Showing posts with label Sundown Marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sundown Marathon. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Sundown Marathon 2012

By Lance 1:28 AM , , , 6 comments

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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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Sundown Marathon 2012 Pacer Experience

By Lance 6:40 PM , 1 comment

Date: 19/02/2012
Time: 0700 hrs
Venue: The Playground @ Big Splash
Weather: Fair
Distance: 21km for FM
Agenda: Trial Selection and followed the 5hr30min group. Had a nice ice-breaking session with the rest of the runners who had vast experiences. Weather was good for running and the route was flat and reasonable.


Date: 24/02/2012
Time: 1930 hrs
Venue: The Playground @ Big Splash
Weather: Cooling
Distance: 21km for FM
Agenda: Second round of trial for those who couldn't make it for the first. I considered it another training for the pace I am going at. Bonus was groups were allowed to go slightly quicker so that they can finish it within the assigned timing.


 
Date: 04/03/2012
Time: 0700 hrs
Venue: MacRitchie @ Amenities Centre
Weather: Humid
Distance: 23km for FM
Agenda: Did not attend but feedback from other pacers was the hills were killing and the humidity didn't help. It was base building period so hillwork really helps in pushing and body conditioning. Pacers had a sneak preview of their pacer kit as well.


Date: 10/03/2012
Time: 0700 hrs
Venue: Playground @ Big Splash
Weather: Hot
Distance: 21km for FM
Agenda: Base Training and my first time with trainees. Got to know a few of the trainees and a bit of their running history so as to assess and assist them in their targetted aim for Sundown. A huge turnout and a good ice breaking session between the pacers and trainees.


Date: 16/03/2012
Time: 2000 hrs
Venue: MacRitchie @ Amenities Centre
Weather: Cooling
Distance: 23km for FM
Agenda: It's the first night run in MacRitchie with the trainee and everyone was excited. It was needless to say sloppy at certain point of the route but this did not stop the trainees from finishing the run. Witness a python along the path which makes the run more adventurous. A good run.


Date: 25/03/2012
Time: 0700 hrs
Venue: Playground @ Big Splash
Weather: Cloudly
Distance: 26km for FM
Agenda: The skie was not in the brightest colour but that did not stop the runners from proceeding with the run. The mileage increased progressively but no one was complaining. We finished the run in high spirit and had a great rest in the stormy noon.


Date: 30/03/2012
Time: 1930 hrs
Venue: Playground @ Big Splash
Weather: Cooling
Distance: 28km for FM
Agenda: On water point duty. First lead up run comprising of Sundown trainees and particants signed up for group run. The huge turnout had a fantastic experience at the scenic run around Marina Bay hosting iLightMarinaBay. Midway water points fuelled by Maxifuel was very welcoming too.


Date: 08/04/2012
Time: 0700 hrs
Venue: SAFRA @ Mount Faber
Weather: Cooling
Distance: 30km for FM
Agenda: Very cooling weather as it rained the previous night. Running loops at Labrador Nature Reserve trains the leg muscles especially when it meant plenty of hill works. Most of us finished at least 6 loops even though the hillwork was tough.


Date: 13/04/2012
Time: 2000 hrs
Venue: Changi Beach Car Park 1
Weather: Cooling
Distance: 28km for FM
Agenda: It was one of the straightest and demoralising route to run but this helps train the mental which is a key muscle when running a marathon. The Kookaburra runners joined in the training and a bigger crowd made the training less mind wreaking.


Date: 21/04/2012
Time: 0700 hrs
Venue: Playground @ Big Splash
Weather: Raining
Distance: 30km for FM
Agenda: The rain arrived when we made it to 8km mark but everyone continued the run. Thanks to the cooling weather, many runners went stronger and completed a few clicks more. I, on the other hand, did only 14km so I can still compete for my Run350 the following day. The heavy downpour actually brought up the morale of the runners, totally denying the worries of the organizer. Runners might actually go for a full distance if we did not stop them from proceeding further. A great second lead up run!


Date: 27/04/2012
Time: 2000 hrs
Venue: MacRitchie @ Amenities Centre
Weather: Humid
Distance: 28km for FM
Agenda: Runners came to conquer the MacRitchie route for the last time during this program and we were supposed to hit Mandai Zoo - if we have enough time. Most groups were able to reach the Zoo except mine and the happy group. The humidity level for this night cannot be underestimate.


Date: 06/05/2012
Time: 0700 hrs
Venue: Playground @ Big Splash
Weather: Hot
Distance: 35km for FM
Agenda: Did not attend the last lead up run due to MR25 Progressive 15km run. This was the longest run before the real thing and the weather was not helping. It was so hot that runners were literally diving into ice for baths.


Date: 11/05/2012
Time: 1930 hrs
Venue: ECP Carpark C4
Weather: Humid
Distance: 28km for FM
Agenda: It was a humid day definitely but everyone did a strong finish for this run since this will be the last training before runners enter the tappering stage. The humidity level was relatively higher this few weeks but runners were able rehydrate at the various water points. Trainees were issued their running kit and given advise on what to do and what not to on race day and the week prior. Excitement can easily be detected through the air since the training for the real thing will be up in two weeks time.


Date: 20/05/2012
Time: 0700 hrs
Venue: Playground @ Big Splash
Weather: Hot
Distance: 18km for FM
Agenda: In the tappering phase, runners did a final training at optimal pace. It wasn't the usual 28-30km distance but a shorter 18km run. This allows the leg to have adequate rest yet retaining it's running memory.
 

My overall experience was the organizing committee did a good job in ensuring a good program planned and executed. The fun element was not missed and safety was definitely not compromised. The various committee members did a good job in ensuring their respective job being done, all in the form of passion. The only disappointment for me was not being an official pacer despite the amount of time dedicated into the program but understanding the situation, it was unavoidable. Every team requires a good set of reserves and from my viewpoint, we have a strong pool of reserves. The good part is no doubt the enjoyment of training for the marathon in a fun group with some sponsored privileges. Friendship bonds created between the pacers and trainees through the program was something great as well. Definitely a positive experience.


** The great memories were captured by AC, CK and Min.
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