Newton Active Run 2009
Organiser: Newton Running Shoes & PA Associations
Date: 01/03/2009
Venue: Sengkang, Farmway LRT to Thanggam LRT & Back
Category: 10k Competitive Mens/ Female Open , Veteran Category& 5k Fun Run
On the 1st of March 2009, Sengkang hosted the first ever Newton Active Run 2009 which was previously known as the Punggol Run 08. With the newly completion of the Sengkang Riverside many runners did not know what to expect from the race, the only thing certain was that they were going to have a tough time completing the run.
It was early Sunday morning. While most people were still in bed or just getting ready to greet the morning,nearly 5000 runners gathered near the starting point to run the Newton Active Run. Runners from all over Singapore made their way to participate and challenge themselves.
Singapore's Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean was the guest of honour for the event.
7:30am – Flag off. Minister Teo Chee Hean flagged off the first wave of runners in the 10km competitive category. I was late by 10mins as there was a queue at the baggage area. The race started out smooth as we ran towards Farmway LRT station and made a big loop around the open field in front of Anchorvale SRC before proceeding to the newly constructed Sengkang Riverside. We made our way to Thanggam LRT station which some runners were familiar with as this was part of the route of last year's Punggol Run.
At the end of the race, runners gathered at the tent area near the basketball court to collect their goodie bag, which consisted of an event T-shirt and spa vouchers. The Milo van was also there distributing free drinks to the runners. I managed to speak to a few runners and asked them about their experience. Some were still pumped up with endorphin after the run while other were glad they survived! The latter was related by several runners from Sengkang Secondary who were apparently 'volunteered' to run, Anyway you guys did good! keep running (:
Then followed the prize giving ceremony and the lucky draw session .
The Good:
Personally I feel that the route is very scenic and calm especially the Riverside park. There was uphill and downhill running but to me that just adds to the fun and joy in running the race, never a dull moment. The organisers have obviously planned this race very well, there were road marshals and paramedics stationed at strategic locations along the route to assist runners.
The Bad:
While running, I noticed that they were giving out 500ml mineral bottle water at the water point. This to me, is wastage as runners will probably just take a sip of it and throw the rest away, Some also feel it is a hassle to run with a bottle in one hand.
Based on feedback from other runners : They feel that the organisers should have handed out discount vouchers for the running shoes rather than the spa vouchers.
My Rating:
Difficulty: 4 (1- Beginners 10- Superhuman) – everyone should try running/ jogging at Sengkang Riverside Park, Beautiful view.
Organisation : 9 (1 - stop organising 10-Encore plz) – Overall it was well organised, they were able to wrap up by 10:30am
Will I run this run again?: Definitely! Had an awesome experience, might actually run there on weekend even.
My Power Song : "Miracle! by Paramore"
Although I started late but 10k in 62mins that could be my personal best...
More Photos of the run :
1) Photo From Newton Activc Run 09 ( My facebook Photo)
2)Photo From Newton Activc Run 09 ( Christopher Tekko Koh Photo)
