The Adventure Race, KAR ULTRA

Trail runners braving the white rapids of a river with one hand holding on to their hiking poles and another grabbing on to the rope that would assist them across the river. This was my first awareness and first impressions of KAR. But at that time, I did not know what KAR meant, I thought it was just a name. It was only much later that I learnt that KAR stood for Kadamaian Adventure Race.

A quick google look up taught me that Kadamaian is an area in Sabah which is located just west of the Mount Kinabalu mountain range and from that I concluded that the view while running around in the Kadamaian area must be beautiful! It helps that they added the name “Adventure Race”. I mean, which other races in Malaysia do you see with that catchy phrase attached to its name?

Participants of the KAR2023 55KM flag-off at 5.30 am.

I joined the KAR 55KM category last year and this was only my second trail run in Sabah (my first in Sabah being TMBT 50K back in 2019). I was definitely excited but nervous at the same time, as I had no idea what kind of terrain and challenges lies ahead of me.

Ultra runners busy depositing their drop baggage.

Banana fritters anyone? Josh treated us with delicious Cucur Pisang (Banana Fritters) at the race venue. Definitely very grateful for a very tasty loading before the start!

Immediately after flag off, we were already running uphill and by 15 minutes, I was already rewarded with this kind of view! The colours of dawn against the backdrop of Mount Kinabalu (center) and Mount Nungkok (right) was too beautiful that I had to stop to snap this picture!

The fresh morning air and the sights of villages that I ran pass as the sun was rising from behind the mountains.

I recognized Kampung Lingkubang, the starting point of TMBT from the long bridge that crosses the river to the village.

From there, not long further down the road after reaching the 6km mark, we began to turn into the trail.

I was impressed by the design of this house at Supuan Campsite. So simple yet looks so cosy. And even has a balcony!

It was here that we met our first river. Surprisingly, it was only tracing along the river making sure to watch our steps as the sizes of the rocks and boulders were uneven.

By the KM8 mark, WS2 was in sight (there is no WS1 in the 55km route). The beautiful sight of Akinabalu (Mount Kinabalu) was still clearly visible from here. Time for a rest! However, I knew that I shouldn’t spend too much time here as there was still a long way to go, and coming up right after this would be the infamously tough Bogung Hill and I should try to get ahead of the large crowd of runners that were still munching on all the irresistible food there.

I had to drag Joseph out from the WS early because he was over-indulging himself with the food!

Just look at all those foods! The organizers must be crazy! Which trail race do you know that provides such an abundance choice of food at the first water station?!? I must admit, the temptation to just stay and feast on all those cakes and cucur² was very strong!

Onwards to Bukit Bugong! Bukit Bugong is infamous for its technical climb especially nearer to the peak which will require all four to be crawling up!

The trail started off gradually, where it was a moderately steep ascent on easy red soil which leads to a transmission tower. A quick breather here and this is where the difficult climb starts. A lot of times, the trail was very steep. Hiking poles didn’t really help as the ground was covered with many roots and branches which caused the poles to get stuck most of the time. I switched to grabbing on to whatever vegetation that was around to pull myself up which I found to be more efficient.

The path was covered with a lot of roots and leaves, hiking poles often get stuck in the ground.

A short rocky section that is a bit mossy, there was a crew there to make sure everyone went over safely

Look at how steep the trail is! There were sections in which I had to crawl on all-four!

After an elevation gain of 800++ meters, and out of breath, I was finally at the peak!

The peak was surprisingly small, there was not much space for runners to hang around long up there.

Eliza and Joseph proudly flying the Sarawak flag on the peak of Bukit Bugong with Mount Kinabalu in the background.

After a few quick pictures on the peak, it was time to head down the hill from the other side. For me, this was even harder than the going up. The descent was extremely steep at points, and the distance between the next step down is quite high, and my bad knee (from previous injury) makes it painful every time I need to bend my knees for more than 90 degrees. There were even some sections where I had to abseil with the rope. Needless to say, the descent was slower for me.

After my slow descent down Bukit Bogung and then running by a few farms, the trail finally opened up to beautiful, lush green padi fields. WS3 at Kampung Botung will be next.

WS3 was positioned just below the bridge, so quickly capture this shot as there was a beautiful view of the bridge against with Akinabalu saying hello again. This is the longest hanging bridge in the whole trail.

From here onwards, the trail was a mixture of easy to medium difficulty. I’m not sure why it is stated as “Medium” in the KAR Handbook that was given out to the participants, but I found it quite smooth. Maybe it was because of the much pain endured by my knees going down Bukit Bogung, so my body found this part to be leisurely.

