiting people were just as long at 6 AM, the announced starting time. Consequently, the start was delayed by 15 minutes.
At the starting line, I noticed the guy who took me down in the EGAT Mini Marathon 4 weeks ago. I remembered his race plan then; he let me set the pace, stayed just a step behind me all through the race, then challenged me just before the finish. That was a simple, clever and well executed plan from his side. With that lost head-to-head battle in mind, I didn’t want to face him in a sprint finish again. Therefore, I was to set the pace higher today, “catch me if you can”.
The course started with one loop around Central World. I took the lead straight away and after a conservative first kilometre I picked up the pace to see if anyone could keep up. I felt strong averaging 3.18/km for the first 7 km. Couldn’t really keep it up all the 11.2 km (not 10.5), but finished at 37.20 (3.20 min/km) giving the first place of the Central Retail Mini Marathon 2013.
All and all, the organisation of this event was rather messy. Overcrowded on-site registration and it seemed cumbersome even for the pre-registered runners to get their bibs on time. Heard about some issues with the water stations too. Well, well… running events in Bangkok have their ups and downs.
I thought about doing this one during my short time in Thailand, but opted instead for the Run Through History. The organisation there was great, and for me (suffering in the high humidity), I was pleased that the course was short!
Anyway, congratulations on another win, Henrik. I hope to catch up with you on Sunday – after you win the Vertical Marathon 🙂
Congratulations, Henrik for another win!!
Due to rain which stopped just before the race started, the temperature was quite at nice comfort zone. It gave me just little a bit of boost to my racing pace, 1sec per km.^ ^
I was thinking about giving this Skechers shoes to my wife. However she found that the voucher says it can be used only at 4 stores not located at the central area of Bangkok. Bit sad to know that.
Skechers? Did you win a pair of Shape Ups? 😛
Congratulations! This has been another productive year for you.
Thank you!
@David, glad to hear you enjoyed the Run Through History event. Hope to see you on Sunday too!
@Maz, are you sure? I was told the voucher was valid at CentralWorld, Mega BangNa and a few others. Now I can’t find my own voucher though. Last time I saw it, a 2.5 year old was playing with it… worrying!
@Craig, yup only the Shape Ups models. Can I have some extra cushioning in the middle of the shoe please?!
Congratulations Henrik. Another trophy for your mantlepiece (you’ll soon need a room). I saw you in the massage tent after the race. I guess that’s a big advantage to winning – the tent’s empty when you arrive. By the time I get back the queue’s a mile long.
Good luck in your next event.
Thanks Lawrence!
Absolutely, that’s the main advantage of finish early – empty massage tents.
Good luck in your next race too, see you!