May 11, 2011. The baton is valuable in all relay races. Here a track athlete prepares for the start of a relay. The GWOC track meet took place at Fairborn High School.
21-year-old Irish sprinter Phil Healy emerges from “the depths of hell” last weekend in the women’s 4x400m relay at the Irish Universities Track and Field Championships to bring her UCC team from fifth to first in the final 100 meters.
You may skip to 3:05 of the video to watch the final lap of the race and the squealing commentary at the end was absolutely entertaining. On the last lap, Healy was the fifth runner and overcame all odds to come in first. This is a tremendous display of the spirit in running — to never give up, and to give your best.
With less than 4 weeks to go, many of us are getting excited for the Reebok Spartan Super and Sprint on 7th May. What else are we looking forward to? The race entitlements, of course! This year, with the addition of the Spartan Super race, the race medals and race tees come in two colours — red for Spartan Sprint and blue for Spartan Super.
As the official online media for Reebok Spartan Race Singapore, we are pleased to be the first to share with you the designs for the race medals and race tees.
View below for the race medals and finisher tees:
$20 OFF Spartan Super Singapore 2016
Spartan Super runners, you are not excluded! Enjoy $20.00 OFF – Use promo code: JRLMSP2016 during check-out to enjoy the discount.
$25 OFF Spartan Sprint Singapore 2016
Do you want to do the Spartan Sprint instead? We are happy to provide all JustRunLah!subscribers with a discount of $25.00! Use promo code: JRLM2016 during check-out to claim the special price.
We humans are programmed to grow stronger, faster, and smarter; to climb higher, live longer. We have toppled scores of world records over the past few decades, and seen miracles happen in the most unexpected circumstances. It is amazing to see how far humans have come today, exceeding our boundaries in sports, knowledge, intelligence, science, technology, and many more.
Pushing limits is what humans do best and this is what we will always continue doing. It is about progress and personal development, to always improve and become better. What are the limits you want to push?
Are you ready to be limitless? Join OSIM Sundown Marathon 2016 and push your limits!
Save with a JustRunLah! code
We are pleased to offer our readers special Loyalty Rates, which have been extended till 30 April 2016. Use code OSDM2016LRJUSTRUNLAH during check out to enjoy the discount!
JustRunLah! is proud to be Running Portal Partner of Sundown Marathon 2016.
No matter how many training runs you had or how many races you joined, the thoughts that run (pun intended) through a runner’s mind are numerous and varied. Oftentimes, someone would ask me what goes on in my mind when I attempt a long distance race like the half marathon or even the 10km. How do I keep going non-stop for one hour, two hours or maybe three hours?
From the moment the decision was made to run a race, my mind is often pre-occupied with it. I will spend a couple of days thinking how I should prep and what kind of mileage I should put in prior to the race; to even when and where I would do my training runs. Closer to the race and just before race pack collection, I would be consider my hydration plan, refuelling strategy and really think about what would be my target timing. Let me take you through a journey of my mind in the recent NTUC Run350 Half Marathon that I participated.
I reached the race village fairly early, around 3.40am. Should I warm up or wait till around 4.30am? I was restless. I took a few sips of water and did some light warm ups. Looking at my watch, it was only 4am and the runners were starting to stream in. Okay, time to go relieve myself and I made my way to the row of portable potties. The waiting, from the queue for the potty to the green light to line up at the starting pen, was getting into my nerves. I thought to myself – why so nervous? After all, this wasn’t my first long distance race.
I was too far behind at the starting pen and had to settle with Wave 2. The horn blared and I was off. Finding my rhythm at the start was always a problem, particularly when you were not right in front. I had to weave through the runners who were slower and avoid being clipped by the faster runners. For the first 1km, I had to find my rhythm. A quick glance at my watch showed that I was at 5:45min pace; so I decided to ease back as my experience told me that this was unsustainable. Fighting the urge to go faster at the start of a race was quite normal as the body was still full of energy and raring to go. So my mind needed to order the body to go slower.
