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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Rewards Of Running In Singapore Bay Run

Rewards of Running In Singapore Bay Run 2009

As some of you may know, I completed the 10-kilometre Singapore Bay Run 2009 recently. What are the rewards of running in the Singapore Bay Run 2009?

The tangible rewards of running in the Singapore Bay Run 2009 are obvious. The SAFRA Singapore Bay Run Army Half Marathon runner's medal, the certificate of completion with your timing recorded for posterity (yet to be received), lasting memories captured on digital camera and some souvenirs that you can grab at the post-race expo at the padang.

The intangible rewards are harder to describe. I would say the completion of running 10 kilometres is nothing to crow about. There's always the Army Half Marathon, or even longer distances to conquer. How about the running speed and run time? If it were purely the timing that gives someone a high, then why not just run around a 400-metre track and time your run more precisely.

So what is it that attracts thousands (excluding army conscripts) who turn up year after year for the Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon? Perhaps some runners get a natural 'high' when they run long distances. Perhaps it is the sense of participation in a nation-wide event that inspires runners to come together. Perhaps is the sense of friendship or togetherness that draws others to this event. Or perhaps it may be no simpler answer than 'because it is there'.

My 10-km run may not be the Mt Everest of running for many of you or even for myself as I have done longer runs before in my younger days. But as I am not growing younger, each year that I achieve a respectable distance in running is a mini-cause for celebration.

What rewards motivate you? Share with Seen This Scene That in the comments below.

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Related reads:
1) Singapore Bay 10-KM Run 2008
2) Singapore Bay Run Pre-race Thoughts
3) Singapore Bay Run Race Expo 2009

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Singapore Bay 10-KM Run

Singapore Bay 10-KM Run

I completed my first 10-kilometre leisure run in the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run Army Half Marathon event on 16 August 2009, after having done the 6-kilometre fun run last year. This Singapore Bay 10-km run turned out to be much better than I had anticipated for my first competitive run.

Photograph 1 of 10-km Singapore Bay Run:

Before I started my SAFRA Singapore Bay 10-km Run, I was a little apprehensive. This 10-km run was supposed to be a competitive category with a chip on my right shoe constantly reminding me that my timing would be monitored closely.

Photograph 2 of 10-km Singapore Bay Run:

However once the starter's horn was blown a few minutes before the 7am Singapore Bay 10-km Run start time, I began to relax and to soak in the carnival-like atmosphere of the running crowd. The cool weather that followed a downpour the day before, kept temperatures low. The competitive field was noticeably thinner than at the start of my previous 6-km fun run which kept bottlenecks along the route to a minimum, except for the U-turn which was shared with the 21-km Army Half Marathon runners. 

Photograph 3 of Singapore Bay Run:

Along the way, there was plenty of entertainment provided around the Marina Bay to cheer us on our Singapore Bay 10-km run. There were performances by various groups such as the Bhangra musicians with their dhol drums inspiring us to beat a path forward, the SAF band in red attire performing their musical pieces, and a jazz and drum band providing rhythmic beats to motivate runners.

Of note were two of the biggest head turning acts at the Singapore Bay 10-km Run and Army Half Marathon. Runners cheered the loudest for the acts performed by the cheer-leading mixed team and a dance routine by a party of belly dancers.

Photograph 4 of Singapore Bay 10-km Run:

I appreciated the ample opportunity for oral rehydration in the form of multiple drink stations along the entire Singapore Bay 10-km Run. Besides plain water, picky runners could choose to imbibe isotonic drinks and even chilled ice-water. My only grouse here would be that the drink stall attendants topping up the paper cups with fluid could not keep pace with the high demand. But there is no worry about the lack of water to drink. The real danger posed by it would be the need to find a washroom along the Singapore Bay 10-km Run to relief loaded urinary bladders.

Photograph 5 of Singapore Bay 10-km Run:

The end point at the padang in front of City Hall is a fantastically inspiring venue to end the 10-km Singapore Bay Run as well as the Army Half Marathon. As you approach the digital clock at the finishing line, and see the spectators cheering the runners on, it gives lungs to runners to enjoy a memorable finish.
 
