Shape Run is Singapore’s first all-women’s run and this year they have new race categories such as 15km and family fun run to allow more people to join in the fun! I have been looking forward to race day as the race collection was superb; smooth queuing system and plentiful goodies in the race pack. Also, its finally my chance to see how I have progressed for a 10km since my last race back in 2013…
Pre-race
(Video by JustRunLah!)
It was around 6 am when I reached the Kallang practice tracks and there were already music, bright lights and masses of fit and fun ladies around all eagerly waiting for their flag-off timings. The road marshals and race event volunteers seemed to be all busy getting ready for the races and were friendly in directing incoming participants. Mobile toilets, food and beverages were given free at the sponsors booths and many ladies are already warming up along the tracks. The starting point is located away from the tracks and it seems like supporters of race participants do not really have access to areas near the starting pen. Most of the supporters stood across the overhead bridge to show their support, which was a heartwarming sight.
In the race pen, we were led by fitness instructors for warming exercises and the atmosphere was great! The race was flagged off smoothly and on time at about 6:50am.
Race Experience
I was quite lucky to be in the first quarter portion of the running crowd, just before the 1:00h pacers and the roads were absolutely clear, litter-free and the cooling morning was perfect for the race. There were several U-turns in the 10km route and distance markers were clearly placed every km. I did not experience any bottlenecks because the roads were relatively wide and race volunteers could be seen at almost every km, all enthusiastically cheering us on.
Too bad my phone decided to sleep and my unofficial timing was not captured. Along the race, I was pacing with some other ladies and it was a good run because I only stopped once for a water break. One regret I had was accelerating at the 8km mark; I sprinted up the slope as I thought it was an opportunity to move up the ranks and I did manage to overtake a few participants.
However, after the overhead bridge, I saw the 8km mark once more and realised that the remaining distance was longer than I thought. But in any case, Iopened my strides as big as I could with all my might towards the last stretch at the tracks and felt like a champ 🙂 And once again, another regret was not to look up at the huge digital timer on my right for an estimated timing because I was simply too engrossed in finishing my best. I did hear the emcee saying that it was under one hour or something…
Oh wells, I guess I just have to leave it to the official release of results on Tuesday! All in all, I was satisfied of myself for not giving up and giving my all towards the end 🙂
(Video by JustRunLah!)
Post-Race
The amount of goodies and sponsors spotted at the Shape Run carnival came in many forms apart from the finisher’s medal and singlet – from free towels, bread, box of cereals, facial masks, polaroids and many other stage activities that made participants continue being active even after the race!
I felt that this race was very well-organised, logistics and manpower were sufficient and definitely a success. What a way to celebrate Shape Run’s 10th anniversary with a successful race event!