Some kind soul already helped arranged the stones so that we don’t have to get our shoes wet!

A calm river, so clear that I could see my own reflection

The two pictures was taken at the last section of the cement road after WS3 before going into the trail.

Interesting architecture, front roof all the way to the bottom

Shades are extremely appreciated on this very hot day!

(Top-left): Interesting house that I saw along the way. I like how they built the roof all the way down. (Top-right): Shady trails are always a bonus in the hot sunny day! (Center): These instruments appeared out of nowhere, and there was not a single house nearby. I wonder what the function or whether it’s still being used? Looks like a sugarcane machine, but somehow, I doubt it.

After around 2 hours, running at a comfortable pace, I finally reached WS4 which is around the KM21 mark. WS4 is where the 110KM runners will split from us 55KM runners. They will be continuing running north all the way to Kota Belud town and then make their way back (which is the extra 55km of the 110KM route) to join back to the 55KM route which is where my next WS is.

The water station here does not disappoint. So much food, so many choices! I purposely stayed a little longer at this station to savour it all!

It was here that I met my twin, Sis Kastinah! We have same umbrella-hats with matching pattern and colour!

Yummy in my tummy. After having a ‘feast’ at WS4, it was time to move on. Legs was so lazy after all that eating. Nevertheless, the show must go on! From here to the next WS would be an easy run as it is using Jalan Podos all the way running to Kampung Podos WS8 (there is no WS5, WS6, WS7 for the 55KM route).

The stretch from WS4 to WS8 is one of the hottest sections along the whole trail. The route was wide opened the whole way and was mainly gravel road as it was the main link to Kampung Podos.

The route to WS8 Kampung Podos felt like forever even though it was the easiest stretch of the whole route. Finally, after fighting the mental torture of being directly under the scorching mid-noon sun, I arrived at WS8 at the KM26 mark.

(Left): Bananas are plenty, but I always prefer boiled eggs! Boiled eggs are slower to digest so I won’t feel hungry so fast. (Center): Trail run cookies! Special home-made recipe by Phoebe home-baked with love! (Right): The make-shift shower in WS8 is heavenly! Really appreciative of the organizer for providing such an unnecessary-necessary facility.

After the much needed ‘shower’ in WS8 and feeling all refreshed, I continued on my way to WS9. The shower at WS8 was really very thoughtful as the way to WS9 is also fully exposed all the way.

(Left): I’m intrigued to see this house keeping so much firewood in stock and it is arranged according to the sizes! (Right) The fully exposed gravel road all the way to WS9 that had constant gradual elevation gain.

WS9 was an interesting WS as it is placed at Norutipan Point Eco Tourism Resort. I took some time to peek into the resort and found that they have a very nice lake where it would definitely be a nice place to chill and take a dip in the water. I made a mental note to come back here one day to enjoy the facilities!

WS9 had plenty of watermelons. Again, it’s as if the organizers had really thought of everything and was sure by this distance most of us would really want something juicy and refreshing, such as watermelon! I took as much watermelon as my stomach would allow me! So so so refreshing!

A quick peak into the resort reveals a nice lake and small huts that would be nice to have a staycation over the weekend.

After WS9, this is where it is the toughest. The distance between WS9 to WS10 is almost 12KM apart. This is the longest distance between two water stations in the whole route. As I was about to start my steps, I took a deep breath and refocus my mental. I CAN DO THIS!

Not long after departing WS9, I came across these interesting rocks (pictured below). The texture of these rocks was unique, and there was one that was gigantic in size! Larger than a 2-storey house. I made a mental note to get an opinion from my geologist friend.

Trail section after coming out from WS9

Such an interesting texture. I wonder what made it that way?

This particular rock with the interesting texture was gigantic! I took a picture to show a comparison of the rock against a house.

Shortly after that, the trail exited into a main road which eventually led me into Kampung Gansurai. At that moment, there were a bunch of kids playing along the road. They were so friendly that they even shouted, “Jia you, Uncle!” in not-so-accurate-pronunciation Mandarin (they were the local bumiputras). Although it did hit a nerve when they called me ‘Uncle’, but the friendliness of the kampung kids really impressed me!

Very impressive decorations and artwork along the kampung road.

I’m not sure if it’s just me, but everytime I have a view of Mount Kinabalu in front of me, I find that I have more motivation to keep running forward.

There was a checkpoint in front and the trail leads to the left. I did study the route map beforehand that I remember this turning means that this is the short detour before arriving at WS10. By that time, Mount Kinabalu has gone into hiding among the clouds.