I am happy that my Singapore Bay 10-km Run turned out pleasantly enjoyable, leisurely competitive, surprisingly injury-free and amazingly well hydrated. I am looking forward to the next edition of the Singapore Bay 10-km Run.

See more places. Live more life.

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Related reads:
1) Singapore Bay 6-KM Run 2008
2) Singapore Bay Run Pre-race Thoughts
3) Singapore Bay Run Race Expo 2009

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Singapore Bay Run Army Half Marathon 2009 Race Expo

Singapore Bay Run Army Half Marathon 2009 Race Expo

As a service to runners who signed up for Singapore Bay Run Army Half Marathon 2009, here are some details about the Singapore Bay Run Army Half Marathon 2009 Race Expo.

I discovered that the SAFRA website (http://www.safra.sg) has been crawling at a snail's pace recently which I guessed could be due to runners checking on when and where they can collect their race pack on their webpage.

The Singapore Bay Run Army Half Marathon 2009 Race Expo Race Expo is scheduled on Fri, 7 Aug to Sun, 9 Aug 2009 at SAFRA Toa Payoh from 11am to 7pm. Note that Race Pack will NOT be issued to the runners after the race expo period.

All registered participants will collect their number tags, event T-shirt and lucky draw coupon at the Race Expo.

During the Race Expo, there will be Performance Enhancing Talks held by Activ 360, PhysioEight Therapy Services Pte Ltd “Run Right – Minimizing Risks and Maximizing Returns” and Singapore Foot Care Centre “Understanding Your Feet Better – Common Foot and Lower Limb Problems”

Some FAQs about Singapore Bay Run Army Half Marathon 2009 Race Expo:

1. What document do I need to bring to the race expo to collect my race pack?

You have to bring with you the official receipt.

2. What is the Race Pack?

The Race Pack is an essential kit for the competitive participants. It contains their number tags, timing device, event T-shirt and lucky draw coupon.

3. What do I do if I cannot pick up my Race Pack during the Race Expo?

You can send your friends or family members to collect your Race Pack on your behalf with the official receipt and the authorisation letter.

4. What is the timing device used by organisers?

It is a state-of-the-art electronic timing system capable of providing the most accurate race time possible for thousands of people at a go. All competitive participants will be timed using this timing device.

Race results will be published on the event website within 72 hours after the race.

All competitive finishers will have their “Net Time” on their Certificate of Achievement, which will be mailed to the finishers one month after event date.

Hope all Singapore Bay Run Army Half Marathon 2009 participants and supporters have a great race ahead!

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Link: 

My Pre-race thoughts on SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 2009.

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SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 2009

SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 2009

It's that time of the year again for me to decide if I should participate in the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 2009.


The decision is not whether to run in SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 2009 or not. It's purely a personal choice on choosing the 6km fun run or to challenge myself in the 10km quarter marathon of Singapore Bay Run 2009.

All the races bring runners across the scenic Benjamin Sheares Bridge which is why it is also called the Sheares Bridge Run. The Singapore Bay Run also combines the Army Half Marathon where you will see lots of youngsters. The staggered start times are good ways to separate runners and allow everyone more space for a comfortable and enjoyable run.

I remember last year's race was peppered with lots of musical performers, cheerleaders and school bands. They were very effective in lifting spirits and bringing cheer to runners. Unlike last year, this year's SAFRA's 21 km Singapore Bay Run 2009 route does not take runners through the scenic Marina Barrage and anyway it is beyond me to attempt this distance this year.

The last day to qualify for the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 2009 early bird discount is on 31 May 2009. If I decide to go for the 10km route, I save $10. For the 6km fun run, there is no difference in savings. If I run in the 10km route, I would also be separated from my family members if they choose to join the fun run.

More than just the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 2009 savings as an early bird participant, the decision will also impact my training routine. If I were to step up from the 6km fun run that I participated in last year to the 10km Singapore Bay Run 2009 challenge this year, I would need to do more than the usual casual runs.

