Nike We Run SG 10k was declared a success on 09/10/11 as the yearly running event drew a turn up rate of 10700. The much anticipated Nike's fourth 10km run in Singapore had all 12,000 slots grabbed in no more than 2 days.
Featuring a different theme every year since the first Human Race in 2008, runners wants to be part of this fun race (which you normally would not associate it with running, at least that's what I think) where the running community pushes runners to a healthier lifestyle. Ensuring a unique theme, every year (not the distance), ranging from the running route to the finisher ornament and the additional mini surprises, challenges and contests they merge into the race each year, this years team is, 'We Run City'.
This year's theme of 'We Run City 10km' race connects runners from different cities to be part of this unique running experience. A total of 150,000 runners from 15 different cities including Seoul in South Korea, Monterrey in Mexico and Santiago in Chile will partake in this race.
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| Nike running tee, race bag, water bottle, event timing D-Tag and race day guide. |
There were many categories for this 10km event. SDG 30 for runners under 25 years old as of 09.10.11
(Both Men and Women) and SGD 40 for runners above 25 years old
(Both Men and Women) and SGD 50 for runners signing up as a duo
(Both Men and Women).
There was the School Challenge too where the most number of registered runners completing the Nike We Run Singapore 10K race will win.
- School Challenge Cat. A (Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges, Polytechnics + ITE)
- School Challenge Cat. B (Universities)
Runners were entitled to an exclusive Nike Running Tee to be worn during event, a Nike Race Pack's bag
(of very good quality), a Nike water bottle, event timing D-Tag and the event guide. Early Nike+ members can collect special wrist tags at a different queue during race expo which entitles them to proceed right to the front of the start line on race day, priority baggage collection, VIP Lounge access and free breakfast buffet giving them the VIP treatment experiences.
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| My Tag Number! 9680!! |
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We drove on race day and had to park at the carpark towards the indoor stadium since there was no parking slots near the event site. It wasn't really a hassle if not for the inconvenience of getting to the event site. With the venue fixated at Old Kallang airport this year, a detour of approximately 800 meters was needed to arrive at the starting point since there wasn't any direct path. There were many blur souls in the wee morning figuring how to reach starting point with some having intentions of climbing fences and bashing through fields. The thunderstorm previous night created plenty of mud patches to hinder the path further.
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| While walking into the pen... to join the crowd... |
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We did a little bit of stretching and warm up before joining in the
queue and was only allowed to get close to the starting line at 0710hrs. The race which was supposed to flag off at 0715hrs did not happen until 0725 and I highly suspect the person to flag off was late
for the event. Needless to say, the second wave obviously was flagged off even
later.
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| The Running Route along Nicole Highway |
The route was pretty fine except for a couple of slopes around. Hydration was plenty though I only stopped at the 6.5km's for a sip and I thought there wasn't really a need for many marshals to guide the runners since the route was pretty direct. We ran along Nicoll Highway and made a turn when we see Suntec City and made another turn after we see our former National Stadium which by this time we would have seen any running buddy twice at least. We get to run past Kampong Glam and Sri Manmatha Karuneshvara Temple before ending the race back at Old Kallang Airport.
There was a couple of DJs along the route and very minimal supporters which was kind of disappointing for a 10K run. As the route was pretty repetitive, it seems that placing performances or cheerleaders along the stretch would have most certainly enhanced the atmosphere.The only excitement was the DJ spinning in the tunnel around the 7-8km mark where the music was blasted so loud one can only speed up to get closer.
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| Look at the long, red centipede... And the second wave have not even merge in. |
I was pretty glad I was able to start at the front since I arrived early enough to secure a spot and was glad I'm spared the zig-zag cutting of walkers. Staying at the front also means having a chance to follow the more seasoned runners to maintain a comfortable pace that is good enough for me to pursue or at least not fall too short of my desired timing. I can't imagine how one can run in a sea of red at the back where you have to slow down before you can even pick off. A few more waves should have created a difference.
47 mins and 37 secs, my personal best and although I fell short of my target 45 minutes, I'm glad I shed off 8 minutes from my last 10km attempt. This timing is like 14 minutes slower than Jason Lawrence's which seriously makes my timing look bad but I can only worry about my whole race.
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They even have an estimate time of return!!
Nike WE RUN SG 10K XACT
Social Media Messaging Service application was provided as well and it uploads your race
time onto your profile real time once you've crossed the finish line!
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| Nike Lunarglide +3 Replica USB Keychain |
After collecting my 100plus, mineral water, banana and finisher ornament - a Nike Lunarglide +3 Replica USB Keychain, I went off to the massage corner to see Cherng enjoying his free massage after his hard run. The key chain is certainly unique, stylish and useful but most runners would actually love for a finisher medal which gives them a sense of achievement.
