This May, the Decathlon Run is taking place in an all-new format.

A hybrid format

The event this year will be held in the form of a hybrid virtual + physical format. 

From 2 – 26 May, the event begins with a 5km Virtual Run where you can run anytime, anywhere and at your own pace.

Then from 27 – 29 May, the event will end with a 7km physical run at Decathlon Singapore Lab.

No matter whether you are a beginner runner or a seasoned competitor, the Decathlon Run is suited to everyone, of all ages and fitness levels.

To gear me up with attire for the Decathlon Run 2022, Decathlon sent me a full running wardrobe, along with a complimentary race slot to take part in the event.

I hope to see you too at the event.

I have been trying out the Decathlon running gear – in preparation for next month’s Decathlon run.

Here are my thoughts and comments on the items and their suitability for running in the hot, humid climate of Singapore.

• Kiprun Care Women’s Breathable Running tank top ($18)

The first thing that I noticed about this tank top was how lightweight and breathable it is. According to Decathlon, a women’s size M weighs just 57 grams. 

In terms of appearance, the top is quite well designed for the female silhouette and I can say that it does hug my body quite well. The dark colour is also pretty slimming.

The material used is supposed to absorb and wick away perspiration and there are ventilation inserts strategically located over the chest, under the arms, and on the back to allow for easier breathability. 

When running with this top, it does feel airy and comfortable during the run; it is indeed so lightweight that I can barely feel it when I am running with it on.

However my running routes consist of a couple of traffic lights. When I stopped at the traffic lights and waited for it to change, I could feel the top getting very wet and gross. 

While the top does indeed wick away the moisture from my body, leaving my body itself feeling cool, I would say that the ultra-high humidity levels of Singapore is too much of a challenge for the fast-drying properties of the material to cope with.

I have not experienced any chafing with this top, thanks to the seamless design, which, for a marathon runner like me, is great for those long training runs.

• Kiprun Women’s 2-in-1 Running Shorts with built-in tight shorts ($25)

The short + tight design of this short may look weird at first glance, but it is surprisingly comfortable for running. 

The two-layer design approach definitely helps in terms of preventing chafing in between the thighs, which sometimes happens when wearing loose shorts for running in Singapore’s climate.

As well, I feel that my legs are free to move and the movement does not feel inhibited in any way with these shorts on. 

This is due to an opening at the side of the shorts, which, according to Decathlon, allows you to get to your full stride length. 

I can especially feel the freedom and flexibility of movement when I am doing running drills as prescribed by Coached, especially striding or bounding.

Sometimes, if the shorts are too tight, the movement and rotation of the legs feel inhibited, so I was happy to know that this is not the case with Decathlon’s shorts.

However I would have liked the shorts to have a larger pocket. There are two pockets; one zipped one at the back and another smaller one in front.

Sadly, neither of these pockets are anywhere near big enough to fit an iPhone 12. This means I still need an additional belt to take along for running.

• Kiprun Running shoes KD800W ($110)

The first thing I noticed about this shoe is that it is so light. After all, at just 176 grams for a size 5, it is indeed a lightweight shoe. 

The cutting of this shoe is quite narrow, so I would recommend going half a size up from your usual size.

For my first impressions, the shoe is quite responsive, thanks to the Pebax® which is supposed to enhance rebound, as well as the EVA foam at the front which I could feel propelling me forward when I am running. 

The shoes feel firm and stable on the feet. These are low to the ground and do not feel plush, a deviation from all of the high stack height and highly cushioned carbon plated racing shoes coming out nowadays.

To me, they are pretty good for running at tempo pace, but if I want to push harder than that, I would personally go for something with a carbon plate instead.

The wet weather grip of this shoe is really good, so you don’t need to worry if you are caught outside in one of Singapore’s unpredictable thunderstorms with this shoe on.

As this shoe does not contain a lot of cushioning, I would say that it is a decent shoe for taking on the shorter distances, up to about 10km or maybe 15km for the average runner. 

For me though, I would personally choose something more cushioned for runs of longer than 10km.

• Unisex trail running 15L bag ($70)

Weighing in at just 360g, this bag can store everything that you need for long trail runs, with 15L of storage in the front and back pockets. It can easily store your gels, energy bars, smartphone and two Simple Hydration bottles (or any other bottles). In addition, it contains a 2L water bladder for those long runs or trail ultras.

I am petite and small sized, so I went for the size XS. 

I notice that the bag fits snugly enough if the water bladder is stuffed up full of water and the bag is packed with lots of stuff.

But if it is near empty, the bag can feel rather loose on me and will bounce up and down as a result. This can cause serious chafing. And this is despite the adjustable straps being at the tightest setting.

It is very suitable for long runs of say 30km or more when you need a lot of hydration.

But I would say to use a running belt instead of you are going on shorter runs and you just need to stow your mobile phone and house keys with you.

In Singapore’s muggy climate, it can feel quite warm running with the bag on and somehow I feel that it accelerates my sweating.

• Unisex running socks CHO7 compression ($18)

These compression socks, according to Decathlon, help to compress the calf to improve blood flow, reduce tissue vibrations and improve biomechanic parameters. They also provide muscle support to optimise running performance.

I tried these socks out during running, and I do have to comment that the material is pretty thick. 

As such, they can feel quite warm and muggy in Singapore’s tropical climate, especially when they are soaked in sweat. 

Perhaps these socks are more suited to colder weather running.

However that said, I have to add that I haven’t felt any aches and pains, so far, when doing my runs with these socks on.

Sometimes when running I have felt small niggles in my calves when my legs begin to tire, so perhaps the compression does work with regards to muscle support and improving blood flow when running.

Check out Decathlon’s comprehensive range

If you have already signed up for the Decathlon Run and you are looking for a set of running gear to equip you in training and racing. Well, Decathlon’s stores across Singapore have an extensive collection of products for you to choose from, for some family fun. 

For more information, visit the nearest store or else check out their website for more information.

Sign up for the race

If you have been sitting on the fence about the Decathlon Run, quick, what are you waiting for? Sign up here. Registrations are now open till 1 May. 

I hope to see you there.