MR25 Progressive Run Series 2012 - Series #1 (10km)

MacRitchie 25 Progressive Run Series comprises of 4 progressive races: 10km, 15km, 20km and finally a 10km race. Each race is two months apart, held and starts at the Amenities Centre at MacRitchie Reservoir at 7am.

Individuals can sign up for the runs for SGD 40 for the 4 run series while MR25 members get to run it for free. There is a team event with 6 in a team costing SGD 200 each team. Team members are eligible for individual prizes as well.

They have an interesting scoring system. Runners are ranked each race and you score the points according to your ranking. The runner with the lowest total number of points scored out from 3 of the 4 races will be declared the winner. Team score in each race is a sum of their top 4 team member’s finisher positions and the team with the lowest score of 3 race positions win. Top 3 Men and Ladies Open, Vets and Teams of the run series will win trophies.

Runners who complete the series will be given a Finisher Series T-shirt.

Before the race starts

As the registration period starts from 6am to 645am, I arrive early to collect my bib which will be used for the whole series and did the normal preparation needed for the run. As my body was still feeling from the Singapore Biathlon the previous day, I decided to stretch more to prevent any injury.

An estimated 120 participants gathered by 7am and by 715am the race flagged off. The 15 minutes delay was most likely catered for the late comers. A safety brief was given before flagging off and since it was a wet morning, the rocky path turned slippery. Runners were supposed to take care of each other during the run as there was no safety personal along the route. 

One lap of MacRitchie Reservoir

I don’t really like rocky runs despite loving the challenge and this run really took all my energy away. The route was mostly trail and rocky except the last 2km. There was only one water point at the 4km point but they were serving pocari sweat which was really needed. It was relatively easy to navigate as there were arrow markers along the path too.

I was running hopefully not to be last and I was worried because the quality of the run was really high. I saw elite runners like Sumiko and most of the runners were lean and fit which really, really worried me. I conquered the run in 53 minutes 15 seconds, ranking 73/115 overall eventually.

There was Pocari Sweat hydration at the finishing point and runners gathered to take photos while cooling down and awaiting for the lucky draw to commerce. Runners staying back after the run were entered into the lucky draw, giving them a chance to win 6 prizes. The prizes includes socks, running tees and 2 separate sets of return air tickets from Perth to take part in the Perth City to Surf Marathon Sponsored by Perth City to Surf Marathon.

Full Speed Ahead!

There was photographer taking pictures of us and the results of the run were up on the site the very next day. For this reasonable sign up fee, the quality of the run is good and very well worth the money. I am very satisified with this run to be honest.