Sundown Marathon 2012

Sundown Marathon, the biggest night race in Singapore was held for the fifth time with the theme 'Light up the City'. Held in Changi Point for the past four years, this is the first time the race was held in the city with a huge turnout of 28,000 runners.

Mats like this was pinned onto the field for comfort

Some Sundown Facts

Sundown Ambassadors Board

One of the highlight for the sundown event was the carnival and the organizer aims to make it bigger this year. Movie screening Tower Heist, X-Men: First Class and Mr Popper’s Penguins kept supporters and runners entertained on mats that were provided. Supporters and runners were able to get refreshments from food vendors in a sheltered area. Sponsor's booths had games and contest to spice up the atmosphere. There were plenty of banners and boards showcasing interesting facts, Sundown Ambassador's photos and past year's recaps.

I'm a 5:30 hr pacer!

This is my second participation in Sundown and a first as a pacer. The pressure of obtaining a good timing was translated into another of maintaining an optimal pace to assist as many runners obtain their desired timing as possible. This little stress came in useful and acts as a form of focus during the 5:30 hr, reminding me not to speed up while pushing on when the weather was not being favourable.

Pace Bands - Follow the timing to achieve target timing

Keeping to your own pen helps ease the route

10km runners starts at 10.30pm on Saturday while both half and full marathon runners started the run on Sunday, 12.30am. Compared to previous year, the run started much later and there were rising concerns when both the half and full marathons were taking off at the same timing. The runners were actually more concerned over the route change 2 weeks prior the run as runners were supposed to run past West Coast instead of the usual East Coast Park route. Somewhere, somehow the route was inevitably changed back to the East Coast Park route, causing a huge outrage. But most would agree with me that this new route wins over Changi Point anytime.

10km Route

Half Marathon Route

Full Marathon Route

Being a 5:30 hr pacer, we were flagging off from the second wave and it actually took us more than 15mins to cross the starting point. There wasn't much excitement when flagging off and we came to a conclusion that the noise reduction was meant to not disturb those sleeping in the neighbouring hotels. The route was congested as expected till the 14km mark when the runners split. There was a point runners had to stop for a minute to give way to vehicles to drive past, something that was really unexpected.

14km mark

Running into East Coast Park at the 14km mark, we could feel the strong, cold breeze and predicted a heavy downpour. The rain came at the 17km mark and we were drenched but it did drown the earlier humidity. It was a blessing to many who was struggling with the humidity earlier. The cold wind and heavy clothing (due to the rain) didn't make the run any easier but runners pushed on.

There were hydration points at every 2km mark but there wasn’t enough volunteers to serve the water causing huge crowd at water points. 1.5 litre bottles was given to runners at some point causing plenty of wastage and probably insufficient water for the slower runners. Only one word to describe the hydration point - Disaster. Gel stations were well positioned while banana stations were well placed too but we were the last lucky batch to receive the bananas as the runners at the back were deprived of the additional energy for the race.

Supporters along the path were very supportive and the rain seems to bring their enthusiasm up and the cheering were suddenly back. There were food and ice drinks given out too which really shows the support rendered needed in the running community.

The front packs of 5:30hr cheering!

Dancing in the rain

Runners was simply stamping their feet onto the waterlogged ground at the final few clicks and that was when all the shouting and cheering came from us pacers. The front pack of the 5hr 30mins pacer had a couple of minutes to spare to do the encouragement and that was when runners started their motor once again which was encouraging.

5:30hrs pacers crossing as a team!

We crossed the not-very-obvious finishing lines with plenty of runners approaching to show their gratitude in giving them support in achieving their targets. It was heart warming and I was glad I completed my job in good fashion. The volunteers distributing the finisher shirt and medal went the extra mile by putting the medal into the plastic containing the finisher shirt for us to take easily. The little things that make a big impression! 

Eric enjoying the massage! Despite the face, it was really good.

The early carnival was no longer as active when we came back but the most welcoming booth was the massage booth. The bathing facility was still around but the big screen was removed. Photo booth was gone too which was slightly disappointing.

The Sundown Goodies Experience

My 5:30hr pace band based on per km

I was satisified with my pace as I was keeping at a very consistant pacing. A job well done by me!

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MR25 Progressive Run Series 2012 - Series #2 (15km)

In the second run of the MacRitchie 25 Progressive Run Series held bi-monthly, runners aim to complete the 15km race. Starting at the Amenities Centre @ MacRitchie Reservoir, 7am sharp this time round, I arrived unfortunately two minutes late. But I'm glad the race organizer kept to their timing.