I reached the 5km mark quickly and at a decent pace; feeling the rhythm of the strides and enjoying the cool breeze in the morning. Then a thought flashed through my mind – why was I out here running in the wee hours of the morning while my entire family were still fast asleep. Was this passion? Or was this addiction? I didn’t bother to analyse further as the 7km marker zoomed by me. Reaching for my berry-flavoured energy gel, I ate it quickly with the help of some water at the 8km hydration point. Then suddenly out of the blue, I felt an urge to visit the loo. Oh no, please, not at this time. It could not be due to the gel; could it be? God, please help to hold this back till I finished my race. Psyching myself to focus on the run rather than the urge, it went off but it came back a few times more during the race but I fought back hard – real hard. Haha
As the Sports Hub receded from my view, I approached the Geylang Park connector and sighted the dark blue balloon pacers ahead of me. Great, if I could overtake and stay ahead them, then I could be certain of finishing below 2:20. That thought motivated me and I felt the surge of extra energy within me. I picked up my stride and ran towards them. I passed them at the 10km mark and cheered them on. The rhythmic whistle of the pacers slowly faded behind me as I pressed forward towards Marina East area. That place was badly lit and there were a few potholes ready to ambush any unsuspecting runner. Running with bad lighting isn’t exactly what I thought to be “running for a greener future”.
The banana at the 13km mark was a welcome. My mind was starting to get bored. Then, I recalled Coach Lexus of JRL Academy telling us that when he runs a race, he will tell himself a story starting from his childhood days. It’s probably easy for him as he would have reached the finish line before his story ends; just about 70-80mins. For me, it’s double the time, so I need to find something else to keep my mind focused. I started to visualise myself running the rest of the route, over Marina Barrage towards the Gardens by the Bay, which was my usual midweek running route. I saw myself crossing the finishing line, claiming my medal and finisher tee, taking photos with fellow runners and basking in the early morning sun while savouring the success of a satisfying race.
Celebrating our accomplishments
My train of thought was interrupted by the runners jostling for a drink at the hydration point just before the 16km mark. I downed two cups and pushed towards the Barrage and I knew I was on the home stretch. However, I was wondering whether I could maintain my pace before I hit the wall (hopefully not.) Quickly shaking off this thought, I decided to focus on other runners. I aimed to overtake one runner after another as I started to consume my 2nd gel at 16km mark. The nice thing about a race like this is that you could always overtake somebody. I passed some runners who had their earphones blaring away and I smiled to myself. I used to be very dependent on music on my long runs but I had weaned myself of that. Listening to my body, my heart and my mind is a lot more important in a race like this. There were runners who passed me as well. I just cheered them on and stuck to my pace.
Everything seemed to be going as planned as I saw the floating platform at the other side of Marina Bay. Quite unexpectedly, at 18km, I suddenly felt a sharp pain at the outside of my left knee. It really stopped me in my tracks, literally. I started to run with a limp. The pace at the 19km dropped drastically and when the water point loomed into view, I decided that I would walk to pick up my drink and walked a little, then resumed my run. Hopefully, that short rest will help to nurse the knee back for the final distance. While having a knee pain at this stage of the race was a sucky feeling, I realised that I was indeed fortunate that it did not occur at the start of the race. An optimistic mind was extremely important for a long race like the HM.
When I resumed my run after the “walk for a drink”, I felt my knee improve significantly. Feeling that I could still run despite the nagging pain, I increased my pace for the last 1km, trying to tell myself that it was still possible to beat the 2:15 target that I set for myself. Struggling to cross the Jubilee Bridge, I spotted the photographer from Running Shots. I told myself that for this hard run, I should not miss this chance to be photographed. Worked up enough energy and smiled for him – yay, he got me! Happy! Quickly, I raced past a few runners and I saw the timing board flashing 2:26 and my heart sank. I knew that wave 2 was about 10mins behind wave 1; so my timing would be more than 2:15. No matter, at least I finished the race in decent time. Running past the finish arch, I picked up my banana, isotonic drink, medal and finisher tee and silently offered a prayer of thanksgiving.
At Jubilee Bridge (Last 1km) Photo Credit: Running Shots
After catching my breath, I checked my GPS watch for my net timing; it was about 2:17 – but it also registered a distance of 21.75km. So based on my pace and discounting the extra distance, I actually did run the HM with a timing of 2:13 – and that was a personal best (PB) for me! YAY!
