The Yellow Ribbon Prison Run (2016) was the first ever race event I participated. The objective of this race is to support ex-offenders and give them a second chance to integrate back into society. That was a first step for myself to the many races in the years to come.

The Race

This year is its 10th anniversary and falls on the 9th Sep.  The race comprised of 3 categories: a 10 km competitive, 5.6 km run (team of 4) and a 5.6 km fun walk. As in previous years, the race route commences at the SAF Field near Changi Village, enroutes through housing estates, industrial park and finally ends at Changi Prison.

This is one of the most unique local race in terms of cause and location, and it is definitely a good departure from the usual race routes in parks and city centre. This is also probably one of the few road races where the start and end points are in totally different locations.

I believe these are the reasons why the Yellow Ribbon Run attracts so many participcants year after year (this year 9000+), even though the site is not very accessible.

However, the race route is not a flat terrain. It consists of up and down slopes and may pose a challenge to runners. Certainly not quite suitable for those aiming for a PB!

Race Day

It had been raining almost non-stop since Friday (7 Sep) to Sat morning. Fortunately, the skies opened up by Sat afternoon and we had a cool weather for the POSB Passion Run for the Kids. I had hoped the downpour would have completed by then and we would have dry weather for the Yellow Ribbon Run on Sunday morning.

I woke up very early on race day. My experience 2 years ago reminded me I should be early to avoid the expected heavy traffic leading up to Changi Village. Unfortunately, I was caught in the jam yet again.

The 10 km run was flagged off at 7.15 am by Mr. Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Trade and Industry. I arrived at the race site at 7.45 am, which was the scheduled flag off time for the 5.6 km fun walk. There were many other participants who were late too; many of them (including myself) had come by bus, while others boarded the shuttle services.

I was determined to run the 10 km route as I had already tried the 5.6 km walk in Year 2016. Hence, I commenced together with the 5.6 km walk, but chose to run at the opposite side of the road in order to avoid running into the walkers. So what should have been a mass run became a solo run for me! I only rejoined the others at Loyang Way where the roads were wider.

I enjoy running at this eastern part of Singapore. We passed by a few military camps and a number of aerospace related companies, a reminisce of last year’s Puma Night Run at the Aerospace Industrial Park. The organizers had put up some ‘route games’ and the mist station was welcoming. There were gradual slopes here, but I guess no one was complaining. There were sufficient hydration points, which I estimate 1 for every 2 km.

The 10 km and 5.6 km routes were similar till we reached within sight of Changi Prison, where the 10 km runners turned left into Tanah Merah Besar Road while the 5.6 km walkers continued forward. We U-turned at the back fence (south perimeter) of Changi Airport and continued to Changi North Way and Changi North Street 1. There are a number of logistics companies (e.g. Agility, Hafary) here. The roads are wide though I think only a portion had been closed for the run.

We turned right at the junction towards Changi Prison. The last stretch, 2 km or lesser, took us around the inner perimeter of the prison. The buildings within the prison compound are ‘imposing’ and are all fenced high up from each other.

I managed to complete the race within my usual time, feeling satisfied from a good run and ready to explore the post-race activities.

Post Race

Many activities were in store for the race participants. There were games, ice cream, massage as well as band performances from instructors from the Performing Arts Centre (PAC). We were also encouraged to pen down messages of support from our bibs and attached them to the ‘tree of acceptance’. There were exhibits of art pieces done by convicts and information of the various rehabilitation programmes.

But in my opinion, the focus was actually on the messages from the convicts currently serving their sentences. These messages are heartfelt and they reflect what the convicts yearn for – forgiveness from family and acceptance by the society. All promised to turn over a new leaf and commit to contribute back through community services. We were urged to pen down our replies to any such message as we wish.

I lingered a while more before making my way home.

