Today, the Justice League Run took place at Sentosa. This was a 5km timed fun run – where runners got the chance to stand together with their favourite DC Comics superheroes – to vanquish the forces of evil.
DC Justice League Run flags off. (photo credit to DC Justice League Run)
The five superheroes that runners could choose to team up with were Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and Flash. And they had drawn many runners to take part in the event, such as Jian Yang, 35. He said, “I joined the DC Justice League Run as I am a big Superman fan. This is my first running event and I had a really enjoyable experience. The race was recreational, well-organised and it was great to see Singaporeans just letting loose and having fun.”
Plenty of superheroes in sight.
Race was flagged off by a large group of superheroes
The race was flagged off by a bevy of superheroes, which had included the five above, as well as a few additional ones such as Super Girl, Dr Fate, Green Arrow and Nightwing. Some iconic villains such as Bane, Joker and Catwoman though, also snuck their way into the midst of superheroes at the starting line – to ‘battle it out’ with our heroes!
Focused hard on the run.
Photo Credit: Run Shoot Repeat.
Fun but challenging event
I found the run fun, but the terrain was a little challenging. The hot sun, together with some relatively steep slopes as early as the first kilometre into the run, was a little difficult. So I took it easy, by taking it slowly during the upslopes and making up for it during the downslopes. When it came to flat ground, I would break into a slow jog.
A fun but challenging route around Sentosa.
Other runners also found themselves struggling with the heat and the slopes. Said Jonathan Suerte, 43, a technical manager, “Well it was a bit hot today, but you can’t control the weather so it was something that we had to overcome. The uphills at the beginning were also challenging as they were quite steep and narrow.”
Continued Suerte, “Also, if we were not starting in the first wave, we had to find our way past walkers and those pushing prams. But overall it was a great run and the support was good.”
Lots to see at the race
There was plenty to see throughout the run though, with many of the runners dressed as superheroes – and actually taking the trouble to design their own costumes.
While most of the costumed runners stuck to the DC Comics superhero universe though, I spotted a fully-dressed Marvel’s Spiderman along the route. And I wondered whether he had come to the wrong event…
Spidey, are you sure you’re at the right run?
Scenic Route
As well, the route was a rather scenic one, passing through beautiful areas of Sentosa such as the Siloso Beach Walk, the Sentosa Merlion and the Orchid Gardens. I used this as an opportunity to take my mind off the challenges and simply enjoy my experience.
Agreed fellow runner Alex Lee, 37, an accountant, who said, “Sentosa is a nice place to be at – the scenery was beautiful and the route was very green, so there were plenty of things to see and do whilst we were running.”
Kilometre markers took on a superhero theme.
Took part with his young son
Lee took part in the run together with his six-year-old son Justin, who appeared to be having a whale of a time at the post-race carnival, where I had encountered them. Said Lee, “This is his second or third run, but it is unique as the theme of superheroes is something that he can really relate to – and so can I!”
For the run, Lee was dressed as his son’s favourite character – Superman. Quipped Lee, “Superman is his favourite – and because I am his favourite person, that’s why I became Superman! And Justin finished the run, so I am very proud of him.”
A young Superman.
And young Justin had worn a Flash costume and mask – because he had intended to complete the 5km run as fast as he could possibly do, and had hoped that Flash could help him do this!
Also, wearing a Flash costume, was experienced runner, Suerte. Why Flash? Said Suerte, “As a runner, you want to be fast! And Flash is fast!” So by channeling the inner powers of Flash, Suerte had hoped that it would help him to achieve a personal best 5km timing at the run! But dressing up as Flash had not helped – Suerte admitted that he had failed to make a new personal best by the end of the event.
Cereals to replenish your depleted carbs after the run.
A good day out with plenty of fun activities
After the race, there was plenty of fun activities to see and do at the carnival, such as a Gladiator-style arena for mock battles. There was also a trampoline to ‘fly’ like their favourite heroes, as well as photo opportunities with the superheroes. The latter had proved to be very popular amongst the runners and attracted long queues.
Gladiators fighting it out in the ring. (photo credit to DC Justice League Run)
Overall, it was a good day out, according to many of the runners. Said Lee Feng Yuan, a 21-year-old National Serviceman, “I thought it was a very interesting run as everyone was wearing their superhero costumes. Everyone was also very vibrant and happy. In the company of my friends and so many other like-minded people at this event today, it really brings out the fun in you and made me really feel like I was a real superhero.”
Superheroes Unite!
Oh, and who was the ‘fastest’ superhero at the end of the event? If you said Flash, you are mistaken.
It was in fact, Kal-El, The Last Son of Krypton… whom we all know today as Superman. The average finisher nett time for runners representing Team Superman had been 31 minutes and 10 seconds.
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