Finally, as I looked back at the entire experience, I realised that running the half marathon for an average runner like me takes a lot of the mind to galvanise the body to do the impossible and unthinkable. It seems easy for the elite runners, but for most of us, long distance running is always a mind game. You are constantly choosing the mind over the body; willing the mind to teach the body how to respond. Once the body is subject to the mind, the running becomes a breeze. It all boils down to having a strong will, a steely mind and solid body to go the distance.
In case you are thinking too much like me, then just run lah!
21km Finisher Medal (Source: Instagram @twtwriter)
Those who are frequent marathoners, those who have never ran before, and those with very young kids, we’ve a race just for each one of you. Here are 3 runs to help you stay strong and healthy, and bond with your families and friends.
Family Fun: Shape Run
This annual all-women’s race saw a turnout of 12,000 ladies last year. It has included a competitive 15 km category and a 1.8 km Family Fun Run (which invites the Daddy too!) as well. The Shape Run is all about promoting a healthy mind & body to all ladies. Apart from wellness guides and race tips, it also promotes the other aspects that make up a woman’s life, including family bonding as well!
For Competitive Runners: Great Eastern Women’s Run
Photo Credit: Ah Girl
Asia’s largest women-only race, this race is about unifying women from all walks of lives in health and wellness. Their tagline last year is “Run to Live Great.” That means there were training clinics for proper run techniques, cross training activities including Piloxing and Kpop dance classes, as well as charities that you can run and raise funds for. Last year, we saw lots of women donning a Tutu in support of a charity of their choice. There is definitely a category for every women out there, including the Princess Dash!
For New Runners: Venus Run
Photo Credit: Grace Fu’s Facebook Page
Born to celebrate International Women’s Day, the Venus Run wants all ladies to show off their sparkle during the race! More importantly, the Venus Run encourages women to maintain a balanced and active lifestyle amidst the demands of work and family. They have a 5 km race category just for women who have never run before as well as run clinics to help you along with proper running form and stretching techniques. Post-race, you can participate in a carnival with your family and friends.
Mothers especially stress themselves over everything about you, from whether you’ve done your homework to when you get your first boyfriend/girlfriend. We understand the demands that come with these responsibilities, which is why is so important for you to stay active! Don’t let busy get in your way – get started and good health would take you a long way.
Download our mobile app to manage your races and never miss an event. Free for iOS and Android phone – click here to get it.
For Boston Marathon bombings survivor Adrianne Haslet, each small step she takes is a simple reminder of how far she’s come and how she wants to inspire others in her shoes to do the same.
Haslet was a professional dancer before the bombings, when she lost her left leg as a spectator at the Boston Marathon 2013. She kept her vow to dance again, having joined “Dancing With the Stars” and dancing competitively. Just yesterday, she became one of the first bombings survivor amputees to run the entire Boston Marathon.
She ran the Boston Marathon to show that she has recovered and that Boston has come back even stronger than before the attacks.
“I feel amazing,” Haslet said after she crossed the finish line with her team. “It’s really emotional because I think of all of the definitions that this finish line has held.” (Boston CBS)
A photo posted by Adrianne Haslet (@adriannehaslet) on
“This is a way for me to give back. Not only to just to physically run the marathon, but to say a giant ‘thank you’ to everybody,” she says, “And also to remember those sitting on the couch who don’t have legs because of insurance coverage.”
Hundreds of spectators who stuck around into the twilight hours cheered wildly as she made her way down Boylston Street surrounded by supporters. She walked up the road, picking up to a jog for the last few hundred feet. She said finishing the marathon means “everything” to her.
She was running to help raise money for Limbs for Life, an organization that provides limbs for amputees who can’t afford it.
“This will give them the chance to dream big and run and dance and do whatever it is they want to do,” Haslet said. “You feel so hopeless when you don’t have a leg.”
Watch her story here:
Thank you Adrianne Haslet for being Boston Strong, and showing us your heart and courage in times of adversity.
