A race that most Singaporeans anticipate and for newbie marathoners, definitely a must do. The Sundown marathon takes participants racing through the night in Singapore and till the dawn breaks the next day. Having participated it many years back, my last race was 2017. I felt that I needed to give it a break because it is really too torturing for me not to sleep 😛
Official Website: https://www.sundownmarathon.com/sg/
Carnival feeling at the marathon
I did not actually want to run the Sundown this year, but the Running Hour group has a free slot for our members to go. You can also guide the other runners if you want. So I decided to sign up Half Marathon, thinking that I was doing almost a marathon a month for the beginning of the year.
After having a serious feet problem since the income run, I was glad I did not opt for the FM. The good thing was for the Running hour members, there were actually no one doing the FM too.
We get a free slot and turns out my team has 2 other seasoned runners with one person to guide, his name is Renyi. I had ran with him before, not like other people with special needs. He behaves very much like a normal person, and he is very determined towards doing something.
RACE PACK COLLECTION
Collection line
Last minute shuttle bus tickets
Busy race expo
Race expo entrance at MBS
Me and my bib
The race pack collection was held at Marina Bay Sands Convention Hall C. There were three days for collection from 24th-26th of May. To speak the truth it is very luxurious timing, foreign runners can contact the organizer for further information on how to collect their items nearer the date. This year the bag is not that huge as compared to the previous years, there were some samples of detergent and dish washing liquid, the running tee ( which is very nice and fitting), your race bib and last but not least the usual brochures and pamphlets.
Race pack
The race expo is the more exciting one compared to other races which does not even have this. Many booths selling discounted sports items, sports therapy and promotional booths on other races. This is also where you get to see many runner friends in the industry 🙂
The event tee and magazine
RACE DAY
Many people at the race village in F1 pit
This time round I really went slow slow slow. But it really feels very different running at a slower speed. I was able to really think about things clearly, enjoy the scenery and take a break at the water points, which I will skip if running alone ( especially for 21km). The best part is with the other 2 guides doing the pacing , I get to feel what a real pacer move, running together with someone does really feel good.
Entrance to the pen, we waited at the special priority queue to accommodate to running hour folks
The race start point was amazing with many lights, booths , big screen that show the soccer Premier league in action. There were baggage drop, and toilets. But this year , there was no shower points. So many will need to find for their own source, especially for regional runners who touch and go.
Felt like and Elite being so near to the start line
Portable toilets were always crowded
To speak the truth, I personally find the HM well organised, there were no human jams despite flagging off at a later timing. The water points were ample with Isotonic and water. But the funny thing is there was only one water point that was really “sexy” with Salonpas ( muscle spray), energy bar ( no gel), the rest were mere hydration. I was just wondering if the FM is the same as the FM runners will need more support. After reading the FM reports from fellow runners, I understand that the FM was not really that well organised and there were points where the hydration went out! At the Kallang riverside point, they were even forced to go up the stairs instead of having to go up the ramp that was really too much I feel. But then again these were other people’s experiences not mine.
Along the way with Renyi
Our team, Me , Andy, Shu Hao and Renyi
Water point
From F1 pit we went down to Suntec, turn back to Nicoll highway and through the Kallang area. Gardens by the Bay east and barrage was next, luckily we did not have to go up the winding upslope in barrage. After Gardens by the Bay Domes, all was predictable. CBD area , floating platform and finally at F1 pit back again.
FINISHING
Turning back to see the finishing point…Finally over
I could feel the euphoria of Renyi as he finishes the race. Towards the 18km I could sense the tiredness already. Well there is always a beginning to get use to the distance.
Ending point after the finish line
Medal and Bib for HM
With Renyi
The ending was pretty nice as it is dashing through the tarmac road. First you will get the hydration and banana, the medal was dished out at the end towards the F1 pits. To speak the truth I find the design rather weird as there was a spinning wheel in the centre, but I do not know what that is for.
We gathered around to wait for others. This is where the Z monster got me. I felt sleepy already!! Well guess sleep cannot wait. I think I will not be back in Sundown for the longest time, unless there is a need to combat the sleep monster.