It’s the most delicious run of the year!

I love to drink Meiji’s milk and eat all those chocolates and biscuits especially! That’s one of the reasons I participated in both the 10km and 3.5km category because of the goodie bag and hamper would be super worth it! ?

It’s very interesting and the first I ever heard of, there’s cash back for runners if runners run below a certain timing! ? If the runners runs back the 10km competitive category within 60 minutes, it’s $10 cash back and up to $50 if within 40 minutes! ?

Though at first I was pretty sian 1/2 because the flag off timing for the 10km is at 3.30pm ? I scared scared the Sun ? But while I was on the way to race venue on race day, it was raining heavily at first and was hoping that it didn’t rain in Sentosa. I can’t be pleased easily ?

Eleanor and I were both late and arrived at Vivo wanting to take the tram in. It’s free entry for Meiji’s runners into Sentosa by showing the race bib when taking the tram in. To our horror, the tram’s not working ? It was already 3.20pm and the staff couldn’t tell us when could the tram be working again and told us the fastest way in to Palawan Green is to walk to the bus interchange to take the shuttle bus in. Hoseh liao! ? We decided to walk in instead. By the time we are ready to run, it’s almost 4pm and flag off for the 10km was 3.30pm ?

(Photo credits: Michael Kang)

We asked a volunteer where’s the start for 10km and she look at us in huge eyes with great disbelief saying that they flag off was almost half an hour earlier ? But I googled the website beforehand to check any closing time for the start pen but it only stated the cut off time for all categories will be at 6.30pm. Eleanor and I convinced ourselves that we won’t be the last one back because no matter what, we are both regular runners ? But we will still be late for the 3.5km run no matter how fast we chiong lah ?

Luckily there’s no rain nor sun. It’s cloudy but humid, it’s Singapore what can you know what to expect lah ? But I must say it’s a rather smooth run for me because the runners were about 30 minutes ahead already but luckily there’s many volunteers and road marshals along the way to direct the route. But I guess still, maybe some runners ran the wrong route as the elites was like only a few minutes ahead of the runners whom I’m familiar with. It’s a hilly course as expected ? But I love the route as its a different route than usual, which many races offers the same route.

It was a slow and relax run for me as I already did a 8km run in the morning. After 4km, I stopped a while and opened YouTube, and search for “River Flows In You” a 1 hour loop music. It’s a nice, life reflecting music and it’s my lullaby for the past few nights. We ran towards Tanjong Beach and it’s quite confusing for some runners. As we have to run a loop twice. If runners not alert, they would have ran a shorter distance back. Though still, it’s only about 9.6km when I completed the run. There’s too many water points in this 10km loop till I lost count and best of all, the drinks I had were all cold and shiok isotonic drink to drink in the hot hot weather ❤

(Photo credits: Eleanor Lin)

Eleanor and I head to the start again to run the 3.5km before collecting the 10km finisher entitlements. Maybe I’m tempted to be late for my next races already. It’s a smooth run as there’s nobody else ? I must say the 3.5km category was super well done. Distance is exactly 3.5km tallying with my watch, distance board along the way very clear as well. And even though it’s just 3.5km, the route had a 3 water point all spread out ? I guess all family run should be well equipped with water points like what Meiji run did. Many families and small kids and must have water for the kids ?

It’s a run I will definitely want to participate again next year because of the finisher entitlements. So happy with the milks, the confectionery and I think all these items in the goodie bag and hamper covera back at least $20 of the registration fee already ? The milk and yogurt etc was placed in a cooler bag and even when I’ve reached home like 3 hours later, the items were still cold! I was so excited with the food stuffs that I even forgot to take my mandatory narcissistic selfie photos with the finisher medal that I usually do at the race village ? The medals is so cute lah! Love it! ?

Run for Good Mango was organized by the Whampoa CSC on the 9th June. There were 2 categories to the fun run: 4 km and 2 km. My friend Skye and myself signed up for the 4 km run.