The race pack collection for The Performance Series Race 1: Coney Island/Punggol Waterway was held at City Square Mall. The location is rather convenient in my opinion but the area where we collected the race pack within the mall is quite inappropriate, mainly because it was rather hot and stuffy at certain parts of the queue. I reached the area about 11.05 am and was shocked to see that there was already a very long queue of people waiting to collect their race pack. The collection was supposed to start at 11 am by the way, but the organizers saw the long queue and decided to start earlier. Kudos to that, because if not, my waiting time would have been longer than it already is.
The queue was rather slow at first but it soon picked up pace as the volunteers began to get use to the routine and worked faster to clear the crowd. There’s also updates on FB informing of other runners who are planning to head down about the length of the queue, which I thought was really nice of them.
Anyways, I didn’t have to queue very long for my race pack but there was one thing I felt that the organizers could improve on though. The volunteer who packed my race pack only checked with me the size of my shirt and then placed the shirt and race bib into the bag. After receiving my pack, I stood there to take out the race bib to check for the particulars and whether they are right or not. Although this can be considered as the responsibility of the runners to check, I think it would be better if they are allowed us a chance to check our particulars before the volunteers place them into the race pack to save time and if the race bib is not ours, we can change it immediately.
Everything in the race pack!
Collection of race packs always gets me so excited! It’s like receiving a present and I can’t wait to check out what’s inside. So what I’ve got in my 10km race pack is a draw string bag from Compressport containing my run tee, race bib, a pair of compressport running socks (which my boyfriend commented saying that it resembled the feet of a gecko due to the green spots), some vouchers for online shopping, Uber discount and spa/sports massage and the sport drink Lucozade (I have yet to try the sport drink though).
I have yet to try the socks yet and I’ll probably try it during one of my practice runs prior to the race itself on 1st May and maybe I’ll give a product review and talk more about it. The information behind the packaging makes the product looks quite promising though!
This post can also be found on http://mylittlepartoftheearth.blogspot.sg/
Familiars in the Singapore running community would recognise her. July is a mini celebrity runner, with her own instagram account (@july_04_) where she frequently shares her running progress and photos. However, not many of us knew of the story behind her running journey and that she did not use to be fit and active like now.
Here, we share with you her story in this short interview:
How would you introduce yourself to Singapore running community?
Hi there! July here. I am a full time mom. I love running and am also inclined to dance fitness and do home work out during my free time. Please say Hello when you see me out running.
When did you first pick up running and what inspired you to do so?
Back in 2010, I was overweight. I weighed 65kg. I started losing weight on purely diet for 4 years as I hated sweating. Then I realized diet was never enough as my weight loss stuck at 10kg. So I decided to do more. Early of 2014, I engaged myself in some home work-outs. I did Dancing, Zumba, and Aerobics from youtube. Then I started leisurely running at the park as for the main inspiration then was to lose more weight and be fit.
In June 2014, a friend invited me to join a Fun Run event overseas with distance of 16km (finished in less than 3hours). Then followed by another Fun Run event which is my first half marathon (finished in less than 4hours). And because my timing is not that good at that time, I became more motivated and continue to join races in which that same year I did my very first 42km – SCMS2014 (finished 6hours45mins).
I joined more running events and started learning to do proper training and got serious with running ever since. I’ve noticed that running helps to make me healthier as I lose more weight than I never expected as now I’m down to 44 kg. Aside from that, it’s like a therapy as it makes me more relaxed, happy and gives me positive energy. Indeed, running has changed my life.
“TranscendYourself”, what does the slogan means to you? Can you share with us your own transcend story?
Transcend Yourself means to me what you can achieve in your life goes well beyond your limits.
I never expected that I can lose that much of weight, from 65kg to 44kg. It took me 6 years to do that. As I only wanted to fit in medium size clothes. But with all the determination, perseverance, patience and hard work it all pays off. Running has taught me that I am capable of so much more than I ever imagined.
One advice for aspiring runners?
I always say this…. Run Happy! Whatever your own reason to run, whether it’s for fitness, to meet more friends, for charity or personal goals and achievement, if you’re happy about what you are doing… everything will follow and you will never quit running.
What is your mantra for when the going gets tough in a race?
