Allison Yee’s Breakthrough Ultra: Her First 52km Race and a Victory to Remember
For Allison Yee, the night of the UiTM Ultra 52km wasn’t just a race—it was a milestone in her running journey. A seasoned marathoner, Allison had always pushed the boundaries of her endurance, but stepping into the world of ultra running marked an entirely new chapter. With no expectations but to finish strong and injury-free, she entered the race with a clear goal: to embrace the experience and enjoy every step of the 52km course.
The race, which began at 9 PM, tested Allison’s ability to adapt to new challenges. Running through the night, she faced the unfamiliar task of managing fatigue while pushing her body past its usual limits. “This was my first time running overnight, so I had no idea how my body would handle it. I prepared with ice black coffee to stay alert, which ended up being a game-changer when I started feeling sleepy around the middle of the race,” she recalled.
Having clocked in many marathon distances, Allison was no stranger to the discipline required for long-distance running. However, ultra running is an entirely different beast, demanding both physical endurance and mental fortitude. With this in mind, she approached the race with a sense of calm, not focused on time or placement but on simply completing the distance with her best effort. “I didn’t worry about being in the lead or aiming for a particular time. My focus was on enjoying the race, pacing myself, and ensuring I stayed injury-free,” she said.
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From the start, Allison adopted a conservative pace, recognising the importance of conserving energy for the long night ahead. She relied on her experience to guide her through tricky sections of the course, including the notorious Bukit Tonggek hill. “I knew when to walk briskly and when to rest at water stations. I didn’t push myself too hard because I wanted to finish strong,” she said. This balance of pacing and rest was crucial for Allison’s success.
Mentally, the race was just as challenging as it was physically. The long, looping sections were a test of patience, but Allison found a way to break it down into manageable chunks. “Instead of thinking about the whole 52km, I counted the loops. It was easier for me to handle the race in smaller sections mentally,” she explained. This approach helped her stay focused and pushed her through difficult moments, especially as the last few loops grew more taxing.
As she moved into the final stretch of the race, Allison’s determination began to shine through. “The last few loops were tough, but I found inspiration from the 104km runners, especially the older ones who were still going strong. If they could keep moving forward, I knew I could, too,” she said. Motivated by the strength of others around her, Allison managed to finish the race with a sprint, crossing the line with a pace of 4:30-5:00 minutes per kilometre—a powerful end to her debut ultra.
Crossing the finish line as the overall champion of the race was an overwhelming moment. “I didn’t expect to win, so when I did, I was in shock,” Allison said, reflecting on her victory. But for her, the real triumph was the completion of the race itself. “What I’m most proud of is just finishing the race with my best effort. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it,” she shared.
Looking back, Allison acknowledges that her success came not just from her physical preparation but from the mindset she carried throughout the race. “If I could do anything differently, I’d focus more on ultra-specific training. But overall, I’m happy with how I managed the race and embraced the challenge,” she said with a smile.
Allison Yee’s victory at her first ultra marathon is a reminder that with the right approach, anyone can step into the ultra world and make their mark. Her experience shows that it’s not always about the most intense training or the fastest pace; it’s about taking on the challenge with confidence, pacing yourself, and finding joy in the journey. For Allison, the 52km race was not just a physical achievement—it was the beginning of a new chapter in her running career.