What constitutes a good run event? For most, it’s the price and experience gained at the event which justifies for the overall race experience.  These are just some the expectations that participants would have when they sign up for a run event.  But what if the event is totally free and comes with option for participants to purchase its race merchandise? Sounds too good to be true?

Run Free is new race concept which allows participants to take part in a run event at no cost! I recently participated in this run event together with my friend, Cheng Yee which was held on Sunday, 7 May 2017 at the Gardens Bay the Bay East. Participants were given the option to purchase any race merchandise such as race event tees, race tags with timing chips, sling bags etc. I was happy that I had the option not to purchase any race merchandise as I have quite a bit of event tees being an avid run event participant. Also, run events are not cheap and can range from $38 or more for a 5 KM run.

There were two categories for the Run Free event, a 5KM and 10KM category. This event was sponsored by Alpha Romeo and made possible by the same organisers, X-Change Republic, who brought us the YOLO Run.

When the news about a free run event first appeared, I was interested to join and see what a free race would offer but I only signed up later when I was selected as a running hero by 42 Race. Being a running hero for 42 Race entitled me to some race merchandise which included a bib with timing chip and an event tee.

RACE ENTRY PACK COLLECTION (REPC)

The REPC was held at the main atrium of Novena Square. The collection of the race pack was done quick and efficiently but I noticed that the volunteers are not briefed properly as they need to check with the staff in-charge regarding questions posted to them regarding the event. This previously happened also at 2016 YOLO Run REPC where the volunteers were not properly equipped to handle queries from the participants which resulted in long queues at the collection site.  What I thought the organisers did well at the REPC was the merchandise area display and mini race expo.

[Run Free REPC at Novena Square]

[Goodies for Run Free 2017]

This being a no frills run event, participants only collected their race bib. There were neither vouchers nor tote bag given out unless merchandise was purchased. There was also an on-going Facebook contest where participants could be an Alpha Romeo X Run Free Dri-fit Tee.  I didn’t take part in the contest as the area was crowded.

[Facebook contest post for Run Free 2017]

COMMUNICATION BY ORGANISERS

Run Free social media presence was done well. They had utilised Facebook as a form of communication to their participants. They would post details regarding the race on their Facebook page. Examples would include dissemination of shuttle bus services, race routes, race guides, availability of race results etc. I remember I had a query on registration and messaged them privately on Facebook to get help and I was impressed by the organisers’ responsiveness to Facebook messages.

RACE DAY HAPPENINGS

Normally Cheng Yee and I like to arrive at the race site a bit early, so that we could take some photos and soak in the atmosphere of the race day. There was a free shuttle bus service which was available from Stadium MRT Station to The Gardens by the Bay (East) from 06:15 hrs to 08:00 hrs. We arrived around 07:15 hrs at Stadium MRT but were surprised that there wasn’t crowd there. We were slightly worried that we might have read the information regarding the shuttle bus wrongly but luckily we saw other participants heading to a nearby waiting point where the shuttle bus were waiting. What I thought the organisers could have done better here was to have directional signs guiding the participants to the pickup point.

The trip to the race site was pretty fast and we arrived with plenty of time to spare. There was a huge row of portable toilets available and no queue. The only queue we noticed was at the bag deposit. Bag deposit was counted as an extra service and you need to pay for it either at the race site or you have pre-purchased the service. We took some photos around the area before heading for the START pen.

While we were waiting for the START pen to open, we noticed that the security was allowing the 10 KM runners to start and this was just 15 minutes to 5 KM flag-off. We were wondering how the security could differentiate a 10 KM and 5 KM ‘free’ bib. The ‘free’ bibs were all white in colour and no indication of the race category on it. We figured it was all based on what the participants were saying their categories were. ‘Paid’ 10KM bibs were black in colour and 5 KM bibs were Gold in colour. Flag-off for the 5 KM participants were done promptly at 08:00hrs. An improvement area would be to have better defined race tags which can be quickly differentiated.

ROUTE

The route for the 5 KM category was a pretty flat one except for some gentle slopes at the Marina Barrage Bridge which connects the Barrage to Gardens by the Bay East. This was a familiar route as most run events utilized this route. There were no bottlenecks along the route which made the run an enjoyable one. There was only one hydration point for the 5 KM route placed midway so that runners heading towards the U-turn point or heading back would have access to the drinks.