When you feel like quitting… think about why you started…. SHUT UP BRAIN SHUT UP. You can do it!!!
Name one friend. Greatest transcend in a person through running.
Justina Zeng. She is also a running mom just like me and she is a person who’s beautiful inside and out. She is a very fast runner and inspires me with her great passion in running. She gives her best in training even with her other personal commitments and works hard to achieve her best results.
Finish this sentence: Running is ……
Running is the preeminent thing you can achieve for yourself.
Join The Performance Series Race #2 @ Jurong Lake
Don’t miss the last race happening at Jurong Lake prior to closing for renovation, no other than The Performance Series @ Jurong Lake (26 June 2016). The race has 10km, 5km and 2.5km categories. While we are also excited for the Jurong Lake District’s makeover, this will be a memorable run at Jurong Lake before its new appearance is unveiled. Be part of The Performance Series. #TranscendYourself and run at some of Singapore’s most iconic landscapes!
Previously we have shared the route map and finisher medals for HomeTeamNS REAL Run‘s Multi-terrain Obstacle Challenge (Lifesavers Route)here. The organiser has now released more information on the 5 individual obstacles you will encounter during the 5 km race, which we are excited to share them with you!
The 5 obstacles will be held on 4 different terrains — Road, Trail and Sand, and a 4th element – the Mystery Terrains. Be in for a surprise to find that you may have to wade through water, mud, or over grass and etc, while taking on the obstacles.
Running is one of the easiest sports and can be done almost anywhere, anytime. But to the visually and intellectually challenged, this simple exercise comes with obstacles and hindered confidence, often requiring tremendous effort to complete.
Not many of us can be confident to even walk around blind; we can imagine how difficult it is to take that first step to run without our sight.
5/10 km Blind Run
At RunningHour 2016, you get to experience and comprehend the difficulties in running blind. You have the option to experience how running is like for someone with a visual impairment. Each participant will receive a blindfold and tether band as part of your runner entitlements. You can pair up with a friend, and take turns running ‘blind’ while your partner guides you with the tether band.
Run So Others Can
RunningHour 2016 is a national event that aims to use mainstream sports as a platform to promote integration and nurture an inclusive Singapore for the community with special needs. Runninghour is the only race in Singapore where participants run alongside other visually, intellectually and physically-challenged runners.
To change the perception of disabilities
RunningHour was formed in 2009 by John See Toh and his wife Jan Siang. They built it upon their idea: to use an accessible, affordable sport like running to create a supportive, encouraging and empowering environment for people with intellectual challenges.
From only a few runners, RunningHour now has nearly 400 members and has shown the world that people with special needs can partake in physical recreation too. Not only has it provided a way for often reclusive people with special needs to do some exercise outdoors and mingle with their peers, it has given them a vehicle to integrate into mainstream society.
Non-stop Dance Fitness
If you are not up for a run this time round, you may take part in the Dance Fitness session which still start from 8am till the event ends. Join in the fun with the other participants and get grooving to a morning of fun and sweat! If you are a runner, you may also join in the Dance Fitness segment after you have completed your races.
Don’t miss your last chance to run at the authentic Chinese Gardens before they are closed for renovation. the race is taking place on June 26th, and includes exploratory runs of 2.5km and 5km distances, as well as the competitive 10km.
Save $5 with JustRunLah!
All JRL readers get to enjoy a $5 discount when registering for any category.Enter promo Code: 5OFFJRL during checkout to redeem. Additionally, you can sign up for a bundle of 3 or 5 races and enjoy savings up to S$50.
Race pack collection was done at Novena Square, though the venue given was VeloCity. Yes, both are side by side, but Novena Square is not VeloCity is it. Perhaps a sign of things to come?
Collection site
Collection itself was fast and hassle free
Race Pack. Not much these days.
Race Day
Was there pretty early though the flag off was only at 0800hrs.
Being in Wave 1, I was flagged off promptly at 0800hrs. Run route was pretty straightforward, not much twist and turns. I must say I was pretty impressed that the route ended promptly at 10km, not a metre more not a metre less. After passing the finish line, collected my medal, drinks and went to the carnival site to look around. There was a photo booth by Merrell that lets runners print out photo cards, which is pretty nice.
