The Great Eastern Women’s Run 2014: Run To Live Great Programme

The Great Eastern Women’s Run 2014: Run To Live Great Programme

During last weekend, the Run To Live Great programme kicked off. This event, targeted at new runners, is aimed at helping them to take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle of regular exercise and staying fit.

This programme is part of the Great Eastern Women’ Run, which is taking place on 9 November this year and comprises of three categories – the 5km Fun Run, and the 10km and 21km Competitive races. It is organised by HiVelocity Events.

50 pairs of women were chosen from 500 entries

For the Run to Live Great programme, 50 pairs of women were chosen from about 500 entries. They were required to write a 100-word essay on why they deserved to be picked for the programme.

Received a $350 goodie bag

The participants all received a $350 goodie bag, comprising of items such as a pair of New Balance shoes and a Polar Loop activity tracker – to kick-start them on their new running hobby.

One of the women was 23-year-old advertising executive Vivian Sng, who has hated running ever since she was a little girl.

So by taking part in the Run To Live Great programme, she will be overcoming a huge physical and mental hurdle. She is hoping to complete the 5km Fun Run in one piece and without stopping to walk.

Participants treated to a variety of activities and tips

The Run To Live Great programme participants were treated to a variety of activities, including icebreaker games to get to know their fellow programme participants better – last Saturday.

As well, they got tips from Adrian Mok, the founder of HiVelocity, who also shared some insights with runners on the Polar Loop Activity Tracker.

They also got to ask some of Singapore’s leading experts and influencers in the running, health and fitness field, such as Mok Ying Rong, Dipna Lim-Prasad, Liv Lo and Claire Jedrek – questions on running.

Throughout the programme, the participants will be taking part in a myriad of other activities, including kickboxing and fun runs, to prepare them for race day.

Informative session for the participants

So it was definitely an informative session – which the participants thoroughly enjoyed.

Click here to read more about the Run To Live Great welcome session.

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Singapore’s Oldest Marathoner: Chan Meng Hui

Chan Meng Hui singapore marathonChan Meng Hui, aged 84, is Singapore’s oldest marathon runner.

But Chan, who picked up running in his fifties – when he retired – is still going strong and has completed 99 marathons and still counting.

He has even written a book, Run For Life, and was promoting it at last weekend’s Run for Life event. While there, he also completed a 10km run with a finishing time of 1 hour and 45 minutes. This is admirable, considering his age.

With his book, Chan hopes to inspire other runners with his life story and how he managed to turn over a new leaf, from a party-boy to an avid athlete.

Picked up running after he retired

Chan actually used to be actively playing sports such as badminton in his teenage days, but due to his busy workload as a sales representative, he gave this up – and began indulging himself in late night partying, smoking and drinking.

But when he retired, he picked up sports again and chose running because of its ease, simplicity and convenience. This was because he realised that he was doing his health long-term damage and wanted to set things right again.

100th Marathon at the end of this year

Chan’s 100th marathon will be the StanChart marathon, taking place on 7 December this year. This will mark a personal milestone in his life.

For this run, Chan hopes to complete it in a good timing, so he is now training hard and building up mileage, from 50km to about 80km per week. His time target for the race is less than eight hours – which will be remarkable for someone of his age, should he achieve this.

Click here for more about Chan Meng Hui’s book and his marathon career.

Click here for Chan Meng Hui’s inspirational life story.

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Signing up for my first Triathlon

The big decision

Well, I did it! I signed up for the very first triathlon of my life! I’ve done a biathlon before, so swimming 1.5km in open water and running 10km is not a problem to me. Riding a bike for 36km is the issue – I’m sure my legs will be wobbly after the swim and bike…. My friend is kind enough to lend me his bike for training and for the race, so now I’m clocking up the mileage and doing combo routines in preparation of the race on 17th Aug. It’s going to be a tough test for me, I certainly want to train for it, and enjoy the 3.5 hour ‘torture’ that I’m going to put myself through….

Well, at 45 years of age, doing my first triathlon, I think I am damn brave….. wish me luck!

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Race Review: GK Run to Build 2014

Picturesque scenery that Bedok Reservoir Park entails

“One World, One Race, One Goal”.

Picturesque scenery that Bedok Reservoir Park entails
Picturesque scenery that Bedok Reservoir Park entails

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.