Comments

This is a well-organized race. If you are looking for a unique race in Singapore, then this race is for you.

rugged (ˈrʌɡɪd): having or requiring toughness and determination

seeker (ˈsiːkə): a person who is attempting to find or obtain something

Pre-race Preparation

Trail running (unlike regular road running) was more strenuous and mentally draining. In the months leading up to the race, I went on several runs at MacRitchie Reservoir (the initial location for the race) to test out the difference in terrain. Several main differences stood out: the inconsistency of the elevation, the presence of rocks and roots and angle of incline of the path. To compensate for all that, I learned to readjust my gait to take smaller, light-footed steps, which allowed for more flexible movement.

Gradually, I came to a realization for trail running – it is never about how fast or agile you were. Instead, trail running increasingly brought out more of a greater connection of self to nature and creation. My perception of being on the trails was changing and my anticipation for the race grew.

Race Entry Pack Collection (REPC) – 5 Aug 18

Just two weeks before I hit the trails, I headed down to Velocity Shopping Centre, where I collected my race entry pack.

As expected from a small race event, there was no queue for the collection! However, due to some logistical reasons, we were not able to collect our drawstring bags there. Nonetheless, the staff-workers were patient in explaining the details for collection during race day.

Race Day – 18 Aug 18

Race day arrived and began with an early morning rise to reach the venue by 7 am. This leg of the series was held near Bukit Timah, along Hindhede Drive. My Dad and I arrived early, so there were no issues regarding traffic congestion in the area.

The road led us to a clearing, where loud, upbeat music greeted us and volunteers welcomed us. Across a smaller road was the starting point for the race. The carnival had the usual first-aid post, baggage deposit stations, water point, and photo-booth.

The crowd was just nice: neither too thin nor too congested. That might have uplifted the atmosphere substantially, breaking the morning silence of the surrounding forested areas. Just 5 minutes before flag-off, I lined myself up with the other race participants at the start point (which I admit was slightly stuffy) to prepare for the race. Several stretches and deep breaths later, the air horn sounded and the runners took off.

I held my head high for a deep breath and began my journey on the trails along with the rest. The initial track was less technical: starting with gravel and small rocks that were relatively even. This path brought us through the next 2 km before the upward incline came. Larger rocks were being introduced, with the occasional tree root in the way. As I approached this section, my music stopped abruptly, which threw me off momentarily. After regaining composure, I soon realized my blunder – my Bluetooth headset was not charged beforehand! Barely recovering from my mistake, I put away my headset and dove into the canopy-enclosed section of the trail, unaware of the blessing in disguise lying ahead.

Almost immediately, scents of all sorts hit me, but mostly of earth and floral ones. As the trail was cutting through the forest, I found myself among the trees, taking in all the sounds and sights around me. It then hit me – it was because of my Bluetooth headset failing me that made me all ears to the sounds of nature around me! For once, I was contented with running without my “EDM Running Workout” playlist. In a way, it was a reminder for me to pause and open up to appreciate the surroundings around me. Nature, you never cease to amaze.

Shortly after, I approached the half-way point (demarcated by a sign) with multiple water-refill stations. Having taken only a few sips from my handheld squeeze-bottle, I decided against taking any water and carried on with the race.

The next challenge came up no further than 1 km away: the mudflats. The trail led us (the participants) along a slope with a decreasing incline which ended up in a clearing. As others let out sighs at the sight of the mud ahead, I was more than ready to tackle it. The entire path was filled with ankle-deep mud (which honestly wasn’t that bad), and there was no way around it. This was where everyone slowed down to a walking speed to wade through the muddy soil. The invigorated, inner child in me came alive as I made progress through the mud. Although my shoes were completely covered in mud, I paid no mind to them and moved on. I wasn’t going to let mud stop me.

While racing up the grassy hill incline ahead, a light rain started showering overhead, cooling my face and body. This only motivated me further as I pushed on towards the upcoming rocky area.

Once again, I had no choice but to slow to a walk to scale the sharp ascent of the rocky hill. “Great! Finally some variety in the trail“, I thought as I tried to keep positive throughout. However, in all honesty, I was breathless. Really. A few gulps of water (from my bottle) and many painstaking steps later, I neared the top. Upon arrival at the peak, a sense of accomplishment swelled within me and gave me a brief energy boost.