To understand more of MR25 Progressive Run Series 2012, you can read up more in my previous posting here.

Experience from my first run made me panicked a bit as I recalled majority of the runners in this race being fast. And being late for the run, even if it was for that three minutes actually meant I was one click away from the faster runners in the pack. This meant that I will take some time to catch up with the major bulk. Catching up with the pack helps as I know of that high tendency I will miss turns in the trails being an infrequent runner at MacRitchie. Even though the race route was released days before the event, I couldn't visualise the route, needless remember the path. Further to that reason, I really wanted someone I could keep pace with to achieve a good timing and so I need not think too much during the race.

Race Route 1a - Follow yellow route and exit to Lornie Road after SIME Golf course...

Race Roue 1b - Follow Lornie Road until Reservoir Road and go in, run inside Jungle and exit again to Lornie Road

Race Route 1c - Follow Lornie Road until Reservoir Road and go in, finish at Start/Finish point

But since I was late, I had to scrap my plan and come out with an alternative... fast. I decided on going slightly faster during the first few clicks so I could warm up my body and at the same time cover some distance before I start feeling tired. It was no longer about the timing as my objective became closing up to the runner in front me. I tried to keep a reasonable pace of 5 to 6 minutes so that I don't get wasted before completion. The route was muddy and slippery from yesterday's rain.

There were three or four hydration point along the route and a couple of volunteers appointed at critical point but I was still able to confuse myself at some path in the trail. Thanks to the experienced runners who guided me, I was able to find myself back at the finishing point.

Runners were greeted with a big stopclock at the finishing point as well as great cheering, clapping and encouragements from the supporters. There was good hydration fluid from Pocari Sweat as runners gathered to chat while enjoying the drink. 10 runners won themselves some lucky draw gifts too! I enjoyed the 'kampong' feel in this running event and am already looking forward to the next run in the series. 

Based on my stopwatch, I clocked a timing of 1:23:22. I will update on official timing and pictures once there are further updates.

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Run 350 2012

Run 350 is in support of the global 350 movement. Run 350 started their eco awareness program in 2010 when they first held their run at Pulau Ubin, attracting 1,000 participants. With such great response, the second instalment in 2011 held at Marina Bay attracted 7,200 runners! This third year held on Earth Day, April 22nd 2012, Run 350 attracted 10,000 runners with the all new 21km half-marathon category.

The hype started since early bird in November 2011 and didn't cease until race day. During this period, the various pacer groups trained hard weekly, website was revealing the juicy information and the various clinics and running workshops were keeping runners anticipated. Race pack collection at Velocity@Novena was smooth and efficient. Participants collect their race pack swiftly and have their rounds at the booths and taking pictures with the Run 350 ambassadors. Personally, I felt the stuff given in this race relatively useful.

Useful Goodie in the Race Pack.

Finisher Tee, Medal and Bib!

There was shuttle service to The Float@Marina Bay from various MRT stations as the race flag off as early as 6am and it actually benefits many and did the environment good. Event was very well organized as there are two waves for each category, each 10 minutes apart. I arrived in time but did not make it for the first wave and starts off with the rest of the crowd. The 10km participants flag off at 645am while the 350m Kids Dash starts at 830am.

In every race, I look out for the distance marker and the distance marker for this event is definitely well placed. Big and Bright! Water points at every 2km mark were sufficient on this cooling morning. Supporters were along the route and running while the sky bright up is just a great feeling. Thoughts were definitely put into the organizing the race as carpeted boards were laid out across a grass patch and there were no congestion at all.

10km Route which Sylvia ran.

21km Route. Pretty Scenic.

Everyone was motivated once they spotted the 20km distance marker, looking forward to the refreshing drinks and banana at the end point. Runner gets to collect their medal, one can of 100plus (would have been better we could get another) and finisher tees (for the 21km runners). There were booths and entertaining activities at the end point where runners can challenge themselves to dancing moves, shooting skills and climbing ability - after the run. Upon completion of all three activities, runners gets to walk away with a small gift which if I'm not wrong is a 100plus iPhone case.

The Climb

The Dance

The Throw

Like every race, nothing is prefect. If I have to be picky, I would love for these extra toppings on the already delicious cake. 

1) A distance marker showing the last 200m to 400m mark so runners (who wants to sprint or increase speed) know they are approaching the end point.

2) A better transponder that will not fall off the bib while running causing runners to lost their timing.