Me when nobody else was there
Quite a crowd prior to flag off
Crossing the finish line
Pre and Post run photos
Photo cards
Uniquely shaped medal
After Thoughts
I have to say there are plenty with more negative ones.
On the Race Guide, we were told the event site is at the Gallop Stable and the map given showed the Start and Finish Points are almost side by side. However when we were at the stables, we were told the start point was actually at the Coney West Entrance, which was a good 700m away. We could have been informed of this as many runners were surprised when they realised they have to move to another location to start the run. Technically the race guide did not state the Start Point to be at the stables but most runners would logically assume the event site IS the Start Point wouldn’t we?
At the Start Point, there were no water stations or Portaloo, which was kinda weird, especially when the MC made the call to us prior to flag off to drink up if necessary. Drink up from???
Runners were divided into Wave 1 and 2 for 10km with Wave 3 being 5km. However, other than the call from the MC for us to separate ourselves by waves, there was nobody on the ground to actually do the separation unlike a previous trail run. So we cannot help but wonder the purpose of registering in waves if no one is on the ground to enforce.
Flag off was set at 0800hrs for Wave 1. Yes, we do know during registration the flag off would be this late. But with the recent hot weather we sure could do with an earlier flag off before the sun got powerful. Thus all through the 10km run, we were blasted by the sun with scarcely any shelter.
Flag off was prompt for wave 1, though I heard from some friends subsequent waves were flagged off late resulting in even hotter than necessary conditions.
Distance markers were non-existent. I do not recall seeing any at all. Could I have missed 9 of them (1 per km)? I may be wrong but I do not think so.
I also got to know the leading runners were lead on a wild goose chase and they ended up looping the other way. With the top prize being $1000 cash, the implications are great indeed. Marshalls not briefed? Lack of marshalls?
Hydration stations have to be considered a joke and that is to put it mildly. Plenish Sports Water, the isotonic drink from Pokka was served. But, they were all luke warm. How can hydration stations be serving luke warm drinks to runners especially considering the hot weather? I have to pity the volunteers who had to pour the drinks from 500ml bottles. Yes, you did not read wrongly nor did I do a typo, 500ml bottles, not the usual 1.5litre pet bottles. Don’t the organiser know this will result in slower refills which was what happened when runners practically had to hold the cups and wait for the drinks to be poured? And the best part, where is the water? Water as in plain water or mineral water. There were none! Not all runners want to take isotonic and shouldn’t water be the very basic in the first place? Even at the post run carnival site, no cold drinks were served. And I must say I was pretty pissed that cold drinks were being SOLD there instead. Is this a ploy by organisers to milk even more money from runners who really could do with some cold drinks after a run under such weather? What’s even more unforgiving was I understand from friends who ran the later 5km that hydration stations ran out of drinks for them. No drinks for runners, some whom are kids as this was a fun run, for a whopping 5km under the searing sun. 5km runners paid $45, which is not cheap and there wasn’t drinks for them. Duh!
Overall, the run was a big disappointment. Right from the wrong venue being given for REPC was already an omen of what was to come. This has to be the most poorly organised run I have ever experienced. My conclusion is the organiser(s) is/are not a runner himself/themselves, thus he/they do not know nor understand runner requirements.
Recommendation to runners: DO NOT return for this run if it is held again next year. Actually, do NOT go for events organised by Celebrity Trainer Pte Ltd. I know this is kinda harsh but every runner I know of agreed the organiser(s) clearly do not know what they are doing.
Having signed up for the previous two editions of this race (of which I have pleasant recollections), I naturally decided to continue this streak. More importantly however, this race had a respectable cause that I supported – aiming to raise awareness of the need to lower the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350ppm! As with my other race reviews, do look out for the font in italics.
Pre-Race Matters
4 categories were available for participants to choose from, involving 2 competitive (HM, 10km) and 2 non-competitive (Kids’ Dash, Fun On Wheels) categories, thus catering to a wide target audience.
Registration fees were very affordable for those with discounts (Loyal Runners, NTUC/nEbO members/NTUC Income Policyholders) – a HM could cost as little as $33 (very affordable in comparison to most local races).