Up next in the trail was another forested area, which brought me amongst the foliage. This time, I knew the finish line was near – the slope was beginning to make a descent and cheers could be heard. As I crossed the finish line, a second wave of accomplishment swept through me.

Volunteers cheered as they handed out finisher medals, alongside cans of 100 plus isotonic drinks and bananas. I took my share of entitlements and left the area for the carnival.

Post-race Celebration

The carnival was more lively after the race, considering that most finishers were looking for somewhere to cool down. Many race participants were foreign, who seemed to appear only for trail running races. My best guess was that they joined just to feel closer (although possibly slightly) to home. After the skies cleared up, I met up with my Dad to snap some photos at the photo-booth provided.

After collecting our drawstring bag runners’ entitlement, we lingered a little longer to hear the announcement of the race winners. After finishing our cans of 100 plus and bananas, we finished off with some cool-down stretches and left for home.

As a whole, this 10-kilometer trail run was much better than expected. From the change in the venue from MacRitchie Reservoir to Bukit Timah to the environmental conservation efforts, my expectations were surpassed. The whole outdoor experience won me over. Despite being a small event and for the minor logistical problem regarding the drawstring bags, I would still consider the event a success. Trail runs have officially become one of my favorite.

Closing Thoughts

My initial decision to join “King of the Trails: Leg 2 Rugged Seeker” was purely based on the definitions I had looked up online. I signed up, hoping that I would be able to witness how a person could be deemed as “Rugged Seeker“. However, throughout the course of this entire trail running experience, I felt them being redefined.

The main point was that there was seeking involved and no one has actually “found” ruggedness. It was the idea of running enthusiasts (despite the difficulty) continuing to contend against their mental barriers and push their physical limits that brought me to this realization. I realized that the whole idea was to start seeking experiences, just like how others there were doing. Without the first step, no one would be able to face a challenge and improve themselves.

This race also rekindled a spirit of adventure and an inner bond with nature with all its limitless things to offer. I never would have known that the nature sounds, the light drizzle, the muddy plains, and rocky hills would have brought out so much joy in me. This was indeed a refreshing experience.

However, all things considered, you might not share the same opinions as me. Do not just seek after anything and everything but things that are of importance to you.

This race reminded me to seek after the Kingdom of the One above, even if it gets rugged and tough. As I know it would be far more rewarding than a finisher medal could ever be.

Thanks for reading and till my next write-up, continue chasing after new experiences, God bless and have a great day ahead!

“I ran for a child!”

The Run & Raisin’ Race was organized by Touch Community Services. The funds raised will go towards helping Touch Young Arrows (TYA) clubs to maintain the year round activities and weekly programmes with disadvantaged children.

The race comprised of 3 categories: 10 km competitive run, 5 km fun run and 1.2 km family run. I was taking part in the 10 km category. This was my 2nd charity related events in 2 weeks; where last Sat (25th Aug) I walked 4 km in the Community Chest Walk at the Marina Bay Sands.

Race Day

The race was held on 1st Sep, at the Singapore Sports Hub, OCBC Square. This was also the 1st day of ‘The Giving Family Festival’, a 2 day event which ended on Sunday.

I reached Sports Hub at 7 am. Participants were depositing their bags at the Visitor Centre and volunteers were preparing to setup the various game booths, as well as the food stalls inside the Kallang Wave Mall.

The flag off time for 10 km runners were 7.30 am. I like this time as it gave me ample time to get to the race site at Sports Hub by public transport, though some runners would have preferred earlier to avoid the morning sun.

The 10 km runners were flagged off with no further delay. The route took us to the Bay East Garden, Marina Barrage and u-turn just after passing the Flower Dome. There were  hydration points at every 2 km, which I thought was adequate. There were also many volunteers cheering us on along the entire route, encouraging us to press on. I did a slow run, after having recovered from a fever and mindful not to ‘overheat’.

I managed to complete the race just slightly beyond my usual timing. Rested a while and saw the family run being flagged off at 9 am. It was heart warming to see the parents running along with their young kids.