On race day, I took a direct bus from home and reached Kallang Community Club at 7.00 am. Upon registration, I was given a green coloured wristband which I was told I could later use it to redeem a drink after the run. Skye arrived at 7.30 am, just in the nick of time to participate in the mass warm-up exercises.

At 7.45 am, Mr Heng Chee How, Senior Minister of State for Defence, flagged off the 4 km runners. The 4 km route was basically just an additional round of the 2 km route. It was a pavement run and thus at times, runners had to slow down and negotiate when the path got too narrow or congested. Anyway, this was a fun run and not gunning for any PB, so we had no complaint.

There was no hydration station along the route, which I believe was probably due to logistic issue or the organizer felt it wasn’t necessary. But on hindsight, I thought the organizer could have highlighted prior to the run so that anyone who wishes to hydrate could just carry along their own water.

The volunteers, which comprised mostly of senior citizens were great. They were deployed at critical turning points as well as entrances to industrial buildings, stopping any oncoming vehicles for the safe passageway of the runners. Kudos to them!

Upon completion, we received the finisher medal, bottled water and of course, a mango. We redeemed an ice cream and mango drink from SawadeeCup food truck using our wristbands.

We also took our ‘stage photos’, but the ‘Live’ processing was rather slow and took a long time even after we returned from our breakfast. However, the print quality was quite good and acceptable.

My last comment was perhaps the organizer could have increased the fun by having the participants walk/run with mango in hand? This was done during the Run for Good Durian organized by the Ang Mo Kio-Hougang CCC two years. If the participants then were able to improvise methods to carry durians during running, surely there wouldn’t be an issue for us holding a mango?

This would be my eighth  full marathon race – the 4th Sundown Marathon which I ran.  Sundown will have a special place in my heart because it is the first marathon I signed up back in 2015.  I’ve signed up every year since, except last year.  So this year was a comeback.

(Flashback to 2015 post marathon scene and what I thought was the nicest medal for Sundown Marathon)

This is the 12th in the series.  Thankful to a veteran runner (Mr Tan Kim Lai) who is well known in the running affinity group as he also shoots photos in races;  he actually ran in all 12 and photo credit is due to him for the featured cover page of this blog !

This year’s race would start on 11.30 pm on Sat 1st Jun.  Collection of race pack was a breeze still, the week before race.  It had one of the best race pack contents in recent times though it came in a simple big bag (in line keeping with green environment, I suppose).  It was held at the Marina Bay Sands, Expo and Convention Hall C.  The expo was pretty well received from what I observed that Saturday.

On race day, I reached the venue at about 11 pm and entered the pen soon after.  Still, I did observe the race village was abuzz with cheers and activities – some food stalls and movie screening, other category races had concluded.  A success, I thought then.

The night was cool, humid but with a slight breeze.  The music was blaring and the emcees Ross and Kelly were heard conversing with and cheering the crowd.  Nearer the start time they explained that there would be a delay as the roads were being cleared for the runners’ safety.  I wasn’t as concerned though it took perhaps another 15 minutes.  After the first wave we moved forward and there was another flagoff, 10 minutes or so after .  I was in the third wave when I started noticing raindrops falling just under the bright lights from the frame overhanging just above me.  It was about then that the emcees announced there would be another 10 minutes’ delay.  A collective groan of protest came from the crowd.  I was disappointed but again I wasn’t too worried at this point.  I just prayed for the drizzle to stop so that they can give the go ahead.  My prayers were answered.  I think in less than 10 minutes they flagged the wave off.

(See the crowd of runners!  And unknown to me then, another runner whom I got to know on Strava started off at same hour and minute for his half marathon in the same pen !)

As I started off my Garmin I saw the emcees apologizing profusely to the runners as they high-five and cheered them on.   I thought it was very sincere but it wasn’t anybody’s fault.  Safety was a real concern when 25000 runners are involved in such a major event.  Organizers tend to be more cautious when it came to inclement weather.

We were off, 12 minutes past midnight.  The night was humid, cool due to the drizzle which came on and off.  In the last 8 km it rained but at a light tempo.  Some parts of the route were narrow and you probably could squeeze two runners abreast and it was tough when they choose to walk.  I needed to say ‘excuse me’ often though I was going at a ‘slow jog’.