Group of elderly doing exercises on their mats
Group of elderly doing exercises on their mats

Pushing themselves to complete the run
Pushing themselves to complete the run

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.

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Race Review: Mizuno PAssion Wave Run 2014

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.

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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.

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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)

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One Family, One Run: RunNUS 2014

NUS’ annual largest running event will be back for the 8th time on 24th August 2014. This year, new elements have been added to the event! Continue reading to find out about the Carnival and the unique Family Challenge race.

RunNUS2014_Logo_MainWhat is RunNUS?

Now in its eighth year, RunNUS is the largest and the most anticipated annual running event for NUS alumni, students and staff. Organised by the NUS Students’ Sports Club, the event is open not only to members of NUS but to the public as well.

Every year, RunNUS supports the NUS Annual Giving campaign, an annual campaign that aims to raise funds for student support. Net proceeds from runners’ fees, and individual pledges support University-wide bursaries for NUS students in financial need. For more information on the NUS Annual Giving campaign, visit www.annualgiving.nus.edu.sg.

The carnival

A new highlight for this year’s RunNUS would be the carnival to be held alongside the main running events. Participants are encouraged to attend the event with their families and soak in the joyous atmosphere with top NUS bands performing and various other exciting carnival activities and games.

The races

But that’s not all! There is a brand new Family Challenge segment for parents to bond with their kids over our specially crafted programmes.

10KM Competitive

Whether a dedicated runner or not, the 10KM Competitive Run is open to all! Push your limits to finish the route in the fastest time, or take a slow jog and enjoy the scenery. Yes, that’s right – we have a unique NUS-only scenic route, exclusive only to RunNUS. Top runners in the 10KM Competitive will walk away with attractive prizes!

5KM Fun Run

Looking to kickstart your running career or your healthy lifestyle? The 5KM Fun Run is designed just for you. It is an ideal training distance for beginners and veterans alike. Bring your friends along too, and get them to start running!

Family Challenge

Running too easy for you? Come take part in our Family Challenge and challenge your limits! Not because it’s challenging, but because you can’t do it alone. For all the fathers and mothers, your children are welcome to take part. For everyone else, bring your friends and family along and enjoy the bond of family and friendship. Challenge your family and friends to find the 3 checkpoints found around NUS and race back to the finish in the shortest time possible. The Best Dressed Family/Team will also stand to win attractive prizes!

runnus 2014 Category Price

For more information and registration, check out the official website: http://runnus.nussportsclub.org

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SMU Mile Run with 10% Discount for Just Run Lah! readers

SMU Mile Run is a competitive 4.8km race organized by SMU Runteam on 21st September 2014. It aims to create a fresh running experience for the community, trigger the passion for running in Singapore, unite running enthusiasts and create awareness for Singapore’s heritage. Bringing to you an exciting and exhilarating running experience through the infusion of a unique race route.

Held in Fort Canning Park (FCP), SMU Mile Run allows you to discover a different side of FCP. Unravel the beauty of the park by traveling the path less traveled and challenge yourself as you overcome the various “ups and downs” within the park.

 

10% Discount Code

Just Run Lah! is happy to present its readers with a 10% discount code (valid until 17th Aug 2014).

Just use code SMUMRJRL2014 during registration to get the special discount!

 

Runner’s Entitlement:

  • Exclusive SMU Mile Run 2014’s Race Shirt
  • Exclusive SMU Mile Run Race Pack
  • SMU Mile Run 2014’s Finisher Medal (Upon completion of the Race)
SMU Mile Run 2014 event t-shirt by AM.
SMU Mile Run 2014 event t-shirt by AM.
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Soh Rui Yong: The record-holder for 10km

A 41-Year-Old National Record Broken

Last month, a 41-year-old national running record was broken.

This was the 10,000m track record set by PC Suppiah in 1973 – with a time of 31 minutes and 19.0 seconds. But Soh Rui Yong, recently broke it, by running the same distance at the USA’s Portland Track and Field Festival – in 31 minutes and 15.95 seconds.

Training for the race

To train for the race, Soh, a student currently based in the USA, gradually increased his total mileage and clocked up his runs on a mixture of trail, road and track. This is because running on the same surface puts too much pressure on the joints, thus increasing the risk of injuries, according to the runner.