Race Entry Pack Collection was held from 25-27 March 2016 from 11am-8pm at the Marina Square Central Atrium. There were a variety of merchandise booths, including a giant sculpture (on which every participant’s name was printed) amongst other features.
The Race Precinct
Located at the F1 Pit Building, it was a reminder of the previous week’s 2XU Compression Run 2016. Baggage deposit and portable toilets (5min~ queue at approx 6.20am) were available.
The Race Precinct. Credit to Run350’s Race Guide.
The Race
Having managed to enter the start pen only at about 6.25am, my friend and I managed to get into the second wave. The first wave was flagged off promptly at 6.30am, while the second wave was flagged off 5mins after.
The race route was largely similar to that which 10km runners of the previous week’s 2XU Compression Run may have experienced. Here you go!
The 10km Route. Credit to Run350’s Facebook Page.
The route did pose a few notable challenges. Firstly, 10km and HM runners merged and diverged during a few occasions – this meant possible room for misdirection if signs were not conspicuous or volunteers were not proactive (or if runners were inattentive). Secondly, there a brief technical portion of the route near the Marina Bay Golf Range involving a series of sharp turns. If not for that, the route was largely uneventful.
Along Bayfront Bridge. Credit to Running Shots.
Hydration stations were available at five points along the 10km course, serving both isotonic drink and plain water. In the spirit of reducing our carbon footprint, refill points were also available for participants who brought their own bottles or hydration devices. Distance markers were generally accurate for the 10km route, with my GPS data coinciding quite accurately (at least, by the time I reached the Finish).
A Finisher’s Medal was handed out to participants of the 10km category, in addition to a banana and a can of 100 Plus. There were multiple post-race activities available for participants to engage in, such as the Eco Village, a massage, etc. Last but not least, race results were available 2 days after the race.
That’s about all for my review of this year’s edition! Feel free to check out my personal blog here as well 🙂
I am finally back in town and man, does it feel like forever since I last wrote here! I’ve been hearing so much about Coney Island in the last months since it opened, so signing up for this race was a no brainer for me (I am a big sucker when it comes to exploring new places through running).
I alway try to focus on the positive aspects of each event and take the best out of each experience, but some times it’s really hard to do so. Perhaps I’ve been away too long, perhaps I’ve gotten older and grumpier, but I can’t really look the other way when race organisers do nothing to cover our basic needs – such as hydration at the finish area for example.
But let’s take things from the start.
Pre-race / Flag-Off
Race pack collection was fast and efficient. I really liked the t-shirt by Nathan and there were some cool items and vouchers. On the race day itself, the organiser had arranged for a free shuttle bus between Punggol MRT and the event area (Punggol Ranch) which I thought was a great idea. I ended up not using it since I was running late and had to take a cab, but still, kudos for that.
After depositing my bag at the ranch, I started walking to the start line. I was surprised to find out that it was 700m away. Nothing wrong with that, but a heads up beforehand would have been nice so we can plan our time.
I was supposed to flag-off with the second wave, 8:15am (first wave was 8:00am) so I stood at the side to take some photos. The MC urged people of later waves to wait until their their wave is called, because, I quote “there will be not enough hydration if everybody leaves at once”. That was a first warning sign to me. In any case, 90% of the people actually ignored him and went off at 8:00am regardless of which wave they had signed up for.
I found myself with another 30-40 people awkwardly waiting by the starting line (most of us just started running at our own discretion). Thinking back at it, it was quite fun since I don’t think I will ever see myself at the front line of a race 😀
Beautiful route
The scenery was amazing! We entered Coney Island right after start line, and went on for the next 2.5 km. The trees provided with shade and overall it was a very comfortable start with no congestion or any other issues. There is nothing better for me than running through such pristine nature, so I can now see what all the fuss has been about. Coney Island is great!
After exiting the island, the sun hit me quite hard, but I pushed through. Running to Lorong Halus Wetland and along Punggol Promenade offered equally nice scenery. I’ve never been to this area before and I really loved it – talk about good living conditions!
