Cool crisp air, lush greenery, breathtaking scenery.

It was hard to deny that the organisers for TriFactor Run this year has indeed picked a paradise for our race participants to enjoy the race.

Before the sun has peered out from the clouds, the 31.5km and 21km runners have already started their races and were drenched in their perspiration. As the pathways were still pretty dark, road marshals can be seen cycling around with big headlights situated at the front of their bikes, to make sure that no one is lost during the race itself and also, to ensure the safety of the runners.  The emcee and the DJ were already cooking up the atmosphere when I reached there whilst many runners were busy doing their warm-up exercises and taking pictures of the picturesque scenery that Punggol Waterway provides us with. It was nice of the emcee to remind us of race etiquettes like, keep to the left if you are a slow runner, since it is something that is usually left unobserved in many races that I have participated.

At 7.30 am sharp, the race horn sounded. As this is a competitive race in which many seasoned marathon and even, triathlon participants do join, it was inevitable for me to feel the competitiveness of the race right at the start of it. I had to run at a faster pace than my usual pace to feel that I am not obstructing anyone’s progress.

A few sections of the race routes were pretty narrow, eg, at the start of the race ( the Nature Cove area) . Yet, this was compensated by the charming scenery that Punggol Waterway provides us with- a perfect illustration of Singapore’s progress together with Singapore’s reputation as a “Garden City”. The construction of several HDB flats (and the upcoming Punggol Safra Club) were complemented by the wide variety of flora and fauna in the park itself. Not to forget, we get to run along 2 of the bridges that allowed us to indulge ourselves in a better view of the surroundings of the park. Besides that, the routes had clear signages – how far we have ran (for all of the race categories) and which way to turn to.  In fact, there was also plenty of water stations (about 1 for every 2 to 3km), road marshals and not forgetting, medics.

Yet, due to my experiences in joining races, it is hard to not notice the areas of improvement that the organisers for the race can pay attention to.

First of all, the location of the race was pretty inconvenient. In order to get there on time, I believed many of us who do not drive depended on cabs. It would be great if shuttlebuses are provided. Moreover, I believed that for the 31.5km and 21km runners, it was pretty tiresome and boring to run around the same route thrice/ twice respectively. Besides, the ending section of the race route was pretty narrow, causing it hard for us to sprint and overtake other runners. Also, there was little restrooms along the race route.

However, with such awesome scenery and the opportunity given to run in a location that many races have not tried hosting before, the ‘complaints’ I have for this race will not deter me from participating in it again. As for sports- lovers out there who prefer competitive cycling or swimming, you will be elated to know that the Tri factor series caters for you too. So watch out for the Tri Factor series next year and be a part of one of the most popular races in Singapore!

“One World, One Race, One Goal”.

This was the statement for GK Run to Build Race 2014, that was held last Sunday. Indeed, throughout the race itself, I can see the statement being brought to life through the race participants- for both 8.6km and 4.3km,  themselves. It was one of the races that I have participated so far that has more foreign participants (mainly Philippinos and Caucasians) than local participants. Yet, who cares when all of us are striving towards the same goal- to complete the race and to do some charity with the race fees that we have contributed.  Like what GK(Gawad Kalinga) says, we were all there “to give care”.

Reaching at Bedok Reservoir Park at 7.10am, I was surprised that there were not as many participants as I thought there would be. The starting pen was narrow and yet, there were still plenty of spaces for me to do some stretching exercises. The host was busy briefing us on what the organiser- GK1 World, does, before the race starts. GK1 World aims for poverty eradication and community building in many parts of the world- mainly Asia, and it has gathered support from different sectors in Philippines itself.  Its vision is to build ” a nation empowered by people with passion, faith and patrioticism” and yes, I can definitely see this spirit in the race participants throughout the race.

