REPORT ON THE 29TH PENANG ROUND THE ISLAND ROAD RELAY, 2006. 
      We did it again! We have proven that our previous victory was no fluke shot. It has exonerate us of our decision to participate in spite of the token reimbursement amount. Yes, in            spite of some of us having to foot our own expenses, it was a collective decision that we go ahead and show everyone our determination and the will to win. We knew that we have a competitive team, judging on the members' finishing positions during the recent road races; track meets plus the selection time trials.

        A strong team does not guarantee success though. Just like a special dish which requires good chief and the right ingredients, I believe we have it all. The years of experience participating annually in this event, the elite runners, the right strategy, the technical support and most importantly, the comradeship and team spirit.      

Although the official results showed us leading all the way  and winning by more than 8 minutes (please refer to attachment for detail results), one have to be in the runner's shoes or feet (no pun intended but KLAVA have some of the top bare-footed runners in Malaysia!) in order to appreciate the effort, the pain and the sacrifices made in order to be the best---the best team. It wasn't that easy, we train the whole year round. To maintain our top form, for most of us, it means training in a variety of conditions including different terrain and distant. i.e. running the hills for stronger quadriceps leg muscle; training on the tracks for speed works and going for LSD(long slow run)to built up stamina. At the same time, taking part in competitions throughout the year which is the most effective way to improve on our timing-under race condition. These includes track and field meets, using spikes to get the feel of extra speed. Often, winners in the road races are also winners in the tracks events for 800m and above. In addition, some of us even go for multiple discipline events such as duothlons and triathlons.     

Anyways, back to this Penang Road Relay, KLAVA being the defending champion, we expected tough competition from our rivals especially from Brooks Running Club; BM Leopards and Team Old and Young. Unfortunately, we or they rather, didn't have a chance to do battle due to injuries sustained by some of their runners. As a result of insufficient runners they were forced to withdraw at the last minute. This year, BM Leopards didn't field a veteran team. I believe they elected to concentrate on the open category in which they have chance of a better placing  rather than competing in a four corner tussle with Brooks Running Club; Team Old and Young and our KLAVA/ADIDAS team in the veteran category. It seems everybody wants to get on the bandwagon and want a share of the action and the glory, otherwise how to do you explain the total of 3 teams coming from Penang island itself, namely Team Old and Young; Pg Forwards Sports Club and Penang Association of Veteran Athletes. This makes for a more level playing field with Penang's top runners competing for their respective teams.       

As similar to last year, yours truly and our photographer, Siew followed all the way by bike, hence we knew that every members of KLAVA team did their very best. Our lead kept on increasing and by the time the baton was handed to our 7^th runner, some of us were thinking of doing a PR(personal record), if not breaking the event record itself! So from there on, we told our runners in front to go for brooks er I mean broke.(breaking the record)       

Save for Ah Choon's professional runners, we have even overtaken the supposedly stronger teams from the Open Category along the way. However, this time the weather was very hot and not conducive to record breaking. Our 9^th runner tried to start at a very much faster pace and before the halfway mark, found himself struggling. Nevertheless he managed to withstand the heat and exhaustion to conquer the mental temptation to walk or give up.(One may have the mental willpower but what if the body refuse to last the distance?) This was what happened to one runner at the 11^th stage whom we saw collapsed by the roadside. This BM Leopard member in the Open Category was unfortunately to meet with this tragic fate while in 2nd position. He must be have tried too hard. What a pity! I was worried when I saw our 11^th stage runner was also running at a comparatively fast pace. I wanted to tell him about the hot weather but decided against it as it might upset his rhythm. Being the veteran runner that he is, he should know better. Unlike our 9^th runner, his pace didn't slacken much although the hot sun was unbearable. As he recalled later how he had to resist the urge to ask for water during the run each time he passed us while we were stopping to take his photos and cheering him on. (Taking water along the way may tantamount to disqualification) Finally, our last runner may be the oldest participant, but unlike many others who dread the long waiting time and hot sun, this is his favorite playground!.       

Being the anchorman, he is an old hand at it, this being his fourth time to be stationed there. Although we're unable to get the �PR� in spite of our efforts, nevertheless we were satisfied with our timing in view of the unforgiving weather, the heat was really unbearable. So, compared to previous years, the action may seems unexciting but what matters most was that we have defended our title. Whether we will be back again to defend our title for the 3^rd consecutive time, we are not sure. It depends on a number of factors. One thing is certain though, the members are happy to be in the winning team! (who isn't?)       

In concluding this report, yours truly wish to thank all the members for their support; the runners for their efforts and team work in order to achieve victory; our president Mr. S.T.Chow for the cash advance; Mr. Siew Kar Chung again being our photographer and also assisted in time-keeping during time trials, Mr Lim yoke Fooi for assisting in time keeping and our reserve runners Peter Goh and Applaidoo for their contributions and support in many aspects. It is especially for those who sacrificed their time and money (winning without the cash prize). As some of the runners said, �Because of me they are willing to come along�. My heart goes to you all. Thanks for the memories.  

Reported by: Eddy Choo

Date:28/12/06 

P/S:Our condolence to Rajamanikam and family whose brother-in-law passed away. He received the sad news when he was about to follow Peter's car and have to turn back. So sorry that he couldn't join the team. Nevertheless his enthusiasm was still there as he called up the next morning to get updates on our progress during the event.