I knew I started off faster than my intended pace.  I realized it was probably good when I started noticing the congestion.  And most of the hydration stations had only water and few carried Pocari Sweat.  Even at the first station where it would provide energy gel (14 km) which I looked forward to, it came in the form of a tube.  I unscrewed the cap and then struggled with the sealant wafer with wet fingers due to sweat or rain.  I gave up after standing there struggling and returned the tube.  I knew it was going to be tough without adequate booster – I had my own to last till 21 km or thereabouts.  And later waves experienced the running out of water in the earlier stations which would have been frustrating if not risky for some of the runners.  Still, if they reach East Coast, there were public toilets and water coolers which could be tapped on.  This meant that for most of the later wave runners, it would have been harder to get a PB if they were trying for one.

As it was night, some parts of the route were dark and I noticed there were glow sticks at two points.  Maybe there were more but I didn’t notice as they could have been kicked away too.  At some points there were volunteers who were cheering away.  Kudos to them because all this was happening between midnight and 7-8 am.  Due to the rain, the surface was also wet and slippery so it was quite miraculous too that I didn’t experience slipping nor notice anyone missing his/her steps.  I probably have learnt much too from the falls I had !

After consuming my last energy gel at about 22 km,  I ran on, losing hope to maintain my planned pace.  I felt my energy level dipping as I went on to the 30s.  Lasted till about 36/37 km where I believed the last hydration station would have the bananas.  Boy, was I glad to see them at last. (Apparently the earlier one should have but have run out).  Still by then, somehow I could only consume just 3/4 piece of banana.  I ran on.  I didn’t hit the wall but I could feel my muscles tightening up already.  The last 2 km somehow I managed to ignore all the pain in my toes which have swollen up – as usual.  Even reached 6 min pace for last km plus.  I didn’t know from where I summoned such energy given my state.

I didn’t target a PB and my plan was to finish within my usual timeframe.  I did it and this was still the fastest Sundown for me.  Sundown marathons are tougher in my opinion too for most unless they are night owls for their runs.  One would have to contend with the natural need for sleep in those hours.  I didn’t really suffer this time because I managed to tune out this mentally somehow.  I was just focused on my ballpark average pace for the distance done at some milestones – 10, 21, 30, 35 km.

As I ran towards the finishing point, there were three things I noticed.  There was almost nobody.  It was raining.  It was so quiet.  I believe it was around 6.30 am then.  As I walked towards the tent, I was given the finisher tee, a banana, a bottle of water and can of Pocari Sweat by the volunteers.  I walked further up to get the finisher medal and confirmed it was the right distance with the smiling volunteer.  And then walked on.

And the race village buzz that I saw on arrival, had gone.  Of course, mainly due to the rain, I suspect.  Well, it would be expecting too much, I guess, if I think organizers would arrange a welcome party !  But perhaps if event organizers want to make a difference, they could consider being there even for the last finisher at cutoff.  Still, as usual, I finished the drinks and banana as I walked out of F1 pit and made my way home.

Sleep can wait.  I wasn’t able to sleep after I reached home nor do I expect to with the adrenaline pumped up after the race.  Sleep only came in the night but I fell into a deep one for the first time in many weeks.  And then woke up at 5 am and went for a walk and reflecting on last night’s marathon.

Positives of the event: Race Pack Collection, Content,  the Expo.  The attractive design of the singlet, the medal and the tee, the race village concept (at least when there were things happening – movie screening, football race and food).  The distance marker was accurate by my Garmin.  The public results were available on Monday but the FB officially announced the links on Tuesday – this was fairly fast still.

Positives of this race for me: a trial on toughness, physical and mental.  I would need to be better prepared with the nutrition or energy supplement if I intend to achieve a Personal Best on a marathon distance and beyond.  Counting on the event’s organizers may not be adequate. I love rain but I cannot run well with wet socks and shoes so the last 8 km was just about right distance.

