Coast to Coast Ultra Night Trail. The name alone sends chills down my spine. I even analyze all data to look at past races to understand this beast. This is my story. It wasn't perfect, not even close. At times, I felt like I was just a regular person who joined the army by mistake. But that's ultra running, right? It's a wild mix of strong will, pain, and choices you might regret, all set in Yogyakarta's hidden beauty. This experience will give me stories to tell for years to come, each one a song of survival.
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| CTC Ultra 80K |
My race prep was not good. Other runners ate lots of carbs and dreamed of winning. I was fighting a cold. I drank ginger tea, a local remedy. I even got a vitamin shot, my first one ever! I was so scared of getting sicker. Running an ultra while sick is not smart. Still, I had no excuses. Even though my body felt like it was at war, I knew I had to try. Ultra running is a mind game as much as a foot race. I was determined to finish, to push through the pain and find the finish line.
Section 1: Start To Queen South (0-6.8Km)
It was four in the afternoon. A traditional dance started. The dancer moved with such grace and power. The music made the air feel even colder, even in the warm sun. Then, we ran forward, a group of hopeful, maybe crazy, runners. Sand flew as we ran on Parangtritis beach. What a start! The sun was hot, and I kept chewing on Degirol. It took me about 18 minutes to reach the first checkpoint at Queen South. I was around 60th place. Not bad, since I felt like I was breathing through a tiny straw while being hit by sand. Not many people quit here. Maybe we were too stubborn to quit so soon. Maybe we didn't know what was coming. I just hoped my ginger tea would stay down. It did not, alas.
Section 2: Queen South To Alas Curukboto (6.8Km - 13.3Km)
Leaving Queen South, I felt a little bit hopeful. Maybe, just maybe, I could do this! The next 6.5 kilometers to Alas Curukboto were tough. There were climbs, drops, and slippery roots. It took me about one hour and 18 minutes. I stayed around 54th place. Eleven runners quit in this section. I knew why. Good times, indeed...I said with gritted teeth, each step a battle against the terrain.
Section 3: Alas Curukboto To Palgading (13.3Km - 18.8Km)
I escaped the jungle, or so I thought. The next part, 5.5km to Palgading, was not easy, but at least I could see where I was going. Rolling hills and open fields gave me a break from the jungle. I reached Palgading in about one hour and seven minutes. I moved up to around 50th place. Maybe the bugs slowed down the others. Two runners quit here. They were tough. Or maybe they knew what was coming next. I started to feel good, enjoying the views.
Section 4: Palgading To Omah Pojok (18.8Km - 26Km)
From Palgading to Omah Pojok, the course was another 7.2 kilometers. The sun was starting to set, making long shadows on the fields. This part is a blur, to be honest. I remember gentle hills and feeling like the night would be very long. Omah Pojok was the first COP, and we had to get there before 11 PM. I got there in about one hour and 29 minutes. I was still around 47th place. Eight more runners quit here. The long distance was hard, I guess. I was very hungry, but I only got a small piece of egg on rice and some noodle soup. I kept going, running on desperation.