Back at the OCBC Square, the ‘festival’ had started. Some runners and the public were playing games at the various booths and buying food from the stalls. As it was still early, the crowds were manageable. I lingered a while more before departure for home.

This is definitely an event which is ideal for runners looking forward to run with their kids and at the same time doing charity and enjoying a kids carnival.

Over 41000 runners participated in this year’s SAFRA Singapore bay run and army half marathon (also known as AHM). This race serves an opportunity where I meet up with 4 of my colleagues after I had left my company on 17th Aug to pursue further studies in SIT (Singapore Institute of Technology). In case you are curious, I’m pursing a degree in Electrical power engineering. My school will commence on 3rd Sept. That means I have a break from 17th Aug to 3rd Sept 2018. I went for the SIT orientation camp which was held from 23rd Aug to 25th Aug 2018. From this orientation camp, I had a fun time making new friends and playing team-building games but at the same time having a lack of sleep. By the time it ends, I was feeling super sleepy that I didn’t even celebrate my birthday on the 25th Aug.

I slept at 7pm but I had interrupted sleep. I woke up and went back to sleep again. When I finally woke up at 3am, I took grab taxi from my home to the race village. It took me 3 attempts to successfully book a taxi through the grab app. By the time I board the taxi, I was already 4am! When I arrived at the race village, the first thing I looked out for is the baggage deposit counter. Bag deposit was very quick and easy. It was only when I proceeded to the start pen after depositing my baggage that I met all of my colleagues. We didn’t talk much as we were already late.

There were 2 start points as shown in the pictures above. We were all in the 3rd wave which flagged of at 5am. We went our own separate ways as everyone run at different pace. As for me, I try to run slow for the first 2km at a speed of about 7km/h and hoping that I won’t suffer during the later stages of the race. after that, I speed up just a little but I told myself to limit my speed to below 9km/h. I still managed to run almost continuously stopping only at hydration points. The queue for the hydration points were long especially for the 100plus isotonic drink. It seems like 100plus were so popular that one of the hydration station that I came across ran out of it.

By the time I reached the 16km mark, 2 hours had passed ever since I started the race. I felt that I was a little too slow. At that point of time, I tried to increase my running speed because my legs and stamina were still strong enough to run even at that point. So I aimed to walk less and run more. I ran and endured the last few kilometers as my legs were very sore but not cramping at all. In the end, I achieved a time of 2hours 37minutes for this half marathon without consuming any energy gels.

After the race, each of my colleagues went their seperate ways after they had finished the race as they were exhausted. Some of them were still running when I finished the race. We didn’t meet up after the race.(Sorry, no photos of them).

After race thoughts

I thought to myself that I could only make it for a consistent pace (even split) for at least 14km. Even though this was my slowest half marathon, I’m glad that I had ran for most of the distance and still finish the race without suffering from any muscle cramps. Now I’m glad to say that I had finished this half marathon stronger than ever before.

It’s a busy weekend for many runners as there’s many races in this weekend with races such as King of the Trails on Saturday morning, Nee Soon Fiesta 3 Ten Run in the evening, Sunday morning there’s Safra Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon and Running Hour in the evening.

It’s my 3rd time participating in both Nee Soon Funtartstic Fiesta 3 Ten Run and SSBR&AHM, I am honoured to be one of the ambassador of 3 Ten Run ?

(Photo credits: Yi Qing)

With Orchid Country Club as the race owner, Nee Soon GRC, People’s Association and Community Sports Club and many reputable partners, it was a well organised running event. Its really a must try running event honestly not because I’m the ambassador and I have to promote it but its truly an awesome running event as you don’t usually get to run on golf course and the scenery is really pretty ? No regrets! What’s good in the race pack was a towel, race tee and a pair of free bowling game voucher at Orchid Bowl in OCC ?

What’s great was that after the run, all runners will get a medal and also given a complimentary ticket to Nee Soon Funtartstic Fiesta where participants get to redeem goodies and have fun in the game booths. Stupid me didn’t know about the complimentary tickets and went to the Community Centre and bought the tickets but never mind, the tickets was super cheap lah! Only $2 and it’s so worth it! ?