As for negatives, I don’t need to dwell on them in this blog.  Still, I would probably take part next year, hoping the organizers learned and improved on the failure points.

So for me, it has been a fulfilling two months’ of events.  I’ve yet to complete the writeup for one of April’s event but should be doing soon before the next race comes.   And this run was also dedicated in memory of a friend who had passed away due to cancer and to continue the cause to fight against cancer.   Run Free.  Run Happy.  Run Safe.

OSIM Sundown Marathon is now one of Singapore’s most popular races. It first started back in 2008 and now then it’s actually gonna expand to China and US this year! Wahhhh… I previously only know there’s Sundown Marathon in Malaysia.

For every paid race slot $1 will be donated to the beneficiaries such as the Singapore Disability Sports Council, the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and Running hour. Race slot so expensive, maybe next year Sundown should up the amount of money donated to the beneficiaries? ? Runners can also donate money via the official website. Don’t know the exact amount raised for charity but there’s a total of about 25k runners from the various categories! ?

This year’s Osim Sundown Marathon was under the new managenent of Infinitus Productions, maybe because of the new management, some logistics wasn’t really well done? ? Saw sibeh many complaints on social media ? But honestly, to me the whole race was still alright other than the delayed in flag off and I need to sacrifice my sleep for the race.

This year, I participated in the half marathon category. But really jin hoseh, didn’t do any long distance run after the 16km race 2 weeks prior to this race ? I was feeling unwell for the past week or so and I didn’t run much clocking just 4km and 5km runs mostly.

On race day, I took a 2 hour shiok shiok nap at around 6pm and woke up to makan dinner. Genius me that I went for a nap, I didn’t get sleepy throughout the run ? Meet up with Eleanor to travel to F1 Pit Building, the race village. We reached about an hour prior to flag off timing and jalan jalan around first before we head to the start pen. And realised there was movie screening! ? It was screening the Black Panther, I’ve watched it before so it’s fine that I missed the movie this time.

There’s freebies given out such as Salon Pas patches and Osim Towel. I’ll actually chiong like Spartan to get the freebies but I didn’t bring bag at all to deposit so I didn’t take the freebies ? I’d already taken them during the race pack collection, so I don’t be greedy ❤

There’s “driving arcade” for a F1 formula racing experience. There was only 2 person in queue in front of me so I queued for it and it’s pretty fun and the route was Singapore’s streets! ? Reminds me of those days when I was in primary school, those days when we go to Time Zone and played Daytona. It was fun but before the game ended, I decided to stop playing because sibeh paiseh I got stucked for a long time after I bang the wall and couldn’t turn into the right track ?

Flag off was supposedly at 11.30am for both the half marathon and full marathon runners but the first flag off was only at 11.45am. It was announced that the delay was due to clearing of obstruction on the route. Didn’t know how do they segregate the flag off time and waves but some runners complained that they waited for 45minutes before they started to run ?

It’s a super humid night, the first few hundred metres into the run I already started sweating like mad. But it felt so shiok, I love the feeling of sweating a lot! Realised towards the end of the run, just a grab on my clothes and I saw my sweat drips drips drips out ?

Just 2km into the run, I saw the distance board at the opposite route which will be after our u-turn. I thought the distance board was placed wrongly and not accurately but turns out that we ran the wrong direction and was supposed to be at the other side of the road ? Many runners only realised when the 2nd wave runners start catching up and running into our lane, opps, it’s we who ate running in their lane. ? And some parts of the route was just a narrow single car lane. It was still fine when I ran, but when the later waves runner ran in it, it seems super squeezy and difficult for faster runners to overtake as well.

There’s a very secluded road we ran pass which I felt wasn’t really nice, both sides of the road were parked with heavy vehicles such as buses and lorries. One of the bus engines was still running and it sorta gave me a mini heart attack. Though it was stationery at that moment but it still seems pretty dangerous.

As I have a marathon next month, I thought I could use this as a training run so I thought I’ll just run whatever I can and remember to breathe. Turns out my heart rate wasn’t bad and I had a happy run. I must admit that after 14km when we part different ways with the full marathon runners, I walked a lot ? But still the timing isn’t too slow and as while I was walking, my watch showed I was at 8 mins pace ? Didn’t know I could walk so fast ?