(Left): Beautiful flowers along the way. (Right): This part is all uphill. By this time, my legs are already heavy and stubborn. It’s all mental strength now.

It made me wonder how many years this abandoned pick-up truck has been here to the point that the crawlers have almost swallowed the whole vehicle.

When I finally reached the end of the ascending road, I was welcomed again my Akinabalu. I took this picture to make a note of the many attractions listed in this area. So many that I have never heard of! So many hidden gems that probably many people, even local Sabahans has probably never heard of.

There was a hut with free mineral water. Must have been provided by the villagers! How thoughtful of him/them!

Tasty looking Pineapple!

After that point, the route joins back into a jungle trial. WS10 is coming up after this trail section!

Had to go a bit slower on this trail as there were a lot of roots and mosy surfaces.

I saw people swimming in the river! That only means that the next village is very nearby!

Was a bit nervous crossing this bridge. It was quite old and rickety. Nevertheless, it did not give way at all.

Finally, at KM41, I reached WS10! I was really happy to see WS10, as I know that this will be my last major break (my plan is to not stop at all at WS11 since the distance between WS10 and WS11 is very short). WS10 is a main water station as there is a mandatory gear inspection here.

They also served hard food here such as fried noodles and fried bee hoon! Even had coffee which immediately put a shine in my eyes! Coffee is life! As this was my planned last stop, I took a longer time to rest here before fighting for the finish line.

By the time I left WS10, Akinablu revealed herself again, giving me renewed motivation to fight on!

Come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve seen Mount Kinabalu from her western side. Normally, we will see her southern face from Kundasan and her eastern face from Mesilou.

Ran pass this beautiful patch of beautiful colourful flowers. Such a pretty sight for tired soul.

It was not long after that I came to one of the most photogenic sections of the route. Running pass, a bridge that crossed the beautiful pristine river of Melangkap waters that flows all the way from Mount Kinabalu. The breeze from the river current and the fresh air was totally refreshing. The sound of the water flow totally calming. This was a moment to cherish.

Extremely tempted to just jump into the river!

Can never get tired of this view. I know I’m going to miss it!

Picture perfect view from Melangkap.

After running along the main road, the route cuts into a short trail section that leads to a smaller path. Finally, at KM47, I arrived at WS11, the last water station. This was a mini water station which is totally fine as it’s not that far from WS10 and not very far to the finish line. By then, it was almost time for the sun to retire for the day.

A short trail section on the way to W11

Sunset setting in painting hues of colours in the sky

One last look at Akinabalu before she goes to hide in the darkness

After a quick use of the toilet facility at WS11, it was time to turn on turbo mode. By that time, the sun was about to retire for the night, and night was falling. We were running in the trail again and there was one small stream that we had to cross at KM50. After that, it was full speed ahead all the way down a 5km long stretch of gravel road that would bring me all the way to the finish line!

TO SUM IT ALL UP

All in all, I totally enjoyed this Kadamaian Adventure Race (KAR). In my humble opinion, it totally lives up to its name of ‘Adventure Race’.

SIGHTS & SCENERY
As a runner-photographer, I really appreciate the sights that I went through, especially the many appearances of Mount Kinabalu along the whole route. The villagers whom I have met along the way were all extremely friendly, with nothing less than smiles and hellos. Makes me wonder if every one of them knew about the race that is being held that day. This run has a balance of nature scenery, farm scenery, many different villages, and even the different hills and mountains.

WATER STATIONS
The crew at every water station was friendly and attentive. In fact, all the time I ‘kena paksa’ to eat more!

STARTING/FINISHING POINTS
The start/finish point is in Kampung Tambatuon. The layout and organization of the venue was acceptable and organized. Registrations and drop bags were all in the hall. The starting/finishing arch was placed in the middle of the field away from the crowd which was a good thing. It was easy to take pictures with the start/finish arch without photobombs. Apart from the food that is prepared by the organizers, there were also food stalls nearby by the kampung folks selling very tasty and irresistible food and if that wasn’t enough there were also mini marts as well.

EXTRA ADVISE FOR YOU
To anyone who plans to/will join this race, I really advice to arrange for a homestay at Kampung Tambatuon. There’s a very very very very nice river located just behind the village, and it is a great place to dip yourself after the run. It is the equivalent to cold therapy which is effective for enhancing muscle recovery as well as pain relief. Besides, who doesn’t like chilling in a clear and refreshing river! Go get your favourite beer or beverage from the mini mart nearby and go chill in the river! You deserve it!