Confident of breaking the record

Soh, 22, had been quite confident that he could break the record. This was because he had done plenty of training. Despite being injured in the lead-up to race day, he still felt that a good run would bring him under the mark and get him the record.

Soh’s Race Strategy

To put it in a nutshell, Soh’s race strategy was to run 75 seconds per lap consistently throughout the whole race.

But it was made more difficult, by the fact that he had to pace himself.

Most challenging part of the race

The most challenging part of the race for Soh, was the fact that this record had eluded runners for a massive 41 years. As a result, some doubted his ability to succeed in what many others had failed to do – for four decades.

But his coach had faith in him, and in the end, this had paid off tremendously.

Eyeing the marathon record

Now that he already has the 10,000m record firmly in the bag, Soh is secretly eyeing the marathon record (2 hours 24 minutes and 22 seconds), set by Murugiah Rameshon in the 1995 South East Asian Games.

To read an interview with Soh about his record-breaking attempt, click here.

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Running 24 Hours on the treadmill for charity

Run For Cover 2014

Last weekend, 10 teams consisting of of eight runners each, took turns and pounded the treadmill at the Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza. This was because they were all taking part in the Run for Cover event – a 24-hour treadmill endurance challenge.

Within the 24 hours, the ten teams had to clock the most mileage on the treadmill, in order to walk away with the top prize – 10 years of free health insurance by the race organiser, the Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

The winner of the challenge was the DTCC team, comprising of NUS students and alumni. They chalked up almost 319 kilometres on the treadmill, with each member taking turns to do half-hour sessions.

MR25 came second with about 305 kilometres and Team Tze Char rounded off the top three with just over 292 kilometres clocked on the treadmill.

The Sweltering Heat

For most of the runners, the sweltering heat proved to be their biggest obstacle. Temperatures easily reached up to more than 30 degrees C, so runners had to continuously fan and mist each other, in order to stay cool. At the same time, having constant hydration was also very important.

Fortunately, the race organisers had foreseen this though and there was more than enough isotonic drinks and water to cater to the thirsty and exhausted runners.

DTCC team: The winners of the challenge
DTCC team: The winner of the challenge

Running For A Cause

But the charity component definitely helped to keep the runners going despite the difficulties.

This is because with every 30km clocked in this challenge, a needy person would receive a free cataract surgery. Knowing that they were running not just for themselves, but also clocking the miles to help someone else, definitely helped to spur runners on.

Public Treadmills

As well, public treadmills were also provided at the event and passers-by could jump on and contribute their miles to the cause as well.

This definitely proved to be very popular and these public treadmills were constantly in operation throughout the whole 24 hours. In fact, they were so well received that I found it hard to book a slot myself during the challenge, but I was fortunate and managed to contribute about half an hour of mileage to the cataract surgeries.

A total of 3,500 kilometres were clocked altogether. This was by both the participants and members of the public.

Click here to read more about the Run For Cover treadmill challenge.

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Race Review: MR25 X-Country Marathon

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Actually it’s more of a ‘first half of the x-country marathon‘ race review, since I was the 1st member of a relay team with a colleague from work.

This was a great event. Very small in comparison to other Singapore’s road race, there were maybe 500-800 runners in total.

I’ve recently started training with the F1 Runners club, so I met the team at the amenity centre around 0630 for a quick warm up.

The route was to be an anticlockwise loop of the reservoir, 2 laps each for the relay teams, 4 laps for the full marathoners.

I don’t know about you, but I always run Macritchie clockwise!

Just as Jacek was giving his Race Director’s speech, a thunderstorm began – which lasted my entire first lap! The trail was flooded in many parts – but having been brought up running cross country in Wales, I am used to a bit of rain – actually I prefer to run in the rain even now.

All dried out by my second lap – it’s amazing how well the trail drains. The last 5k was a good old fashioned bit of racing with another F1 runner – I was able to hold him off with my goat like down hill running skills.

I handed over to Inge, my relay team mate and headed home for a shower. Returned at 1130 to see her come through the finish and collect our medals and very bright finisher T’s!.

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Another awesome Singapore Trail race, can’t wait for The North Face 100 in October.

Happy Running guys….

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Race Review: Jurong Lake Run 2014 A night race as good as it can get!