This decision on the 6 or 10 km SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 2009 run is for me (and my family) to make.

My readers who plan to take up the challenge at the Singapore Bay Run 2009 need to decide for themselves when they wish to sign up before the early bird window of opportunity closes. Members of the public can also join the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 2009.

Regardless of which race I choose to run, I shall post about the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 2009 after completing the race.

See you at the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 2009!


SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 2009 Details:

Date: 16 August 2009, Sunday

Start Point: Esplanade Bridge

End Point: Padang

Early Bird Registration Fees:

SAFRA 21 km Army Half Marathon =
-$32 (member)
-$38 (public)

SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 10km race =
-$22 (member)
-$26 (public)

SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 6km Fun Run (non-competitive)=
-$8 (member)
-$12 (public)

Route, Registration, Prizes, Race Pack Collection:
SAFRA Singapore Bay Run 2009 website

Latest: Link to Singapore Bay Run  Army Half Marathon RACE EXPO for kit collection here.

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Singapore Bay Run Review

Singapore Bay Run Review

The start of my participation in the 2008 Singapore Bay Run could not have been better. The morning sun, hidden behind clouds that gave no hint of rain, stayed cool after a prolonged downpour the day before. The 6-kilometre 8.30am flag-off of the Singapore Bay Run was still ten minutes away when I reached the Esplanade Bridge.

As Singapore Bay Run participants warmed up to the deejay’s banter, I managed to warm up before embarking on a journey along the Bay Run route that would take me along Esplanade Drive, part of Collyer Quay, Marina Boulevard, East Coast Parkway (ECP), Rochor Road, Temasek Boulevard, Raffles Avenue and Marina Promenade before ending at the foot of Esplanade Bridge.

Assoc Prof Koo Tsai Kee (Minister of State, Ministry of Defence) flagged off the Singapore Bay Run 6-km non-competitive runners at 8.30am on 24 August 2008. Instead of an explosive start off the start-line like I had been witnessing at the Olympic Games athletic events, the block of runners ambled along at a pace just faster than a crawl.

I joined in the fray once three quarters of the participants had started their Singapore Bay Run. Many participants were walking like a family out for a stroll in the park. The pace only picked up after about half a kilometre into the Singapore Bay Run.

Due to a sub-optimal training regime from sitting in front of the TV watching the Beijing Olympic Games, I was soon joining these walkers as well. Intermittently, I would also pause to take photographs of the many attractions along the Singapore Bay Run route.

Of note were the bands and performers that provided entertainment during the Singapore Bay Run. A percussion band played to whip the crowd into frenzy at the starting line on the Esplanade Bridge. Along the East Coast Parkway (ECP) near the Rochor exit, a jazz band from ITE performed to cheer tired runners who were unused to tackle the steep ascent up the Benjamin Sheare’s Bridge. Near the Fountain of Wealth at Suntec City, a Secondary School Band did their instrumental best to boost runners’ moods. Right where the Singapore Flyer sat, cheerleaders from NTU shouted and waved their poms poms to lift spirits of weary runners.

I did not get a chance to visit the Marina Barrage (see PUB site) as only the 21-km route took runners across the Marina Barrage. But the 6-km Singapore Bay Run route did allow us to run in front of the floating platform on Marina Bay where the recent National Day Parade 2008 was held.

While the start for me was good, the end point to the Singapore Bay Run was far from good. If only the end point could have been shifted to St Andrew’s Road (with a cheering crowd of supporters at the finishing line) like the previous editions, it would have been a satisfying Singapore Bay Run experience.

Overall, the 6km Singapore Bay Run was still a pleasant and enjoyable walk and run for me. Perhaps next year, I will try again to convince my family to come along and join in the Singapore Bay Run fun.

Read more in Seen This Scene That:
1. Marina Barrage: Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon
2. SPCA Charity Fun Run
3. Jog In Punggol Park


Do you have more running places to recommend?

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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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