At 7. 15am sharp, the race horn for the 4.3km race sounded and we dashed across the starting line.  Across the reservoir itself and at a distance, I could already spot some 8.6km runners who were already half way through the race.  That acts as a motivation for me to run even faster and to catch up with them. In addition, since Bedok Reservoir Park is a park that is famous amongst runners, it has wide- enough paths for us to overtake other runners if we want to.

Unfortunately, my level of motivation went down a little after 2.5km due to the number of runners who were walking. Despite knowing that this is a non- competitive run, the number of runners who decided to brisk walk or stroll was pretty astounding. Though it was only a distance of 4.3km, it was hard to run with enthusiasm when you see that many people walking or stopped running half way through the run. It became more like a usual training session to me then as eventually, my only motivation for the run was to surpass my personal timing for a round around the reservoir.

Yet, despite such a disappointment, I was glad that there were ample water stations for both the 8.6km and 4.3km runners. Water stations were spotted at the 2km and 3.5km points around the reservoir. Sadly, no isotonic drinks was given even at the finishing point.  In addition, there was no clear starting and finishing points so it was hard to gauge if you are planning to sprint near the finishing point. There were only road marshalls (volunteers) to guide you along the way.

However, all these were made up with the picturesque and breathtaking scenery that Bedok Reservoir Park provides us with. Many runners stopped to take pictures with the rising sun, the glistening reservoir and the lush greenery.It was also refreshing for many runners to see how packed and lively Bedok Reservoir Park is with groups of elderly doing exercises on their mats whilst families who live nearby were doing their Sunday morning runs.

Overall, if given a chance to join this again, I will do it for charity’s sake. The lack of clear starting and finishing points, lack of enthusiasm that the host and the runners expressed, and, my preferrence for competitive runs with individual timing chips deterred me from joining this run again if it isn’t for charity. Yet, I have to mention that many of them did push themselves to at least complete the race and ran for the last 100m or so.

A hot Sunday morning in July. Clear skies and full hearts. The buzz of nervous energy on the start line.

Mizuno PAssion Wave Run 2014. 15k on what I know is going to be a tough course. One steep climb & a trail section.

This is a great race though. A proper ‘old school’ runners race, not a glitzy marina bay fun run. I’m not really that bothered about the runners entitlement, but it seemed to be a pretty good deal there too, a good quality Mizuno vest and a Mizuno kit bag plus a chunky nicely engraved medal. I can’t remember how much I paid to enter, but it wasn’t one of the more expensive entries.

Race HQ in a car park at Bukit Merah View. Super friendly and helpful race volunteers everywhere, bag drop at the HDB block was well organised and efficient. Since I live quite nearby it was also super convenient!

Time to flag off!

Flag off at 0730 after the usual important person welcome. It’s a quick downhill start to get the heart pumping.

After 3k, Telok Blangah hill climb from Henderson Road – up the steps, to the top level, round the park and back down again. Lungs and Quads screaming, but recovering quickly with the long downhill section.

An undulating section along Depot Road then down onto the Green Corridor for 3k back to Tiong Bahru. 11k in now, 4k to go, keep pushing. One more loop over the AYE and up to Tiong Bahru park, then back thorough to Bukit Merah and the finish line. I was in good shape up to about 12-13k then lost a little focus and probably dropped about 30-40 seconds over the last 2k’s.

More super helpful and friendly volunteers at the finish line. A medal, a can of pocari sweat and a banana were all handed to me within 30 seconds of finishing  🙂

Nice Mizuno Picture Booth for a photo with my running buddy then a lovely chat with the Aunties at the bag drop before an ice cold 100PLUS (100 plus in a cup with ice is officially my favorite drink EVER) at the hawker across the road.

Remembered there was a vet category and prizes for first 5 in each cat, so I went back to check, only to find out I was 6th Male Vet – just missing out on a $100 mizuno voucher by about a minute 🙁   next time!!!

All in all this is a great great race and definitely in my Singapore Top 3. I’ll be back next year.

Next up the Orange Ribbon Run, see you then guys

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Cover photo credit: Running Shots (www.facebook.com/runningshots.sg)