Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2007
Last Sunday, a record 40,000 runners braved the 5.30am morning chill, to run the ‘race of their life’ at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2007. This year’s record breaking attendance surpassed last year’s 31,000 runners and the race spans across 50 nationalities but it was the African runners who showed dominance
The elite African runners broke from the pack, early-on after flagging off and lasted the downtown route to the winding path and the windy conditions of the coastal marathon route in a grueling fast pace, where the eventual winner for the Men’s Marathon category, Kenyan Elijah Mbogo smashed the old record by 37 seconds in a new record time of 2:14.22
It was a shocked win for Elijah, for he has only ran one marathon before his win. He managed to outpaced and outlast the two time Singapore Marathon defending champion Kenyan Amos Tirop Matui. He lost to Elijah by just mere 3 seconds. In a distance third, 16 seconds away was another Kenyan, David Cheruiyot who finished third
As for the women’s Marathon, Ethiopia’s Alem Ashebier Gebrezo won it comfortable in a time of 2:37.08, some 57 seconds ahead of second placed Kenya’s Edith Masai, while the third spot was also grabbed by a Kenyan, Caroline Kwambai
Both winner for the Men and Women’s Marathon gets $25,000 in prize money. As for local marathoners, Singaporean Daniel Ling finished 22nd overall and fourth in the regional runners. Local ladies category was again won by Vivian Tang
For many of the runners, they are just happy to participate in the marathon, not for glory, but for achieving personal bests, enjoying every moment, living consciously in the here and now where each runner have total control and “nothing can stop me” feeling. Each one who crosses the line is a winner themselves
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2007 this year saw a rise in it’s participation. The race has five race categories of individuals and teams ranging from the 42.195km, half marathon to the 750m kids dash. Also the event saw more corporate teams participating this year.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
New Balance Real Run 2007
15Km Men's Open Results
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15Km Woman's Open Results |
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10Km Men's Open Results |
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10 Km Women's Open Results |
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10Km Men's Junior Results |
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10Km Women's Junior Results |
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10Km Men's Veteran Results |
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10Km Women's Veteran Results |
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After much long years of organizing their races at Sentosa at a traditional distance of 10 km, this is going to be the very first time that the New Balance Real Run 2007 is organizing a 15 km race, at Changi Exhibition Center, Changi Coast Road, running along a runway.
After soo much races happening in the City area, this will be a very much unique location that is going to be a great moment for us runners to be there to cherish it for the first time.
The New Balance Real Run 2007 is organized by the Real Run Club, Hometeam NS. It will be held at newly built Changi Exhibition Center, at Changi Coast Road, on the 28th of October 2007, with 10 km race starting at 7.30 am and 15 km race starting at 7.45 am. The race will be running through 12 to 7 km of road, 1 km of runway, 1 km of trail and 1 km of sand.
Going There
For those who are driving through TPE and exit by Loyang Avenue, towards Telok Paku, Nicoll Drive, near the Changi Village, please take note of the bottleneck that can happened. It is a one way road. The Loyang Avenue is famous for its jam on weekdays during peak hours. Please go early if you are driving through this roads. Another route towards the event is through ECP exit Changi Coast Road via Tanah Merah Flyover.
There will be about 500 carparks as stated in the official website. The organizer advised the participants to reach at the carpark by 6.30 am to avoid the traffic congestion. The road along the Changi Coast Road will be closed at 7 am. Please do not be late. Just a word of advice, please do not park your car along the Changi Beach or near the Ferry Terminal, cos will regret as the distance from the main road to the Changi Exhibition Center is about 2 to 3 km with no shelter and no shade.
Please click here for more details and information on how to reach there.
The Route
The event will be held inside the fully air-con Exhibition Center. The participants may have to walk a few hundred meters towards the starting point from the Exhibition Center. The starting point reminds me of running in a desert.
Race video
The runway route as seen in the map given is very deceiving. The distance is very much further than what is shown in the map. It is about 2 to 3 km away to the main Changi Coast Road. It is a very open, no shade or shelter road. So be prepared to get roasted.
Click on the video above to see how far is the road towards the Exhibition Center. And see the open sky with no shade. Someone helped me to record it while driving.
The route along the Changi Coast Road is shady and cooler. Very nice and relaxing. It is the newly constructed park connector towards East Coast. It is about 6 meter wide. Hopefully, during 2 to 3 km run along the runway will help to make the crowd open up and less congested when reaching at this point.
The so-called 1 km trail wasn’t really a trail. It is a normal tarmac along the Changi Beach with lots of trees. It is definitely not those rugged trail you can find in MacRitchie Reservoir.
The 1 km sand was definitely the highlight of the race. This is the only race in Singapore that make you run on a sand. The sand will definitely make your heart rate goes higher. Comparing to Sentosa, the sand is much firm and the gradient is less steep. But definitely, it will not be any less tougher.
Going back towards the ending point is another part that you will definitely remember. It is about 2 to 3 km run along the open road. No trees, no shade. And you are definitely going to face the sun when you running your way back to the finishing point.
Advice for the Runner
Please be there early as to avoid traffic congestion and park at the Exhibition Center.
The heat is going to be unbearable, if it is not raining at the starting and ending of the race. You may want to put on sun block, a sunglass and a cap. It will definitely help especially when running towards the end point.
Do not forget to drink lots of water a day before the run. You will definitely feel dehydrated when running on the sand and the open runway.
Do not forget to drink at the water points provided. If possible do not skip any water point during the race.
You do not have to wear your trail running shoe, as there will not be any trail, except for the run on the sand.
Advice for the Organiser
After much cases of runners collapse and Singapore as being labeled as one of the Greatest Race on earth due to its heat and humidity, the organizer may consider of putting an ambulance, few medic points and a few water points along the 2 to 3 km runway. Can foresee that, the route is definitely a crucial point for us runners. Hopefully, it is cooler on the race day.
Looking forward to see you all on the race day!
Location:
Changi, Singapore
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