Joining this race was by pure chance. I did not really want to spend more money on races in Singapore as they are really too expensive. To think I can get the same race overseas like Malaysia and Thailand with half and price and more perks too.
The bib was shared by Richard Koh as he had a friend from the Yishun Runners who has promo code to give away free bib. It was really good, but I originally thought it was a walk, so I did not really train for it.
Sign Up and Race pack collection
The original sign up price is $30. I am quite surprised that they are giving away goodie bag for this event. The sign up is in the 42 races app. I am not sure what other platforms to carry this race. After entering the promo code, I got to sign up the race for free.
https://www.justrunlah.com/race/skechers-friendship-walk-2023/
Race Pack Collection
Morning at the start line
The race pack collection was over a weekend and we got to select the location of the sketches store to collect the pack. I chose JEM was it was nearer to my house. At first the organisation was not so good, the queue was rather long, but later it moved faster when the organiser knew they had to go faster as the crowd was coming in.
The pack was not bad , there were also discounts for the shoes and a tee shirt , but sizing runs big for the shirt.
Race It Self
Running for the last stretch
I had the recital the day before and was really too excited after that having drinks. I guess I was too tired also and thus was feeling rather lethargic the second day. As I thought that it was just a walk, I didn’t really put too much heart to it. But as I was walking towards the start line, I saw pacers lining up the start line. I didn’t make much of it, as I went into the start line, I saw the Yishun runners and Richard. They told me that the run was real for 10km and walkers was only 5km. Immediate I felt stress , the competitive me kinda took over despite the tiredness.
As the horn sounded off, I was still thinking that I will take it easy. Then I thought might was well try my best and get it over and done fast! So I whizzed as fast as I could. Somehow, the form was good that day, I felt okay and keep pushing. Had all the speed training been doing me good? Well, right to the U turn point which is our usual Monday tortoise run route, turning at a little further down the Passion wave and back to Marina Bay Sands open promontory. In fact, the way back was a bit tough for me feeling a bit strained, but I could feel one guy panting behind and trying to keep pace with me, so I just maintained and keep going. I told myself, If I can just push a bit more. But after gardens by the bay, he jammed up the speed and overtook me.
As I was running through, the usual photographers, Tan Kim Lai and Dave were taking pictures for us. Dave told me that I am the third for the women runners, I could not believe it. But the last part I just dashed to secure it. True enough I came in third, quite happy about it because Its like the second time I podium in Singapore. But I thought the power houses are not around because most of them would have thought it was a walk.
The Ending and Carnival
carnival
Participants were given drinks and bananas at the end with a wooden crafted medal. This was much better than having the metal one. There was a massive carnival at the ending point, although it was small scale, but participatns can finish collecting stamps from playing games at the booth and take away some really good swags like wireless fans. There was also bouncy castles for the kids. One thing to note, the distance was only 9.3 k I wont complain but it was a bit short.
Personal Podium
The organiser took my details and told me to wait for the stage prize giving. But I went on to have breakfast with the Yishun runners a bit further, by the time I came back, the prize giving was over. But I guess I am okay with it, the prize was really something, a pair of shoes which I managed to redeem the latest carbon fibre go run model for the Skechers and also $200 cash. Quite a good deal for a free run.