Asics Relay 2018
Another one of those Ekiden races well liked by Singaporeans. This year the race venue is at the Palawan Beach, Sentosa. Participants can chose to do the half marathon or full marathon distances divided among four runners. For the registration, just one of the team mates can sign up and pay for all online and there will be an invitation sent out for the rest of the participants.
With TRC runners
I did not manage to go to the race pack collection, but the goodie bag was not bad with the tee shirt and an Asics soft bag. There were also the usual coupons and promotional leaflets.
Feels like a night festival
The race venue was literally like a beach party, there were also food stores selling pizzas and hotdogs. Also good to see the Suntory and Jim Beam booth whipping up fresh draft beer and Hi Ball. As the race will take almost 3-4 hours, participants can chill around and enjoy the atmosphere while waiting for their counterparts to return. Organiser also set up tables and benches for participants to hang around and put their stuff. There was also Asics booth, toilets, a big centre stage where Fitness First instructors taught the kick boxing, body jam etc.
Stalls selling beer!
Being the first leg, my team mate actually came in late and was not in time to catch his breath, he was supposed to be the first runner so I took over him. Ended up that only me, him and his girlfriend were the only runners. In such a case one of us had to go again, although it is not right to do so, but since we are not any podium potentials we presume it was okay. Unfortunately on that day, his girlfriend was not feeling well too. So ended up I had to run another round.
The Race Route
The route is really not easy, undulating and sharp turns every where, it doesn’t help that it was held at night and it was dark. However, I must say that it was not very crowded and there were no jammed up situations around. This came as a surprise for me because I thought that people will be crowded together since there are so many legs. But I guess the legs somewhat also help to ease the jam portion because at one time not all 4 will be running together.
There were water points along the way serving Pocari sweat non carbonated and plain water. The volunteers were friendly and very motivating. Light ups were also every where to make the run more interesting.
For the 10K runners, you will need to go 2 loops to finish the 10km, at the first look the volunteers will hand you a rubber band to indicate that you have finished one loop. The signs were also very clear and not confusing for all.
Finishing
Finisher Medal
Believe me when I say this is one of the toughest road 10k I have done in Singapore. But it felt good after finishing because the ended part felt like a party by the beach and it is good to be held in Sentosa because of the availability of shower facilities allows the runners to have a good wash before going home.
Event Tee comes in Four colours.
The last runner gets all the medals for the team mates. Although I was really tempted to stay longer , being in Sentosa I have to think of the transport out of the Island. Indeed a good run on a Saturday night instead of the usual parties and drinks!