3) 100 plus hydration point for runners who still crave more 100 plus after that one can.

Shuiyi's Event

Iron mama, VP of UR and ME!

Total 31.1km Clocked!

Alway good to meet up with friends after a run. And happy that I completed my run with a decent timing though I did not hit my personal best. A 1:45:36 timing, 203 of 2297 ranking is still acceptable and I will just have to do a better job next run.

Runners were invited to plant the trees they’ve contributed to, as well as to a series of activities to increase their eco awareness on 16 June 2012, Saturday. More details can be found here.

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

Went for the second edition of the 5km Time Trial organized by MacRitchie Runners 25 (MR25) this year, I went with an intention to break my previous timing. I broke it with a 23min 04 sec and am now a tortise still and feeling like a real tortise. I emerge 16 out of 26 runners and am 5 minute 15 secs away from the first runner... I vow to take revenge in the next race - again.

For more information about the run, you can read my previous post on it @

http://running-lance.blogspot.com/2012/02/macritchie-runners-25-5km-time-trial.html

The Route

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.

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Riding the Wind with Anton Krupicka

A meet and greet session with Anton Krupicka is the dream of many runners. Finishing a marathon at the age of 12, Anton Krupicka is the champion for many ultra races. I was lucky enough to obtain a slot for the sharing session with him. Though I am not an ultra runner myself but I am pretty sure I will end my running career completing at least one ultra distance. That will definitely be one of my milestones.

The legend - Anton Krupicka!

With this signature, this board gonna cost a fortune

For runners who do not know this legend, you can check out more from this Wiki link. He keeps track of his running events and adventure @ Anton Krupicka Blog.

It's the Minimus Zero Launch on the same event. I would love to give my introduction to the Minimus zero shoes but I am not the right person to do the review taking into account that I have never experience wearing any minimus myself. I have never experience barefoot myself but you can alway gather out more details here.

Easily demostrates that Minimus Zero comes in both road and trail versions

Grab one pair today.

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World Water Day 2012 Run with Team Fat Bird

Singapore celebrates World Water Day on 24th March 2012, a Saturday morning. World Water Day is an initiative to focus attention on the importance of water and advocating for the sustainable management of water resources. Activities held by community partners were conducted island wide at 15 different locations and I joined Team Fat Bird in celebrating this event by having a leisure run to Marina Barrage from UOB Plaza, right in front of the fatbird statue. There were other community activities like biking, walking, kayaking to Marina Barrage along the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters).

A group picture before setting off

And Group 3 sets off

Photo taking at Helix Bridge

As the runners aim to reach Marina Barrage at 9am to join in the celebration, the group of 80 over runners set off at 7:30am in 3 different pace group. A sea of blue runners in the blue WWD visors set off from UOB Plaza, making a stop at Helix Bridge for photo taking. The group continue moving off towards Bayfront Link, Marina South, along Gardens by the Bay and finally stopped at Marina Barrage for the celebration. A total of 6km was clocked and everyone in gathered for a Marina Barrage group photo. The runners roamed around the barrage to enjoy the carnival, flea market and stage performance.

Pokka Sports Water for Thirst Quenching

Like!

On the top of Marina Barrage

Team Fatbird Rocked Marina Barrage

Guest-of-Honour President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Minister Vivian Balakrishan, arrived on a water taxi at 9am and grace the event. Dr. Tony Tan gave his opening speech and launch World Water Day.

President Dr. Tony arriving on Water Taxi

National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) officially launched a glossy coffee table book, Knowing Your ABCs – a collection of 55 photos taken at 17 Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) sites around the island during the event.

Prize presention for Water Conservation Competition was conducted shortly and plagues of appreciation were given to the respective partners for their participation in the event. A water pouring ceremony was conducted as the various VIPs and group leaders gathered to pour water into a huge board, which lit up the World Water Day wordings on the board. This is a symbolic gesture of clean water flowing.

A video of the morning's proceedings as well as the various participation groups from the different sites island wide were played out on the big lcd screen. The well put together video was well received which was shown through the great applause and cheers which really was encouraging.

After the ceremony, Team FatBird runners made their 6km route way back to UOB Plaza for a river clean-up operation. Minister Vivian Balakrishan arrived and there were group photo takings before the event comes to an official end.

12km completed! (To and Fro)

A final group picture with Dr Vivian

A great run with for a good cause. The awareness of bringing attention to the importance of water and to encourage everyone to contribute towards the water cause was hopefully brought across.

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