I heard that the ornament wasn't catered enough for the participants and those who did not receive it after crossing the finishing line were given both a SGD 20 voucher as a form of compensation for the inconvenience caused and a letter which promises runners that the item
will be mailed to registered address. This created some form of unhappiness among the faster runner who will only be having the thumbdrive.
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| Sylvia still looks ready for another 10km after her run |
Sylvia had a great run too and she beat her previous timing by a minute despite the lack of training. Although I do not encourage the lack of training part but good job for completing with a better timing. :)
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| 53a |
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| Jack & Rai |
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| Two Faced (Grace Sunami, 20 and Linda How, 21) |
After race events were great, if I haven't mention it. You can get your pictures (
Polaroids) snapped
at the 100 plus and snap booth, 100plus drinks served by 100plus girls
and free ice-creams!! (wow~!) - prefect stuff after a run. Oh and I'm
not forgetting the great music and performances onstage too.
Concert after the event were hyped up by the likes of pop and rock band - 53a, acoustic duo - Jack & Rai, first ever female DJ duo - Two Faced, avid music turn fan - DJ Chrisp, co-owner of Singapore's premier underground club - DJR and renowned visual artists, graffiti artists and illustrators such as
Onetwodelta, Sheryo, Zero and TR853-I were there to display their work for the event as well.
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| And she said yes!! |
I would like to congrats the couple that will be getting married and wish them a thousand years of happiness in their marriage. I heard from Sylvia that they will be getting marry that very right but she could be wrong but still congrats!!!
Event aside, Nike Singapore donated USD $10,000 to
the Children’s Aid Society and is also in further
discussions with the organization to help develop a sports programme
that will inspire and motivate the children and teens under the
organization’s care.
Challenges, Contests and Promotions
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(Run Buddy Run Nike+ Challenge Winners)
Movenpick - Francis and Connie |
Launching a month before the race day, Run Buddy Run Nike+ Challenge is an online challenge where buddies can motivate each other from 5 Sept - 5 Oct, for a chance to win free entry and a VIP race day
experience at the WE RUN SG 10k.
I finished 52nd, clocking 116.45km and my buddy clocked 20.98km, totaling 137.43km but we were way short from the top team Movenpick who clocked 1078 km in that 4 weeks.
Grand Prize for winning Run
Buddy team includes:
- 2 nights stay at the Marina Bay Sands hotel inc. breakfast, for two.
- Limo pick up to and from hotel to race
- Free entry for both run buddies to the WE RUN SG 10k race
- VIP priority entry to the race start pen
- Access to Nike+ Lounge with complimentary breakfast
- Access to priority queue at Baggage Check and Massage Counters for free massages!
- $200 Nike vouchers
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| Buddies Poster we sent to motivate each other |
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Buddies can create motivational posters where top 3 voted Run Buddy Run posters will be printed onto Tees on race day and the most voted line will be printed up on banners on race day.
Like other races, We Run SG 10K registered participants have special promotion of 20% off Nike running products with minimum spending of SD 120 and not including Nike+ and Sale items when you present your confirmation slip from 23 Sept - 9 Oct 2011. And to add on, they provide Training Run programmes (FOC) to aid new runners to do well during the run.
What the winners and Nike Singapore Marketing Manager says...
Apparently both the winners were recovering from sickness but still completed the race with amazing form.
Jason Lawrence, overall champion of Nike We Run SG 10K 2011 returned with a time of 34 mins 4 secs said:
“I enjoyed the route, and even though it wasn’t my best timing, I am really happy with my performance. It’s a fantastic race as it brings the running community together, and I am really proud to be part of more than 10,000 people in Singapore who share one common passion – running.”
Anne Date, women’s category winner champion finished the Nike We Run SG 10K 2011 in a time of 37 minutes 4 seconds.
“I am very pleased with my timing, and this is great especially since I am not a specialist in this distance and have spent most of the week resting. The route was well-designed, allowing me to experience the race atmosphere and connect with the other runners at the same time,” recounted Date, “The Nike WE RUN SG 10K also plays an important role in my preparation for the Southeast-Asia Games, allowing me to assess my physical readiness.”
Vijaya Kumar Jayaraj, Marketing Manager, Nike Singapore commented that:
“The Nike We Run SG 10K 2011 concluded with a bang. It was evident that this race brought runners together, connecting them as they motivated and inspired each other to achieve their running potential. We certainly hope that runners will keep this in mind, and know that together, we can attain our goals better and stronger,”
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