MacRitchie Runners 25 - 5km Time Trial (Feb Edition)

I went for the 5km Time Trial organized by MacRitchie Runners 25 (MR25) after my running buddy recommended it to me. I thought it sounds quite of fun and its Free so of course I went for it.

Apparently this time trial is for both members and non members. Non members will have the option of joining the MR25 club if they complete the 5km route in less than 25 minutes (Ladies have an option to run the 4.6km course) Application must be done within 3 months of achieving the qualifying time though. Members, on the other hand can guage their progress throughout the year with a group of running enthusiasts.

The MR25 5km Time Trial is held on the first Sunday of even months (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct) and the 2nd Sunday of the month in Dec (I believe it's due to clash with the annual Standard Chartered Marathon). It's held at 5pm sharp and registration starts at 4.30pm at the ZigZag bridge at MacRitchie Reservoir.

I seldom do my runs at Macritchie and this is actually a very interesting run for me since I like exploring different run routes and events at different parts of Singapore and hopefully the world with different running enthusiasts or groups. The chosen route was hilly and rather challenging for me but I love the challenge posed and thankfully, I marginally met the target of the 25 minute. All the runners in this time trial was amazingly fast and there was a little over a hundred participants who pushed each other to the finishing point. I like how everyone took this seriously and yet having great fun in the midst of doing it.

The Route

They actually categorize the runners into a hierarchy of 9 different animal type as shown below. I find this very interesting. I am the Tortise since I completed in 23'58". Now I want to be either a Deer or GreyHound and hopefully a Cheetah one day!

Cheetah (<17’00″)
Gazelle (17’00″ – 17’59″)
Ostrich (18’00″ – 18’59″)
Hare (19’00″ – 19’59″)
Horse (20’00″ – 20’59″)
GreyHound (21’00″ – 21’59″)
Deer (22’00″ – 22’59″)
Tortise (23’00″ – 23’59″)
Snail (24’00″ – 24’59″)

Non members who have completed the 5km route in less than 25 minutes can apply to be a member within the first three months for a fee of SGD 40 which is inclusive of a SGD 20 entrance fee. Students under 18 need only to pay SGD 10 which is inclusive of a SGD 5 entrance fee. Membership fees are due on January every year. There is a life membership for a fee after 5 years of continuous membership.

MR25 holds 4 Progressive Runs Series throughout the year on top of their bimonthly 5km time trial. You can look up for more information on their website here or like their facebook page here to get updates or post race responses.

The point you love and hate

Thanks Mr. Abdul Aziz Agil for the photo