Was lucky enough to get a free bib for this race with the Singapore Runners Club. I only got to know about them in recent races as they rose to prominence in recent years with large membership.
Supposed to be a Run 10.5KM Swim 1.5Km and Run 10.5 KM event, but due to an offshore oil spill, the shores of Singapore became unclean for swimming. It was quite a massive spill, and it takes professional to clean up the beaches. The most affected was our home ground, Sentosa. There were oil slick washed to the shore and also heavy petroleum smell. Guess all the usual open water spots will not be available for now. Even though the National Environment Agency said that after 3 months, the sea will bee back for water activities, but I feel, swimming the whole body immense into the water. Not sure whether it is safe to swim even after that.
Race Bib Collection
Race pack
The collection was held at the Shimano Cycling centre in Stadium a week before the race. As its quite a boutique race and usually it is club invitation. Collection was smooth, there was the usual biathlon stuff inside, swim cap, leg chip timer, body marking and bib for the running. There was a running shirt and all put inside a small bag.
Run route
With Andrew
Race proper
So the race took place on 23 June sunday morning. My flag off was 6:30 am, and I agreed to meet Andrew who was another club runner. It was the first time I meet him and he ask me about my plans to run the night before, well, I am obviously not a person who has plans but I just have one target and that is sub 2. Hope to recover back from the Income run. I saw him at the start line while the original 21 K runners flagged off. We had a small chat, walked around the event set up at carpark F2 also known as casurina grove.
Met the newbies triathlete people
The set up was small and simple and there was a simply active booth there giving out pure hydration drinks. A bag drop was set up too. Not much loud music and not too many participants too.
Flag off area
Simply active booth
Pure hydration
After flag off, I was going at too fast a pace, Andrew originally said to run together but I guess I kinda being unfriendly going at 5 min pace. Then after he came out of the toilet, he showed his real skills and dashed off. I thought it might be good to just give in our best. So he was way ahead of me, the first 10 km was still okay, basically the route was 2 loops of 10.5Km. I felt pretty okay and the left feet was also not flaring up. But around 13km, the feet start to feel painful, I begin to wonder if its the model of these vibrams that caused the problem, maybe I would need a new pair again.
There were ample water stations serving water and also isotonic. Actually you need not have to bring hydration for the race because it is quite well stocked.
On the run
With Katherine
With Edwin
You actually run pass the end point once, so you could see the atmosphere getting a bit more heated up when the sun comes up. We were then joined by the 15km and 10km folks. This was where I saw Josephine, my swim friend, catching up on me. She is really very fast as usual.
The End
With Jo at the end
I came in 1:55 was quite happy that at least it is not a 2hr. But I could feel rather tired and zone 5 all the way, I am not sure why I am perspiring so much now compared to last time and also the bodily pain are getting more and more prevalent. Was happy that this time Richard was there running with me again, although I did not intend for him to pace me but just enjoy the free run.
Podium pics
Finish items
I came in 2nd Female in the club category. Was glad that I chose to finish this race now rather than postpone to later as it was quite clear we were not going to be able to swim any sooner in the sea. The winning was just a small trophy. Was glad to represent a club and also see many familiar faces around too.