Okay, so two weeks ago I had the extreme privilege of participating in my first 10k in Indonesia and in Bandung the city we currently live in. I say privilege because I almost didn't get to participate because of my gender! I think I still have feelings of shock when I write that sentence. Anyway, here is the story.
Every Saturday I run down to a local track where I meet with about 20 other runners, most admittedly are males. It was through these running friends that I learned of a 10k race . . . . it is hard to find information on such events because their are just not websites devoted to running information like there is in Canada. So I was very excited at the prospect of getting to race in Bandung. One week prior to the race I was informed by my friends that the race was only for guys. When asked how this could be, they suggested that likely the race directors felt that girls would be in too much danger if they were to participate. For example, we might fall during the race or we might get too tired and not be able to finish the course. Naturally, I was a little bit let down with this news, but this is Indonesia and I always knew running would be a bit different here!
It was the afternoon before the race - the race I wasn't allowed to enter - when two friends from my running group dropped by our house with a race packet for me. They had entered me in the race under one of their names; in essence I would only be able to run under the pseudonym Danny. Hey, I was okay with that! Race day arrives. I take a taxi down to the start, alone, because Ben had responsibilities at church that day. When I arrive I quickly notice that I am the only person not wearing the race t-shirt. Okay, correct me if I am wrong, but in Canada it is just not cool to wear the race t-shirt for the race, right? Well, here it is the opposite. Picture 1000 runners - all men - wearing a green and white shirt and then there is me wearing a pink shirt. Was I trying to stand out? I had to answer a lot of questions that morning about my choice of t-shirt . . . next time I will just wear the shirt!
The race itself. I got to start right at the front; being the only white person in the race, I received royal treatment. Not only did I start at the front, but I had a motorcycle escort for the entire race! This was of course to ensure that I didn't "fall down" or pass out along the way - so interesting and amusing at the same time! The race was challenging - there was one stretch of uphill that took about 15 minutes to complete. I ended up placing fifth overall with a time that was less than impressive which led me to hope and conclude that the distance was not quite accurate (here's hoping:). Now apparently fifth place was supposed to receive a cash prize but of course I did not qualify because I was a girl. I at least had the small consolation of proving to the race directors that it is possible for a female to complete a 10k course. Maybe next year they will invite women to participate too!