Ran pass some pubs at Kallang Wave Mall and Marina Bay Sands and realised it was still so lively and happening with music, usually when we ran pass in the early morning races, those pubs were closed already. It’s so much of jealousy when I saw the patrons so shiok drinking beer, playing pool and enjoying life while I’m here running and sweating profusely. The cigarettes smell was also damn strong around the area lah ?

The route wasn’t completely shut off to the public, while we were running at Gardens by the Bay East and Marina Bay Sands area, many small ah bengs blasted music on their e-scooter, bicycle etc zooming pass and weaving in and out of us runners machiam they were Vin Diesel in fast and furious. I sincerely hope they will learn about the importance of safety before anything serious happens.

Some parts of the route was pretty dark which I was trying to focus on where I’m stepping and landing in case I could trip or sprain an ankle. Luckily I’m pretty familiar with most of the place we were running at. I’m sorry but sad to say, somewhere near 13km before Gardens by the Bay East I saw two young volunteers laying down flat on the floor looking at their phones machiam they were at camping and doesn’t look like bother at all. The first thing that comes to my mind was why volunteer in the first place? Or maybe the school give them certain points they need to graduate if they volunteered? ? I’m still very thankful to most of the volunteers I along the route.

I stopped at almost every hydration points for water and I guess that’s the reason I got a stitch. Drank too much water already ? Water isn’t cold and I actually expected that all hydration point would have both isotonic drink and water but lucky me, have water good enough already. Heard from some runners that the hydration points ran out of water and runners have to queue at public water cooler ?

(Photo credits: Epalite from Running Shots)

Love the medal as it’s pretty unique. Unfortunately and don’t know how, Eleanor had gotten a 10km medal instead of 21.1km medal which she runs in and she went to change ? Heng she realised its the wrong medal before we left. By the time Eleanor and I were ready to go home, we had a shocked at the Grab charges! It’s at a crazy $31 ? we saw shuttle bus tickets sold out and the next shuttle bus available time slot left was only 4.30am which was still like another hour and a half more to go ? Luckily we didn’t purchased the shuttle bus tickets before hand as well. Heard that many runners missed their shuttle bus due to the delay in flag off. We decided to walk further out and try our luck hoping Grab would be cheaper. We were glad our legs didn’t failed us yet. We walked to Suntec but worst, it was still $31 but we could not even get a Grab after several tries ? Decided to flag down a taxi and the driver is super kind. We apologised for being sweaty and smelly but he said its OK ❤

Results and e-certificate were out the next day, you may find them Here ?

Though this year’s Sundown was quite disappointing to some runners, but overall to me it’s still alright. For a running fanatic like me, I would still sign up the race next year maybe ? It’s more of spending time with friends, making new memories. Life is not about just running, it’s about getting over things and stuffs and being someone kind and good. Life is about making lemonade out of lemons ❤

AIA Glow Festival

2019 marks AIA’s 100th year in Asia and the inaugural AIA Glow Festival, held on the 25th May in Sentosa. Although AIA has been organizing the Music (Run) Festival for several years, the scale of these events was much smaller than this year’s Glow Festival, which includes a variety of programs, such as Yoga, Healing and Meditation, a 5 km fun run and a music concert.

Doing its share to charity, AIA also donates $ 10 to the AIA Centennial Fund for every Glow-getter who completes the run. I was a past music runner and was given a promo code which entitled me to attend the concert on top of the run. I shared this code with some friends so that they can join me to chill out in this is a fun-filled event.

Event Day

We chose to collect our race kits at the venue on the event day. We met at 2 pm at Harbourfront and took the free monorail from Vivocity after showing the officials our e-tickets.

It was a carnival at Palawan Green. We collected our race kits, which consist primarily of a headscarf and wristbands for the run and music pass. Groups of participants were attending yoga classes at different tentages and the Grand Cupola. Yoga classes started as early as 8.15 am and it was a joy to watch the yogis performing their stretches seemingly effortlessly.