A pleasant run at a scenic location

Last night I took part in the 10 km race of Jurong Lake Run 2014, held at the Chinese Garden. I was looking forward to this event, mainly due to location, but also due to my preference of running at evenings.

I had high expectations from this event, gladly, the race exceeded all my expectations and became the first one to receive a perfect score from me on the JustRunLah! Race Database. Let’s take things from the beginning.

Race pack collection: A new system to me

The race pack collection system was a first for me, and I have to say that it did work. During registration you had the option to select a collection time slot which ought to minimize the waiting time. Unfortunately, there was heavy rain during the first day of collection which could make it difficult for some runners to make it for their designated time. The organisers took quick action and notified us that we could go and collect our packs at any time we wanted instead. I went to collect on Saturday around 1pm when the rain was just stopping. I was very pleasantly surprised to see that there were volunteers waiting at the MRT station handing umbrellas for the 5-minute outdoors walk to Dragon Phoenix Court!

Collection was done based on a queueing ticket system. First, you had to self check-in; the nominal waiting time for me was 7 minutes, which gave me some time to browse through the expo. After about 5 minutes, my number was called on the screen so I proceed to the counter and received my items. I should mention that there were live performances on stage at all times, as well as some stalls with snacks and drinks.

Race pack collection: Organisers distributed umbrellas
Umbrellas were given to participants during race pack collection.
jrl2014_collection
The race pack collection system.
Ticket system
The queue slip.
Self check-in
Race pack collection area.

Arriving at the starting point

Volunteers were pointing the way to the Science Centre, which is a 10 minute walk away from Jurong East MRT station. I arrived an hour before flag off and quickly deposited my bag. There are some very interesting (and free) exhibitions outside the Science Centre, such as the Kinetic Garden, the Speech Disruption Tube and various optical tricks which helped fill my time very pleasantly. I proceeded to the starting pen about 15 minutes before flag off.

Sun clock at the Science Centre: 1 hour to flag-off
Sun clock at the Science Centre: 1 hour to flag-off
jurong_lake_run2014_flag-off
Getting ready

Running in the Garden

After clearing the first 2 km -give or take- running on Boon Lay Avenue, we entered the gardens; and the fun begun. The route took us around Jurong Lake offering breathtaking views of the sunset. Just before passing the bridge to enter the Chinese Garden there was live traditional chinese music which fitted perfectly with the venue. It’s really amazing how much energy the drum sounds can give you. Further on we crossed The Rainbow Bridge to enter the adjacent Japanese Garden, and finally proceeded to the finisher’s area to receive the well-designed and high-quality medal. I forgot to mention that there were plenty of hydration points (I counted 4 along the way, one at finishing line and another 2 or 3 in the carnival) all of them offering cold 100Plus!

Runners at the Chinese Garden
Runners at the Chinese Garden
Running over The Rainbow Bridge
Running over The Rainbow Bridge

The carnival

Live music, food and plenty of exhibition stalls were placed all around the garden. The well-light bridges, the pagodas, statues and pavilions added to the whole experience. I hung out for a while, had an ice cream and then headed back home.

Pagodas
Pagodas
The Carnival
The Carnival
Light Up The Night!
Light Up The Night!
jurong lake run 2014 medal photo
Finisher’s medal

The verdict

As I said earlier, I cannot find a single negative point for this event. Only the heat perhaps; but not much to do about it. The organisers managed to address and overcome any issues that occurred (eg. the rain during race pack collection, a mix-up with the sizes of the running vests), the volunteers were amazingly supportive and loud, and the route was scenic and comfortable. I cannot wait for Jurong Lake Run 2015!

The route
The route as recorded with my Sports-Tracker app.
Cover photo credit: www.lifestyle1881.com
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Pacing in Road Races

Hitting the wall is one of the biggest fears of every long distance runner. One of the leading causes is starting out too fast, driven by all the excitement building up till the flag-off. Furthermore, with so many things going through the mind and bodies of the -especially unexperienced- marathon runners, not being able to pay attention to your timing and maintain a constant pace is very common. Luckily, pacing teams are a common sight in major events.

Pacing team in Singapore. www.runningdept.com
Pacing team in Singapore. www.runningdept.com

A pacing team is a group of runners led by an experienced leader who run together in the race. They can usually be spotted easily by the banners or balloons with the designated finishing time written on them that hold up and run with. The pace team will run at an even pace per mile, and the whole group can achieve their goal of finishing the marathon at a particular time.