By this point we had run about 8 km and the sun was merciless. I was quite disappointed that the hydration points so far only offered (warm) isotonic drinks, but I was still hopeful to get some fresh water before I finish, which never happened.
The bridges, platforms and ramps added a nice variety to the route all the way to the finish line, where I was shocked to find out that there was no hydration at all; neither water nor isotonic drink. Instead, we were told to buy drinks at the nearby vendor area (!!!). I am not a particularly fast runner, but I think there were still more than 50% of runners coming behind me. I cannot imaging the poor people who had to run/walk under the sun even longer.
This mishap really left a bad taste in my mouth, and I when I think about the fact that we were given two bags during race pack collection (one hand held and one draw-string) I cannot help but wonder why the organiser decided to spend money that way and not getting us some water…
After I changed out of my wet clothes and spent some time at the race village, I boarded the shuttle back to Punggol MRT.
All things considered, I feel lucky to have seen this area, and I am really looking forward to running at Coney Island again in 2 weeks for TPS, and I do hope that all future events organisers set their priorities straight.
Obligatory finisher medal photo.
Pros
The route and location. Thanks for making an event here!
Free shuttle bus.
Race village. Many cool activities and infrastructure, benches etc.
Cons / Room for improvement
Hydration. Water is needed when you are running 10km under the sun. Enough said.
Markers and signs. That might have been more of problem for competitive runners, but it is definitely something to keep in view.
With 4 different events, the TRI-Factor Series 2016 aims to make multi-sports more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. You can choose to participate in the individual swim, bike or run events, or all 4 of them to challenge yourself.
If you have always wanted to try multi-sports events or even a triathlon, this is a great opportunity for you to step out of your comfort zone and eventually work towards completing a triathlon. Which race would you join and which is your TRI-factor?
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Enjoy 10% OFF when registering for any TRI-Factor event in 2016. Use code JRLTFS10during registration to claim the discount.
Looking for a holiday where you can have fun and at the same time achieve running goals? Well, look no further – the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is held on 2-3 July 2016 and it comes packed with an excellent running course and heaps of attractions and activities that you can indulge in post run. Just an 8 hours flight away, theme parks, world-renowned beaches and year-round sunshine are a few of the reasons that make Gold Coast a great trip for the family or you and your buddies.
RUNcation: An Excellent Tourist Location
The Gold Coast is renowned for its unique and beautiful beaches, stretching from the southern end at Rainbow Bay to South Stradbroke Island in the north. From the iconic Surfers Paradise beach to the dining precincts of Main Beach and Broadbeach and out to the lush, green hinterland, there is always something new for you to discover.
For daddies and mummies who are looking to combine the race with your family holiday, be sure to check out Gold Coast’s iconic theme parks (Sea World, Dream World and Warner Bros. Movie World) that will keep your children in awe. Check out full or half day tours up to Mt Tamborine to enjoy its crisp fresh air in this quaint little town.
For racers who are on the coast with your mates, and are looking for more adrenalin pumping activities to do – we challenge you to scale the tallest residential building in the world at SkyPoint Climb. Or leap off a plane at 14,000 feet at Kirra Beach to tick off 1 bucket list item. If you just want to R&R, we recommend that you hop on the G:Link tram and café hop between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach where you will find some of the coast’s best restaurants and café.
RUNspiration: Great Crowd, Awesome Atmosphere, Fantastic Weather
Known as Runspiration by familiar runners at the event, Gold Coast Airport Marathon has also earned its popularity via the strong community of race supporters. Immerse in electrifying atmosphere of positive energy at every turn and corner. What can we say, the Queenslanders always know how to have a good time. Weather conditions in July on the Gold Coast are traditionally great for running. There is low humidity, little or no wind in the morning and mild temperatures. It is no wonder runners get inspired and are known to achieve their PB at Gold Coast Airport Marathon!
Direct Flights to Gold Coast
With direct flight from Singapore to Gold Coast, runners can get to run a world-class race with great weather and lovely scenery in just under 8 hours. This makes for an easy getaway especially for runners who are working or have a family. There are also travel packages available at affordable rates, which include:
Return airfare on Scoot
3/5 nights stay at the Grand Chancellor or similar
