The Singapore Biathlon used to be organised by the Singapore Navy. The 1.5km Swim and 10km Run has always been the Singapore Navy’s important event for the year, however, 2012 has been the last year to be organised by Singapore Navy. 2015, I happen to chance upon the meta series, and I realise that they have been doing all these dual, BI and Tri. Meta Sport has been organising Bi, Dual and Triathlon to heighten the awareness of the two and three sportalons in Singapore.
Start Point is also the Finish Point
The first time joining the Aquathlon, although I had did six times of Biathlons since 2006, this is the first time I am doing this with meta sports.
With Metasports, I must say it was a totally different type of experience. The participants are lesser, but they are more competitive and well trained. Most represents the schools or institutions, usually in teams and they have proper coaches to train their various legs. Although I am not that well trained especially in swimming, doing one swim in the sea can really get you to experience real swimming and the skills required.
The Race
Simple Race pack goodie gives you the essential
The race pack collection was in Farrer Park, City Square Mall, for Meta they seem to make this their ground for the collection of race packs. The race pack is simple, one drawstring 2XU bag( white in colour) , a dark blue dri fit tee with the Singapore Aquathlon design. There are a few brochures inside promoting some spa and pilates classes. Your swimming cap and bib number are also inside.
At the mini race expo, there were some sales for Arena Swim equipment and also sports gels and drink counter.
There is a need to wear the wrist tag before you start the race
The timing chip is waterproof and you need to strap it to you ankles
The body marking is also essential so that safety crew in the sea can see you clearly
The race itself is at ECP, carpark F. Swim is 750m, in loops, so if you take the standard distance, it will be 2 loops around the buoys. One word of caution, I am never a swimmer, do note that swimming in the pool is a total different ball game from swimming in the sea. Of course, it can be difficult to find opportunities to swim in the sea to train alone swimming in the sea because it can be rather dangerous no matter how seasoned you are. The Meta organisation does have some training clinics to help you overcome this. But training the stamina inside the pool can really help more. Ensure that you have good goggles as in the sea, currents might just sweep away your goggles if you are not careful. The ladies and veterans get to start their race first so that the slower ones will have ample time to complete their race.
Race finisher’s entitlements: A finisher medal
There are ample area for the participants to rest and change after the race. The only place to change up is the public toilet nearby which offer only one closed shower and many open air showers which is good enough for quick clean up!
Along the 10km run, there are ample water points with water and isotonics