[View from the START Pen]

[Participants in the START Pen – Photo Courtesy of Run Free Facebook]

[5 KM Route – Courtesy of Run Free Website]

Some improvement points for the route would be the following:

Have a minimum age limit for the participants joining the event – I don’t want to sound harsh but having young kids below the age of 13 years old participating in the 5KM category can pose as a hazard. I was running behind a lady who was trying to pick up pace and suddenly this kid cuts right in front of her and she almost bumped into the kid. Her immediate stopping could cause a chain reaction and I could tell that she was displeased and frustrated as she heaved a loud ‘tsk tsk’!  If she had bumped onto that kid, the both of them would be injured and the people would have blamed the lady even though it was not her fault.

Section of the route for participants or place volunteer along the route to guide the public and participants – As the route was not closed to runners; there were some cyclists who were also cycling in the area and this and this may have been a bit dangerous to runners who did not keep a lookout on where they were heading.

POST RACE

I finished the race in 34 minutes and it was a fantastic feeling. It was a bit weird that we did not need to collect our medals but after all it’s a no frills race.  Cheng Yee and I cooled down a bit before heading off for breakfast. It was really nice to be handed a 500ml bottle of Pocari Sweat for post-race hydration. Big thanks to Pocari Sweat for that as it was just the right amount of hydration needed for me to recover properly after a 5km run event. There was no shuttle service back to Stadium MRT but that was okay.

[Nice scenery on the walk back to Stadium MRT Station]

Overall, I did enjoy the Run Free event! It definitely didn’t disappoint and I thought the organisers did well though there’s lots of room for improvement. Results and photos were released 2 days after the event!  I’m already looking forward to next year’s edition. Sorry for the late review. Till my next write-up! #RunFree & # RunHappy everyone!

Transcend Yourself! This is the mantra for “The Performance Series” powered by Passion Card together with the many other sponsors and partners which amongst them, JustRunLah! This is the 1^st series of race for “The Performance Series” held in Singapore on Sunday, 28 May 2017 at the Stadium Riverside Walk. There are 2 more upcoming races on 13 August and 5 November this year.

Transcend: To go beyond one’s own limits, Overcome or Triumph Over. Transcend Yourself, Transcend Myself indeed! This is the second time I am participating in “The Performance Series” and also my first time running in a 21km half marathon. And this is also the first time “The Performance Series” is organising a 21km half marathon. The previous races that took place last year were 10km, 5km and 2.5km respectively. Having participated at numerous runs, I was intrigued and excited when I discovered that “The Performance Series” announced that they are organising the half marathon and I therefore signed up for it without much hesitation. This is also an opportunity for me to challenge myself to go beyond my own limits, overcome and triumph over my fear and doubt that I am incompetent to complete the half marathon.

REPC

The Race Entry Pack Collection (REPC) was held over 2 days on 20 & 21 May at City Square Mall. I collected my race pack on the first day in the early afternoon and there was already an overwhelming crowd queuing for their race packs when I reached the venue. However the crowd was well controlled and I managed to collect my race packs within the next 30 minutes upon my arrival. Kudos to the secondary school student volunteers who were helping out at the REPC! You guys have done a great job.

Race Day

Or rather Judgment Day. Haha, kidding! I was all set and eager to run as I have been looking forward to this event for weeks. I arrived at the race village – Stadium Riverside Walk at 4.30am and already, there were many participants. I guessed they were just as excited as me too. I managed to “trough” my way to the 1^st wave of the start pen and the emcee announced that there would be at least 3 waves for the 21km participants. Andy Tan the Managing Director of Just RunLah! flagged off the race at 5am sharp! And off we go for the 1^st wave of runners!