Event location was at Orchid Country Club in Yishun and free bus shuttle service is available from Khaib MRT station to Orchid Country Club.

There’s the 10km competitive cateory, 5km fun run and 1.5km family run. I ran the 5km category with my mum and Yi Qing while Willis ran the 10km category. Flag off for the 5km category was at 6.30pm, a super shiok timing as the sun was setting and it wasn’t very hot.

The amount of participants for the 5km was really only just as the photo above. I was really shocked to see the there were so few participants in the 5km category but it turns out that even the 10km category also had as little participants! All must saving energy for the next day’s one of the biggest race in Singapore, I’m glad I didn’t miss this.

There were 3 water points for the 5km category and both 100 plus and water were provided. It was 5km of greenery ? Though its a challenging hilly terrain, but I find it tahanable as I was going at a slow and easy jog to run with my mum and also to save legs for the half marathon the next day.

We took our time to complete the run and I’m glad that my mum enjoyed the run and the scenery ? Mum is still strong and healthy and she jogged all the way ? Would like to participate in more runs with her ❤

After the run, we proceed to the eventful Nee Soon Fiesta nearby to meet my sister and nephews. There were many Superheroes cosplayers around and many kids were super excited to take pictures with them, there were a few food trucks available and I bought Old Chang Kee. There’s also free Movie Screening whereby mats were given out for free for residents and participants who wants to enjoy the movie! But both my nephews were more interested in the game booths and they really have great fun! I must say the the complimentary tickets was really sibeh worth it and all the additional tickets I bought were all well utilised. Glad my nephews would like to participate in the run as well next year ?

After I reached home and by the time I’m ready to sleep it’s almost 10pm. Which means in just a few hours time, I would need to wake up for the SSBR&AHM. Willis and I tried to wake up early as I wanted to be in the first wave to avoid bottle necks and the people mountain people sea. Flagged off was at the usual Esplanade Bridge at 4.30am but when we reached the event site much earlier at around 3.30am, start pen was already opened. I remembered we were pretty late last year and we were squeezing with the people mountain people sea to even get into the start pen. It’s one of the largest runs in Singapore, and it didn’t disappoint me and somehow in my opinion, I felt the event was even better organized than Standard Chartered Marathon. I think there’s also much more supporters as well. There’s also many entertainments along the route such as drummers, cheer leaders and even belly dancers. Some of the hydration points were even themed and well decorated ?

I didn’t have any aims for this run but just to follow my training plan to run in a certain heart rate zone to train for my upcoming marathon next month. Recently I did a lactate test with Coached to find out what my heart rate zone is in and started to run in the heart rate zone as per Coached training schedule. It’s only 3 weeks since I started to do my runs based on heart rate and so far, I think the results was good. Last week at Shape Run which I participated in 10km, I gotten a sub 1 hour, though its not a PB timing but I don’t have the run die me feel and its my best timing for 10km so far this year and even for this SSBR&AHM half marathon is my best half marathon timing for this year too! ? And the best part is after the half marathon, I felt fresh, my legs weren’t tired and I felt that I could go further.

Flag off was a few minutes delayed and I enjoyed the first few kms of spacious road. I counted 6 lanes of road available for the runners, the happy huge lanes were only till we turned into Gardens by the Bay. It was still runable for me, but for those who are faster runners may seems like they were jammed and forced to run slower. Tips to avoid human jams and lack of hydration at hydration points is to try to be in the first wave. Since not long after flagged off, Willis went missing because he went to the toilet and he was missing till I saw him again after the run in the Race Village at Padang ? I tried to run with Kelvin as I saw that he’s running at a comfortable pace. This time, I felt I’ve done it right by not chionging at the beginning which I always tends to because everyone else is chionging. Till at the next half of the run after exiting Gardens By the Bay East I went faster a little as I felt I’m still energized.

It’s really a great run for me as I finished the run feeling fresh, I wasn’t panting and grasping for air and my legs were still light after the run ? Love the gorgeous finisher medal, finsiher tee and the cold towels and 100 plus❤ There’s many activities in the race village but we didn’t explore around and left after a while.