Inaugural Yellow Ribbon Prison Run 2009

What happens when you put together a novel run through prison premises, historical sites, undulating terrain, cool 27 deg Celsius weather, overcast skies, breezy conditions, enthusiastic cheerleaders, costumes, efficient organization, great sponsors, free ice creams, balloon sculptures, grand finishing venue, a personal running challenge for a former inmate and a flagoff by the deputy prime minister? No, this is not a trick question or a wish-list.

Well, we get a very enjoyable first rate race. In fact, I would rate the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run as my most enjoyable 10k run. Period.

MBH was all praise for the YRPR. And this is a rarity. Perhaps she managed 51 min to complete 5.8k against doctor's orders and my advice, or perhaps it was the nice weather and atmosphere. Unbridled praise. And when the missus is happy, I am happy :)

OK. From the top. We were at the Expo MRT station at 6:30 am to catch the free shuttle to Changi Village. The 10k race start time was 7:30 am. The roads into CV were heavy with cars going in. Even with the small field (6,000 participants), CV was transformed into a bustling neighborhood. Many participants were caught in the traffic and started late.

The entire road was closed to traffic to allow runners to congregate. Saw three runners in costumes. One of them was catwoman, although in a different costume this time. After the warm up exercises, we were off.



Started off at a modest pace, about 7:30. Took it easy for 2 to 3 km. Some interesting t-shirts caught my eye.


The nice morning weather, with some drizzle elevated my spirits, and my pace increased till about 5k when I caught up with PK and J. They were doing a nice pace.

The undulating route became more challenging as we went up Loyang Way. Surprisingly it rode tougher than it ran.

The cheerleaders were doing a good job to keep our spirits up. We passed the Changi chapel and museum and after the turning into a side road, we came upon the Johore Battery. The 15' inch guns were also known as Monster Guns because of their colossal size. They were the biggest and heaviest coastal artilleries and were able to pierce the armour of battleships. The gun we saw was just a replica.


Then we were at the Changi Prison Wall. The most well photographed part of the prison, the wall dated back to WW2.



Once past the gate, we were looking down at a huge open field, flanked by cluster blocks. Right in the middle of the field from our elevated position, we saw the carnival tents. 5k runners would end at the wall but 10k runners continued on the right path that brought us down a descent. A break in momentum from a short side detour (to make up the 10k, I suppose), but it was a nice finish amidst cheers and music.

1:07 gun time, but net time likely to be 1:05. PK and J came in shortly after.

After the customary collection of goodie bag, we were surprised that there was free ice cream to be had (actually there was a donation box, but we did not see it!). MBH came back and told us, much to my chagrin, that she ran/walked. Not sure if there'll be a price to pay, but so far so good.

As we were waiting for the shuttle buses to bring us back to the expo, it started raining. Many stragglers were still coming in, most likely the late starters. A nice breakfast with tekko and mrs at the expo and then it was home sweet home.

Overall a nice recovery run with some nice slopes to provide strengthen workout. Would we go back again next year? You bet.

View race in Garmin connect