Wanted to do this race with a good friend but unforeseen circumstance occurred. To cut the story short, we are so reliant on technology these days that it kept me wonder how did we survived those days where we did not have mobiles.
My mobile phone actually went black out and generating a lot of heat but the screen just went blank on the day of this race. As a result, I could not reach my friend and end up doing the race alone. Having 8 waves in the race, I actually waited till the last race in hope to see him at the pen. Unfortunately, it was not our day. But because it is home ground, I managed to catch some of the other good old runner friends and they help me took some pictures 🙂 What a relief. Well one take away from this story probably is, fix an exact time and exact place to meet way before the race if you are doing it with someone. In case the handphone does not work etc etc. Back to that race report!
2XU Race
Originally there was one FM category in 2014 for this race for the first time. However, a runner was dead from the race, and after that the organisers never did anymore FM for this race. The story of the fatality has fingers pointing to the poor medical coverage of the organiser and also runners pushing themselves too hard for the race.
Coverage by ST on this fatality: http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/man-dies-after-collapsing-at-2xu-compression-run-marathon
Picture credits to Pocari Sweat Singapore.
But in any case, whether it is the organiser’s fault or not, runners should really take care of themselves and not expect other people to take ownership of their lives. Reviewing back that day, I was actually behind the man when he collapse. Thinking that it was a chance for me to do my PB, I ran very fast. We we were all beneath the Tanjong Rhu Bridge, the man just dropped in front of me. My first reaction was shocked. In fact, many of the runners just ran past him not realising him falling down. The best part was some runners even took photo of him and ran off !! For the first time, I tried to use CPR on a real life case. But my palms were too small and I thought my compression might not be strong enough. Just at that point a few others came to our rescue. Two men started taking turns to CPR, while a medical doctor who happened to be running started to give us some ER instructions. Me and one other runner ran to the nearest volunteer helper and sought help from her. But to our surprise, she does not seem at all urgent about it and was like clueless what has to be done. The worst part is no one know what is the emergency plan. So the next instinct was to call the ambulance. The place where he fell was not near any service road, this made it even more challenging for the help team. Having a hard time trying to locate us, the ambulance only arrived about 30 minutes later. The man had pulse but not breathing.
The rest is history. Looking back at the whole incident, I can only say, you know yourself the best. If the case happened on a Trail race, I am sure the medical help will come even later. Do not push yourself too hard and also if you did not have a proper rest and is totally not prepared for a long distance race, please do not do it!
2017 2XU Compression Run Race
Race pack collection: Held over the weekend before the race, the collection was at Marina Square Atrium, as usual the first day evening, there was a crazy crowd queuing to pick up their packs. My usual habit is to collect on the last day, which I did again this time. However, there is some truth to the early bird getting the worms. The earlier batches got the rose gold singlet while later batches were only gold. The race pack had a singlet, a polo tee and some vouchers inside a recycling bag.
The Key power team also threw in bundles for the runners to purchase 2 XU products at a good price. In terms of perks, the race is very worthwhile.
The Race Route: To speak the truth, there were not many road closures and also the closures were in the wee hours. I guess the organisers want to “save” some manpower and money. Most parts of the race is done in park and PCN. The usual Kallang river to Stadium route was not avoided, which makes it the choke point. But having 8 waves makes the situation better. So if you are an elite just go to the first wave and be saved. Parts of the ECP was also in the run and Gardens by the Bay East was the scenic spot for the overseas runners, you can see them all camwhoring at the point. The run back was through the MBS and Shenton and lead back to Esplanade and then the Finishing point at the F1 pit. F1 pit seems to be a highlight for races these days as the space is ample and there is no need to have to close many roads. Although there were many water points, the points were set up at rather choked out points making it congested for the faster runners.
Finisher: Race village is full of perks form Pocari sweat the official drinks sponsor, Tiger Balm massage , centre stage even had Yoga stretch out for the finishers. Food and drinks stores ( need to pay) were also strewn around.
Finishers get a finishing medal, a Finisher Tee shirt, bananas, Pocari Sweat drinks and a cool wet towel to cool yourself down.
The finisher medal for the race
All in all I do enjoy the race alot, quite a bit was put into the planning for the congestion. Also contingency plan was informed to all the runners way before the race.