It was a hot afternoon and after exploring the various activities, we found shade and rested until the scheduled fun run at 4 pm. It was a sea of runners and we were flagged off in several waves to avoid congestion. The route was similar to last year’s Music Run, bringing the runners up Imbiah Trail where many preferred to walk due to the upslopes.

It was refreshing to run in Sentosa after a long while, passing some of the landmarks such as the Skyline Luge and Merlion. However, there were also many walkers who did not keep to the left and thus blocking the path of those who wanted to run.

Time passed quickly and before we knew it, we had reached the Finish Point back at Palawan Green. My Runkeeper indicated that the distance covered was 4.48 km, but I guess this didn’t bother us as the objective was to enjoy each others company and the whole event.  We collected our medals and bottled water for hydration. No isotonic drinks or fruits were provided. Perhaps the organizer prefers us to purchase from the food vendors instead.

There are some eateries located just outside Beach Station. We took dinner at Marybrown and returned to the festival site at 6.30 pm. Scores of Glow-getter were enjoying their food purchased from the food vendors.

Many like us were resting at the Grand Cupola and waiting for the performance by Nina Nesbitt at 7 pm. Eventually, she made her appearance and entertained the audience with some of her well-known songs. Though I am not into pop culture, I do enjoy seeing the young people enjoying themselves especially to the beat of the music.

We left the festival site at 8 pm. We had enjoyed the event and look forward to next year’s edition.

Comments

1) There are more activities lined up this year compared to last year. It certainly gives the event a carnival-like feel!

2) For the run element, I must say I preferred last year’s, where I recalled music being played throughout the entire run so that I felt I was running to the beat of the music.

3) This year’s finisher medal consists of a colourful paste-on label. While it looks nice, I am not sure if it will last. One corner of the label on my medal is already slightly peeled off.

OSIM Sundown Marathon [5 km]

The OSIM Sundown Marathon is one of the most popular race in Singapore. With a catchphrase of  ‘Sleep Can Wait’, this event attracts thousands of runners every year to participate in the night run, with the full marathoners running into daybreak.

I only intend to run the FM next year. Hence after considering that I had recently just run the Income Eco and 2XU at F1 Pit, I chose to take part in the 5 km category instead.

Race Day

I arrived at the race village at 7 pm and it was already teeming with activities. Some participants were practising yoga before the stage. Some were checking out the new OSIM products and kids were playing V.R games. The food stalls were opened and scores of runners were savouring their purchases.

I commenced with the 1st wave of 5 km runners flag-off at 8 pm. The route simply brings the runners to Republic Avenue, turning back at the Golden Mile Complex to continue towards F1 Pit, turning right into Marina Promenade and to the Finish Point. However, before turning to Marina Promenade, I decided to clock more mileage and instead diverted to Republic Avenue to run another loop. By then, the last wave of runners had already passed this stretch and the road was literally emptied.

I managed to catch up with some of the last runners and we ran together to the Finish Point. But I chose to press on towards the Float, before making a turn back to complete the race. My Runkeeper indicated I had run a total of 9 km for this race.

At 9 pm, the race village was extremely crowded, with the 10 km runners waiting to commence their race. I rested a while and enjoy the race ambience before heading home.

Comments

1) I wonder why the whole village was barricaded with only one entry/exit point? It creates a real bottleneck with runners both entering and leaving the premise using the same passageway.

2) The whole village was crowded because there were lots of participants. Perhaps the organizer should have utilised the car parking area as well, just like what 2XU did.

3) I read of the frustrations faced by the HM and FM runners, with issues such as lack of water at hydration stations. I shall not comment here as I did not run their routes, but I hope the organizer could reflect what went wrong to prevent a recurrence in next year’s edition. For runners, hydration and safety factors are most important. A bad race experience will lead the runners to consider twice about signing up, regardless of how excellent the race village activities are or how well the race kits are bundled.

It was an eventful weekend, or I could say it’s an eventful year for me. Or would it actually be a life full of events for me? ? Eventful life doesn’t really make sense unless it’s doing things that you enjoyed doing and I can say I really do enjoy going to these events ?