The weather was cool and in the still of the morning at 5am, all you could hear was the sound of the runners’ footsteps. I would say that there were no major choked points or narrow paths during the entire run except for the cornering adjacent to the Singapore Indoor Stadium that leads to the Tanjung Rhu Bridge, which was a short narrow meandering curve. As it was still dark and the park was poorly lit, everyone slowed down their pace to avoid knocking into one another. The route was a joy to run, as it was mostly flat road except for 2 “minor” hurdles. But to the seasoned runners, these should not pose as any setback for them. One: The slope bridge leading up to the Marina Barrage Roof Garden and second: a slight “uphill” slope of the pedestrian bridge across Fort Road leading towards East Coast Park. Whilst running along East Coast Park, we could actually hear the sound of horns from the vessels anchored near ashore. I enjoyed the scenic route along East Coast Park and also the sea breezes that cooled the runners off their sweat. Thanks to the organizers of “The Performance Series” for the well thought-through route!

There were also distance markers at every 1km mark and unlike the contemporary distance markers, every one of them is different and unique. So if you do not have a running watch to tell the distance, you can actually look out for these distance markers and gauge the distance you are at during the run. What actually caught my attention are the distance markers at the 12Km and 14km mark. 12km = “No pain, No gain” and 14km mark: “Run your own race.” Indeed! IMHO…This is what “The Performance Series” is all about. #Transcend Yourself. It is not about a race with others or a race against the hours, minutes and seconds but your own race and a race challenging yourself to go beyond your own limits!

There were also sufficient marshallers along the running route to guide the runners and they too were encouraging to the runners and cheering them on. I was initially skeptical about the hydration points for the 21km running distance whether or not there will be sufficient hydration for the runners. My worry was unfounded as there was at least a hydration point at every 2km or 3km mark. We were served Lucozade Sport as well as pH balancer who sponsored the drinks for this event. The Lucozade Sport was chilled at most hydration points and it was refreshing and a thirst quencher for me. Lol!

The End In Mind

At the 17km mark, I was starting to feel exhausted, as I have to again cross the pedestrian bridge across Fort Road to get back to Tanjung Rhu and to the Finishing Point. Just as I was about to cross the bridge, I saw another distance marker that says: “You got yourself this far! Just keep running!” Haha…! These distance markers surely served yet another purpose, that is, motivation to us runners!

After running for another 4km…Finally! Yes finally! I successfully crossed the finishing line. I did it! You did it! We did it! There were further giveaways of chilled canned Lucozade Sport drinks and bottled pH balancer. After receiving the drinks, I proceeded further to the medal and finisher t-shirt collection point. The medal is a beauty that resulted in me exuding a wide smile, as it is after all my first 21km half marathon. Along with the medal is also the finisher t-shirt that I donned soon after and took a pose with them. As the world begins her daily affairs, my soring but happy feet are now resting on my couch and it’s my turn to say goodnight world and hello tomorrow for a better run next time!

The Performance Series is a series of running races throughout the year at different parts of Singapore and this is the first of the three races this year. Last year, in 2016, there is only the 5km and 10km category but this year there is the half marathon category ?  I’m running the 10km category.

The objective of TPS is to promote healthy lifestyle consistently through the appreciation of running at the iconic landmarks in Singapore. The running routes is not always at the same place throughout the series spread over the year. That’s what I like of the idea, running at different place so I will not get bored of the usual routes ?

Thank you Justina for helping me to collect the racepack while I went to run SCKLM and thank you JustRunLah for the race slot ?

The race venue is at Stadium Riverside, and flag off for the 10km category is at 6.30am whereas the flag off time for the half marathon category is at 5am. I find that the flag off for 5km is too late as by 8am the Sun will be out to burn already. But maybe not all people is like me lah, sun out will melt ?

So the flag off for 10km is at 6.30am and I took a Grab down which is only $9 after promo code from Grab of a $5 off. Which is close to the price of shuttle bus. Ever since I started taking Grab, I didn’t purchase anymore shuttle bus ticket to race venue as I find Grab less of a hassle and fares is acceptable ?

Proceed to the start line and was flagged off on time. Before that we were seeing the top half marathon runners coming in. With the first men under 1hr15mins. That’s almost the time I need to take to run my 10km ? I was still sick from my cough and flu. It’s been one week of no running after SCKLM but still just slightly better only. It’s the season now where a lot of people fall sick.

Start point at Stadium Riverside Wall running towards the flower domes in gardens by Bay and that’s 5km when we make a u-turn back.

