By Olivia Miwil - July 31, 2023 @ 10:43am
KOTA BELUD: A medical doctor may not have achieved his target to be in the top 20, but he is glad to have experienced great humanity from strangers.
Like many trail runners, Dr Tan Hai Siang said he had hoped to achieve a better ranking and timing for the Kadamaian Adventure Race (KAR) Ultra 2023 over the weekend.
"It all went well, just like how I usually trained for the 35-kilometre category.
"Unfortunately, during the last 3 kilometres, I fell while running downhill.
"I lay down on the ground with my right calf feeling as hard as a rock. I could not move at all and thought that was it," he told the New Straits Times.
But not long after that, two other runners came to his aid by spraying analgesic medication on his foot.
"After they sprayed, I told them to just go ahead as time was ticking.
"But, they stayed with me until I was able to move on my own. I managed to walk for 1 kilometre and stride the rest to the finishing line.
"There were tears when I finished the race because I was thankful to complete it with the help of two strangers," said Dr Tan, who finished 22nd out of 78 in the 35-kilometre Men's Open category.
He added that the incident of having strangers helping another stranger is a rare experience.
"After I finished the race, I had the chance to meet the two of them- a local and a European runner.
"I had the opportunity to thank them, chat and enjoy some refreshments with them. I also told them that I hope to see them in future races," said Dr. Tan, who added that KAR Ultra is his fifth race since he started running last year.
The two-day KAR Ultra 2023 during the weekend was held for the fifth year.
The event, which was held at Kampung Tambatuon, concluded yesterday with 660 participants.
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