As I wasn’t feeling well, I could have no show for AIA Glow Festival but I was the one who jio-ed both Eleanor and Yi Jing to register for the Charity 5km run ? So roll on the floor and cry I also have to turn up and complete it ?

Thank you Team PinkApple and JustRunLah! As both offered me with a Full Day Pass to AIA Glow Festival. I really am not a Yoga person and I don’t even do any sort of stretching before or after my own runs ? Yoga to me is graceful and elegant. It’s for the mind, soul and body. I think Yoga will help me with my pole tricks as it will definitely help me in flexibility and I want to do splits since like millions of years ago but I just feel like I have brittle and rigid bones and I’ll break my legs if I try to stretch even just that tiny little bit more ?

The all-day pass for the AIA Glow Festival cost over a hundred dollars after GST and it was sold out! Wow! But I guess for the yogis it’s worth the money as it allows the registrants to participate in everything they offered at the festival including unlimited access to yoga classes, the 5k fun run as well as the music party! Also comes with a very beautiful bandana and water bottle and a $10 credits to buy food available in their marketplace ?

One thing good was that I was able to purchase the pass separately, for example, if don’t want to get the All-Day pass, I can just buy tickets for the Music Pass, Yoga Pass etc separately. For the Fun Run, $10 will be donated to charity for every ticket sold. ❤ And eventually, they opened up a certain number of free slots to register for the 5km Fun Run, and AIA will donate $10 to the AIA Centennial Fund for every runner participating, capping at a limit to 10,000 runners! Best was that even the free registration includes the bandanna and finisher medal ?

Was at first lazy to go collect but sibeh heng we collected our Festival Kit which consists of a bandanna and a wrist tag a day before that was needed for entry earlier and not on event day and I think I’m a genius ? Because when Eleanor, Yi Jing and I arrived at the race village around 3.30pm at Palawan Beach Sentosa, we saw a super long queue formed just outside of the entrance to the gate to collect the Festival Kit. The area was super crowded ?

We didn’t bring any bags to deposit along with us as it was stated on the Festival Guide that baggage deposits were limited. Not wanting to risk running with bags, we travelled light with hydration belts and pouches. There wasn’t any queue for baggage deposit though. We went directly to wait for the start pen to open. Flag off for the 5km fun run was at 4pm. So we were being baked under the Sun while waiting as there’s limited tentage around. Hurhurhur.. I want to have fair skin like Snow White de leh ? There’s a warm-up being led but it was too hot and I don’t feel like moving at all and maybe I’m the only person around still like a statue ?

It was the same route as My Melody Run two weeks ago and the distance was also short. It was only 4.2km when I completed the run. I think the route in Sentosa is standardized already so whatever 5km race held there was just that same 4 point something km. So any fun run there I think can also expect a shortage in distance in future ? There were 2 hydration points along the route, which I felt was pretty good enough.

As some passageways were closed to visitors/tourists for the fun run, I saw that there were some arguments/dissatisfaction from them with the road marshals ?

After the run, I collected the finisher medal and a bottle of cold water. It’s a super nice and unique medal as the front side is plastic material (Damn, whatever material is that.. And I studied Material Science while I was in polytechnic ?) The heart can also spin ❤ And I really love the words “RAN WITH MY HEART” ❤

Explored the Festival village for a while and saw a water cooler! ❤ Nice!

Didn’t wait for the music festival, as I still have National Vertical Marathon the next day. I think that the music festival was the main highlight of the event as it’s the most expensive ticket amongst the different types of tickets if purchased separately, but from what I can see that it’s really a set up well done and it would be great.

While we were leaving, I saw super long queue everywhere at the baggage collection, and even for food at the Marketplace was a long queue. Those food were like Instagrammable food, looks healthy and yummy ? I was relieved that I didn’t use the baggage deposit and glad that I’m not hungry ? Sentosa monorail was also super long queue, so we decided to walk out of Sentosa ❤

(Baggage queue)