There’s quite a few water points along the way and I didn’t really take notice as the whole run I feel like I’m floating around, can’t really concentrate maybe because I’m still sick and a little giddy. I don’t think it’s advisable to people to run if they are sick, don’t say I teach u all to run when sick ok？ ? Just that I know myself well and what I can handle. If cannot make it then don’t force, so I walk quite a lot at the last few kilometres towards the finishing line. Stopped at the last hydration point and took the Lucozade, its so cold and nice and taste like Lemonade ?

Ending point and the collection point for the finisher entitlements are quite far apart luckily there is no queues. And collected my entitlements immediately ?  I like the medal design and guess if I’m running race 2 and 3 I will be running 10km also the complete the same medals set.

Last year runners only have race tee but this year there is race singlet! I really love the race singlet and the finisher tee material! So different from the usual dri-fit material and it’s so soft and nice to wear! ? And it’s so efficient! Race results are available as the websites is updating it live which is really awesome!

Thank you Centerpiece Floral Design for the delightful bouquet!

Disclaimer: This is just an honest review of the run. If you feel uncomfortable reading at any point of time, you see the x on the top right corner, please click that. Thank you.

PCCW Charity Run is a run definitely worth joining. There are so many reason for you join this run! Thats the reason you are even here reading isnt it. To know if it is worth it! Before I go into detail, yes this is confirm worth your time.

As said on the title of the run, this is a charity run. It means the registration fee you paid for this run will also go to charity, and on top of that, it gives you an option to add in addition amount if you want to donate more for them. On top of doing good by donation, the amount you donated will be a deductible on your tax assessment! Simply speaking, lesser tax needed to pay! Good right! The registration fee for early bird is only S$30! Even if you missed the early bird, its only S$35! The more you pay the better isnt it! Anyway, the race itself is on a weekday morning, unlike the usual run which is on a weekend. So… if you have an office hour job like myself, you may need to apply leave, unless you want to reach your office all sweaty or if your workplace provides bathing facility! Anyway, the run starts at 7am and anyone could finish the run within an hour so i guess there is still plenty of time for you to wash up before work.

Anyway, I would like to talk about the race pack collection but unfortunately I missed both the collection days because I assume both days would be the two weekends but the collection day was on a Friday and Saturday. When I went there on Sunday then I realise the collection days are over. So I emailed the organiser (pinkapple) and they advise me to collect on the race day itself, which I think was okay. At least they still let me participate! The location of the race pack collection was at Velocity @ Novena Square, which is very convenient, right above Novena Mrt.

So I reach the race event at 6.45am and went to collect my race packs. The race pack consist of the runner singlet, a tower and a drawstring bag. I wasnt expecting alot of people and yup it wasnt as crowded as your usual run. I guess it was due to limited slots and the run is on a weekday. After the collection, I went straight into the starting point. As usual the MC is very energetic. And off with the run.

The race route is very simple and straight forward. Starting point at gardens by the bay (sliver leaf) just beside the flower dome, running towards marina barrage, cross the bridge to gardens by the bay east, a U turn and all the way back towards the starting point, pass it and towards MBS till the mid point fountain, and a u turn back to the starting point, which is also the ending point. Although the route is a two way route, everyone was suppose to keep right so that they will not block the path of those incoming runners but as usual people dont follow the rules anyway. But I am surprise by how the organiser had already anticipated this to happen. So they have a bike team to cycle in front of the first runner to clear the path for them because this is a competitive run for them. Simple things like this makes the whole event smooth.

After crossing the finish line, a queue welcomes us. Queuing to receive not one, but two packs of sports drink and our medal! The medal looks very nice. Blue with gold which is surprisingly a good combination. After the collection of the medal, another queue awaits us. For the finisher T! Yea this run has a finisher T although it is only 5km! Its black with a simple design at the front which I really love. At the race village, there is a insta print booth which allows you to instantly print your pictures, for free! And that’s that! I went back after that.

Conclusion for this race. I paid $30 (for donation and is able to reduce my tax), i get a singlet, tower, drawstring bag, medal and a finisher T shirt. You tell me why is it not worth it.