Major events  often provide pacing teams for a variety of finish times to cater for all types of runners. It might be normal for the pace to feel a bit too slow in the beginning of the race, but remember that pacing team leaders are very experienced and keep track of the time throughout the run. If, on the other hand, you feel like you can’t keep up with your chosen pacing team, just slow down and drop back; chances are you will be able to catch the oncoming, slower pacing team, and be able to enjoy the rest of the race and finish strong.

Pacing team preparing for a race in Singapore.
Pacing team preparing for a race in Singapore. www.teamfatbird.com

It might be a cliche, but the most important thing is to listen to your body. Pacers are only guides to help you meet running goal, but if you are having an off day and need to slow down or walk don’t try to stick to your original plan; just finish the race on your own time frame instead.

Pacing team in Miami Marathon. Photo: www.marathonpacing.com
Pacing team in Miami Marathon. Photo: www.marathonpacing.com

If you are interested in finding out more or joining one, have a look at the Singapore running clubs listing.

Pacer team for the 10km Great Eastern Women's Run 2013, Singapore
Pacer team for the 10km Great Eastern Women’s Run 2013, Singapore
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My 4th Sundown Marathon…

And well… it was okay. Didn’t achieve my targeted finishing time, but still a good run nonetheless.

This year’s route had a new twist: the organisers added the climbing up and down of the Sheares bridge. It was indeed challenging, by the 34th km, I was already doing a walkathon, so I could only walk up the bridge slowly. For me, the rain at 20km was a welcome one! It chased the humidity away, and it was rather refreshing.

There were a few things that I didn’t like about this year’s race, one of it is definitely the need to stop traffic (and vice versa) in order to continue the race. This literally breaks any momentum and for a event this big, I simply feel that it is wrong. I did not experience any water stations running out of juice, but there were complains of water running out at certain hydration points. It’s a repeat every year, the organisers really need to look into it. I also didn’t like the other gimmicks like the glow zones (which in my opinion, is a complete joke!), and how in the world did 2,000 runners gets their results lost in technology? Small but critical thing… hopefully they can only get better.

Well, this one is done and dusted, I’ll be looking forward to the next 42km, and hopefully to achieve a new personal best the next time.

Cover photo credit: Running Shots

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Sundown Marathon 2014 Champions

Sundown Marathon Winners: Russell Ericksen and Alex Ong

Singapore-based American marathoner Russell Ericksen emerged as champion, with a timing of 3 hours and 3 seconds, in the 42km category of the recently concluded Sundown Marathon.

Singaporean Alex Ong followed closely behind, in second place, with a time of 3:00:50.

Third-placed Thomas Greene, from Britain, clocked 3:03:59.

I recently interviewed the two top Sundown Marathon podium finishers. Here is what went on in their minds, during the race.

Thought Alex would overtake him

Russell admitted that he had thought Alex would overtake him in the last 10 kilometres of the race. But he managed to hold off the competition to take the title.

Bridge not a problem

For both runners, the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, termed as Heartbreak Bridge by a lot of marathon runners in Singapore, was not too much of a problem even though Russell thought the Singapore bridge was comparable to some of the toughest hills he has done overseas.

And Alex wasn’t too bothered by the climb either. He thought that he could compensate for the loss of time during the downslope.

The bridge portion of the route was introduced this year – to partly challenge the participants and to showcase the city skyline.

Their Strategy

For Russell, he was more concerned about not going too fast, keeping to a 4:05 to 4:10 pace.

And for Alex, he didn’t want to inflict more damage on an earlier calf strain – so he didn’t really think too much about strategy.

About the climb

Both of these elite runners thought that the Sundown Marathon was particularly challenging though – but for different reasons.

In Alex’s case, it was the dark sections of the route, particularly at East Coast Park, that made him wonder why he was running at that ungodly hour and not sleeping.

But for Russell, the weather and humidity of the Singapore night almost got the better of him as he still gets exhausted more easily, compared to racing in cooler and less humid climates, such as America or Australia.

Click here to read an interview with Russell on his winning run.

Click here to see what Alex said of his podium finish.

