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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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.

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