My Army Half Marathon Race

My Army Half Marathon Race

I've just returned from my Army Half Marathon race, a competitive 21 km run around Marina Bay this 12 September 2010 morning.

Some reasons that made me sign up to race the 21km race of the Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon:

I had already done the 10km Singapore Bay Run on earlier attempts, thus it was time to 'upgrade'.

I wanted to experience the largest mass running race (70000 runners in 2009, 2010) in Singapore.

I wanted to experience the new race route across Marina Bay Reservoir on the Bayfront Bridge and run past the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort.

I wanted to renew my experience of running up the Sheares Bridge.

I wanted to witness all the street-side entertainment that included belly-dancers, percussionists, and cheer teams.

I wanted to experience running under the full glare of lights along the Singapore Grand Prix F1 racing route.

I wanted to receive the Army Half Marathon T-shirt, goody bag, personalised certificate and a half marathon finisher medal.

I really wanted to race in an enjoyable atmosphere which was what I received the most benefit from.

Did you run in the 21km Army Half Marathon race?

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Army Half Marathon Route Map

Army Half Marathon Route Map

I am looking forward to see the sights and scenes along this year's Army Half Marathon route on 12 September 2010.

The Army Half Marathon route will take runners to new routes along the Marina Bay Reservoir. The newest landmark along Bayfront Avenue would be the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort.

I wonder if we would be running along the Helix Bridge past the Youth Olympic Park in the Army Half Marathon route? Running through the Helix Bridge would be a big thrill but I doubt it would be used and 'endangered' by footsteps of about 70000 runners. Will the stainless steel structure take the weight of so many runners in one morning?

More likely the Army Half Marathon organizers would prefer participants to walk, jog or run along the Bayfront Bridge just next to the Helix Bridge which is wider and safer.

However, by using Bayfront Avenue, we would miss other scenes and sights like the Boardwalks along Marina Bay, the Marina Bay City Gallery building and the Promontory at Marina Bay.

There is one way to find out what I will see on that Army Half Marathon route map. Run the Army Half Marathon route on the actual day!

Here is the Army Half Marathon route map for those running in the 2010 edition of the 5km, 10km and 21.1 km route of the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon.

Army Half Marathon Route Map 2010:

Click on map to see a larger version.

Army Half Marathon Route Map 2010 is subject to change.

You can confirm the running route at the SAFRA site. (http://www.safra.sg)

For those who would like to support the Army Half Marathon, visit the Padang on 12 September 2010 from 5.15am to 11am.

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2010 SAFRA BAY RUN and ARMY HALF MARATHON

2010 SAFRA BAY RUN and ARMY HALF MARATHON

I ran in the 2009 version of the SAFRA BAY RUN and ARMY HALF MARATHON which I wrote about in an earlier 10-km SAFRA BAY RUN post.

That is how I learned about the priority application for the 2010 SAFRA BAY RUN and ARMY HALF MARATHON. For those who participated in the 2009 Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon, you would have received an e-mail invitation to sign up at the SAFRA site to enjoy priority discount.

For non-members of SAFRA and the Army, do not fret. You do not need to be a member of SAFRA / ARMY to join in the 2010 SAFRA BAY RUN and ARMY HALF MARATHON. The public can also participate in this annual family-friendly running event that is the largest mass running event in Singapore.

The 2010 edition of SAFRA BAY RUN and ARMY HALF MARATHON will be held on 12 September 2010 at the padang from 5.15am to 11am.

The SAFRA BAY RUN and ARMY HALF MARATHON allows participants the unique opportunity to run up the iconic Benjamin Shears Bridge, through the new downtown at Marina Bay, past the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resorts. I am sure there will be plenty of entertainment along the running route with a carnival at the end point, like before.

Above: 2010 SAFRA BAY RUN and ARMY HALF MARATHON Registration Fees.

Competitive runners can look forward to some rewards: more T-shirt, goody bags, personalised certification and a finisher medal. Family Run and Fun Run participants will also not be left out with a promise of receiving an event T-shirt and a certificate of completion.

I am looking for a challenge and have signed up for the 2010 Army Half Marathon.

Will you take up the challenge?

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Marina Barrage: Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon 2008

Marina Barrage: Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon 2008

2008 will see Asia's first competitive run to use the iconic Marina Barrage as part of its route for the Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon. This annual SAFRA and Army event will be held on Sunday 24th August 2008. For runners participating in the 21km route of the Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon 2008, the opportunity to make history will be memorable.

The Marina Barrage is the first reservoir to be built in the city. This dam built across the Marina Channel forms Singapore’s 15th reservoir. A project by the Public Utilities Board (PUB), the national water agency, the Marina Barrage will bring a new source of water supply to Singapore, provide flood control and offer a unique lifestyle attraction with a host of recreational opportunities.

Participants in the 21-km competitive event of the Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon 2008 can run across the 350 metre wide Marina Channel on the Marina Barrage to enjoy the sea on one side and the future fresh water reservoir on the other. I believe that may also be the first time the Marina Barrage will be open to the public for use.

Non-competitive runners and walkers can also take the shorter 6 or 10 kilometre routes over the Sheares Bridge to enjoy scenic CBD and Marina Bay views.

Non-runners can also visit to soak in the carnival atmosphere that will feature games, sports and entertainment. These will be designed to celebrate the spirit of the Olympics as well as the closing of the 2008 Olympic Games. Representatives from Special Olympics Singapore will also be present to join in the fun.

Mr Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence will be the guest of honour. Participants will start the run from Esplanade Drive, up the Benjamin Sheares Bridge and continue through the Central Business District. Runners will finish their races at the Padang.

I ran (and walked) in the non-competitive 6-kilometre race during previous editions and must say I enjoyed a different dawn view of the CBD and Marina Bay area of this SAFRA National Service Association and Army organised event. I saw many other walkers of different ages, with some as young as their new baby prams who were brought along by their enthusiastic parents. If you like nature trails, wide spaces and sunrises, give this concrete trail a chance to enchant you.

Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon 2008

Event Date: 24 August 2008
Start Point: Esplanade Drive
End Point: Padang

For details and on-line registration, sign up at SAFRA online.

For the running route map, click Bay Run Route Map.

Competitive Categories
21km Army Half Marathon
10km Singapore Bay Run

Non-Competitive Categories
10km Singapore Bay Run
6km Singapore Bay Run

Registration closing date: 15 July 2008 (normal charges)
Final registration closing date: 31 July 2008 (higher charges)

Read more about Singapore Bay Run on Seen This Scene That:

1. Singapore Bay Run 2008 Review

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