First organised by the Sports organisation, Hivelocity Singapore, in 2008, and the event has continued ever since since. From a humble attendance of just over 6,000 in the first year, Sundown Marathon’s registration is expected to reach 30,000 for the third straight year in 2015, making it Asia’s largest night marathon once again.
Being the nation’s first night race to be nominated twice for the prestigious International Sports Event Management (ISEM) Awards and, more recently, Marketing Events Awards, for the Best Sport-Oriented Event, Sundown marathon has been constantly improving to provide all long distance runners in the region and internationally with an experience never to be missed.
Since 2013, Sundown marathon have shifted from Changi site to come to the city, Nicoll highway, and in 2015, F1 pit area was the home ground for this mega event. three race categories – 5KM Fun Run (New race category), 10KM, Half Marathon and Full Marathon.
Pulse of the Tribe is 2015’s edition’s theme name, being said that, the marathon organiser hope to encourage family members and friends to join in the event with a new category of 5km fun run, starting at 8pm in the evening.
For the shorter distances, it is never a problem for night races in Singapore, given its hot and humid weather. Having the night race might be actually good. But for longer distances, it will depend on the adequacy of your training and your ability sustain through the night. If you are a nocturnal animal, then Sundown is a marathon that you might not want to miss. It starts usually 12am to 1am. You will not only have to fight the Z monster( constant sign of sleepiness). Our human body clock will be at rest at this moment, and we have been tuned to do it all these while. But this race will require you to take on long distances at this unearthly hour.
The Preparation
Preparation for any marathon should be about a minimal of 3 months before the race itself. For Sundown marathon, it will be wise for the participants to at least prepare 4 months in advance and to include running late at night ( after mid night) at least one long and one short distance ( the long distance should cover 25km and above, while the short one about 10-12 km). There were many instances where runners finally just slept by the East Coast Park Pavilion and give completing the marathon a miss!
The Course
Fairly flat with a big chunk of the section concentrating at East Coast Park(ECP). The longest stretch of recreational area in the Eastern part of Singapore. Once you enter ECP, the course can really get very monotonous and at times boring. This is especially so for the runners who are used to training at ECP. It does not help when at night, because the visibility is lower and it gets more humid by the seaside. The only “killer” portion is when you turn into Gardens By the Bay and have to go up the Sheares bridge. Usually after the 30 km mark. This is really very tiring if you are not conditioned. Many of the runners will end up walking up the bridge.
Support and Logistics
In terms of Support and logistics, one will realise that for the Full marathon has improved over the years. Even though it cannot be compared to the bigger races globally: eg Tokyo or Boston. One can see that the race organisers are seriously taking every step to make the experience every year a better and more sustainable one.
Showering Points
With the rise of budget airlines, many runners come regionally just to run and go back to their country. But fear not, Singapore Changi Airport is very well equipped with such facilities. Even if you are not able to do so at the Airport, there are many public swimming pools in the area at a cheap rate for your to shower and change up. Who knows: you can even take a dip in the pool before jetting off. This is a great way to cool it off after a tough marathon. The nearest public pool in the Southern City part of Singapore is actually Jalan Besar Swimming Pool. Operated by the Singapore Sports Council, the swimming pool is relatively new and clean, there are also nearby cafes and food centre for you to grab a bite.
Water and Energy Replenishment Points
The whole course is completed with many water points. But being a habit for myself, I prefer to bring my own hydration. One thing I realise about the regional races is that water points may be planned out, and even shared at the official web site, there are many times that the water points are not there! So what more safer than bringing your own. Usually after the 32km mark, energy gels will be given along with banana. This really helps if you do not carry any energy replenishment yourself.
The End
Ending at any marathon is always a relieve, seeing the time clock and also the shutters flashing away, you know , you have finally came to an end. No matter how fast or how slow, it is always good to finish the marathon in safe condition. For the Sundown, straight after you cross the finishing line. There is the Finisher medal waiting for you. The staff will also pass you the finisher tee shirt. Of course banana, isotonic and plain water is the next. The medic station is just nearby if you are not feeling well. There were also masseurs to help relieve the pain and tension after the marathon.
In general, this marathon is quite worth while to attend. Here are my personal ratings for the sundown marathons that I have attended:
Timing: 4/10 ( but it is just that I am not a night person)
Course: Smooth and not much of slopes 7/10
Logistics: 6/10 ( Some volunteers are already sleeping as it is already middle of the night, not much choices of replenishments and hydration is only isotonic and plain water)
2Km towards the end
Sweet beginning at the F1 Pit in 2015
Scene from ECP and also the Bay area.