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Sydney: Running from Bondi to Coogee Beach

Exploring Bondi, Sydney the runner’s way

So I recently visited Sydney for a short business trip and, as usual, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to run around and explore the place. While planning my trip, I chose to stay at a hotel at Bondi Junction, an eastern suburb of Sydney. The area seemed to be well connected to downtown and the main attractions, but at the same time there’s a more laid back appeal. I was not wrong. Darling Harbour and the rest of sights are only 20 minutes away by train, and Bondi Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Sydney, was within walking distance.

My first morning at Sydney was rainy, so I only went out for a very short run. Bondi Beach is massive, and even though the weather was bad, there were quite a few people running or walking their dogs there. However, it was getting colder and there was no sign of the rain stopping, so I soon decided to return to my room and hope the weather would get better.

And it did.

Throughout the rest of my days in Sydney, the sun was shinning, and the temperature was perfect for comfortable long runs.

From Bondi to Bronte Beach via Cooper Park

After a quick look at Google Earth for other places to visit nearby, I saw a “Cooper Park” located somewhere on my way to Bondi beach, so I decided to pay it a visit. It is a small park – more like a stretch of land – rich with trees and plants which accommodates quite a few tennis courts.

I ran past it, briefly consulted my GPS, and headed to Bondi Beach, which is approximately 2km away. This time the situation was different, the beach was full with people sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Plenty of runners and families walking around as well. I took the path heading south all the way to Coogee Beach, but since time was pressing, I only made it to Bronte Beach (check GPS map below). It is a medium grade pathway with some steep steps to climb. Highlight was probably the Mackenzies Point, where you can enjoy breathtaking 360 degree views of the cliffs around. Before I made it to Bronte, I passed through – the quite busy – Tamarama beach. I was determined to come back for more!

Cooper Park, Sydney
Cooper Park, Sydney

running bondi beach sydney 1
Bondi Beach, Sydney.

Bondi to Coogee

The next day I returned and I was ready to run all the way to Coogee Beach. I followed the same path heading south, passed from Mackenzies Point, Tamarama and Bronte. Next up is Waverley Cemetery. Now, I don’t believe I’m actually saying this, but that is an amazing cemetery (check photo below)! Not only the views from the platform are outstanding, but the largely intact Victorian and Edwardian monuments (yeah, I Wiki’ed that) themselves add something to the whole picture… Further down is Gordon’s Bay with its beautiful green waters and all those wooden boat docking structures  – photo below. Finally, Coogee Beach. Another massive beach quite similar to Bondi, filled with surfers and people hanging out enjoying the sun.

All in all, if you are ever in Sydney and have a free morning to spend, do take this run. The views are amazing, and all beaches have facilities and are connected with public transportation to the rest of the city – so even if you don’t have time for the whole route, you can still enjoy a small part of it, take a shower and go on with the rest of your day.

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Bondi beach, Sydney
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Along the route, near Mackenzies Point.
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Waverley Cemetery. My first run through a cemetery…
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Gordons Bay, Sydney.
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Arriving at Coogee Beach, Sydney.
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Bondi Junction to Bronte beach via Cooper Park and Bondi beach.
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Bonus: A “Google Auto-Awesome” animation of some photos I took during a cruise from Manly Beach to the city.

 

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2 Free race slots for the “GK Run To Build 2014”

Run To Build 2014: ONE WORLD, ONE RACE, ONE GOAL.

To support Gawad Kalinga -a Philippine-based poverty alleviation and nation-building movement.- and its mission, GK1 World Singapore hosts an annual fun-run charity event that started in 2013. Last year’s fun-run was held at Bedok Reservoir Park on Nov 24, 2013. Over 900 runners came from all over Singapore to take part. Last year’s event proceeds were donated to victims of international typhoon Haiyan in the Central Philippines.

Join the 4.3km fun run for free

This year, two (2) of our readers will have the opportunity to enter the 4.3km category at no cost. 

In order to successfully enter the contest, you must:

1) Be a registered user on JustRunLah!. Click here to register if you are not.

2) Log in and post a comment to the present article using the form below telling us why you want to participate in this race.  

* Make sure you post the comment from your registered account, and that your email address is working; otherwise we will not be able to contact you.

The winners will be selected in random. Their usernames will be posted here, and they will be notified by email within one week after the contest has ended.

Contest closes midnight on Friday, June 13.

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