SAFRA Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon 2009

Taking part in this event - touted the largest running event for Singapore - for the third consecutive year. This year, many friends and MBH took part. MBH signed up for the 10k race (actually I signed up for her - and thought it was for the 6k fun run, much to my chagrin!). While the 10k start time was 7:15 am (new start time for women 10k), she went down with me for the 5:30 am start.

Met up with DA from PMC, we agreed to run this together, at a modest 7:30 pace. This year, the start time was brought forward one hour, a good thing for me, as we would be running most of the 21k before sunrise. As usual, we had to hold back our pace at the start. The turnoff into the ECP and Benjamin Sheares Bridge is sooner than in previous years. The climb up BSB was easy as the organizers had staggered the start times. Non-competitive army runners were in a later start, so that gave us more room to navigate.

Amazing how quickly the skyline changed over one year. Last year, the Marina integrated resort was only about a few storeys done. Now, it had reached to top floor.

By the 5k mark, we had cleared the bridge and at Fort Road. The lead runners were already turning back from the east coast. Some slight drizzle that lasted only a minute or so. Too bad, it stopped.

Waterpoints were situated every 2 km, well stocked with mineral water and 100plus. More cheerleaders this year, with bands, belly dancers (a perennial favorite with the guys!), stilt walkers, etc. The distance markers were clearly displayed, and more importantly accurate (more or less - although I thought the total distance was 350m longer!).

DA and I picked up the pace a little from 10k onwards, moving at close to 7:00 pace. However, at the water point just before the 15k mark, we lost contact. DA went for water and I followed, but going to the next table. There were many runners and when I looked back, I couldn't see him. Slowed down and kept looking for a few times, but no sign of DA. Could he have gone ahead? So I picked up the pace. Still no DA. Decided to keep going.

A glance at my 310XT, and I realized that I could still shoot for 2:30. Maybe I'd get 2:29:59?

The course got more crowded as the 21k runners merged with the 10k runners, but it was still manageable. Some weaving was inevitable, but manageable. My pace picked up to about 6 to 6:30 over the last few km, and a strong finish to complete in 2:30:23 by my garmin 310XT (too bad!).

Waited around for friends to complete. DA came back soon after. AY had already completed at 2:22 and having breakfast. IV had left for his rounds. PK came back with J, accompanying her all the way for her first 21k! Jodan did a PB. CONGRATULATIONS to all!

MBH's left knee bothered her on the slope down from BSB, and had a tough run. May have to go on an anti-inflamatory course.

Overall, a good race, considering the little training I put in for it.

View race in Garmin connect.

Honor roll: Saucony Triumph 6

Official net time:
BFG- 2:31:05.70
MBH- 1:39:33.15 (much better than she thought. She reckoned she finished at 2 hours!)

Breakdown from runpix:
Result in Entire Field - 5543rd place (53%)
Result in Gender (Men) - 4812th place (57%)
Result in Division (MEN'S VETERAN) - 1078th place (64%)
From 17k to finish, passed 620 runners and 23 passed me.