A 14KM obstacle race comprising of nine different obstacles, the seventh edition of the Men’s Health Urbanathlon flagged off at 7.30am this morning at the Kallang Practice Track.

Some of the obstacles that participants were required to conquer, had included scaling straight and sloping walls, lifting 20kg sandbags over barricades and and crawling underneath nettings to get through a maze.

The Men’s Health Urbanathlon took place today.

If participants had failed to complete an obstacle on their first attempt, they would have to line up to re-try it. There were two tries given to participants per obstacle – and if they failed on the second attempt, they would have five minutes added on to their final time as a penalty before they were allowed to continue with the race.

Participants stepping out of their comfort zone and pushing their limits

Warriors ready for battle.

The race had promised its participants the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and push their limits to the maximum – and the participants certainly felt that they did just that.

Said Suzy Kooy, 28, an Events Manager, “The race was hard! It was so challenging that the feeling when you crossed the finish line is so rewarding! The obstacles were also difficult – for me, the monkey bars were really tough. The zip fly at the end was the easiest one though and the water obstacle was really refreshing.”

Concentration is etched on their faces.

Also finding the monkey bars tough was Craig Acquaye, 33, an Aviation Lawyer. He said, “The toughest obstacle was probably the monkey bars because they were slippery after other people have gone before you. My favourite was the big water splash at the end because there was a nice crowd watching and they were playing good music.”

The monkey bars obstacle had required participants to swing their way across a truss comprising of slanted bars. They had to complete two sets without falling off.

The obstacles help to break up the running.

The water obstacle, which had been the final obstacle, had required the contestants to make their way down a 3m zip-line and then let go, to jump into the pool of water below.

Added a different dimension to a race compared to pure running

Obstacles add a different dimension to a running race.

Compared to straight out running races, Craig, who had been taking part in his first obstacle race, felt that obstacle runs such as the Urbanathlon added a different dimension to a race. He explained, “It mixes up the race and adds a little flavour – so that makes it more enjoyable for me. Or course you have to train differently for it though.”

A participant conquers the net.

Agreed 34-year-old Jill Abolins, 34, a Real Estate Surveyor, “I think these are more fun than simple running races because it helps to break up the running and at the same time, everyone seems to have a good spirit throughout the race.”

Many of the participants loved this flying fox obstacle.

A well organised race

She added, “Overall this was a really well organised race. There was great fun and good camaraderie around the course. The route was also really good and scenic. I thoroughly enjoyed myself throughout the event.”

This pool of water marked the end of the obstacles.

Also finding the logistics good, was Campbell Wilson, 44, Chief Executive at Scoot. He said, “The organisation was excellent and the logistics were good. There was a bit of a queue for the final obstacle but otherwise it was great. I certainly felt a year older than when I did this race last year, but otherwise it was very good!”

There was free flow of food for participants.

Compared to previous editions of the Urbanathlon, Campbell considered the obstacles to be pretty similar. He said, “They were about the same types – but most importantly, just as fun as ever.”

A scenic race that she would do again

Proud finishers of the 2016 Urbanathlon.

According to Paulette Vultaggio, the race route, which had taken the race participants through key Singapore landmarks, such as One Fullerton, Kallang Riverside Park, Singapore Sports Hub, the F1 Pit Building and the Singapore Flyer, was very scenic and beautiful.

Participants showering after the race.

Said the 29-year-old teacher at the CIS International School, “The route was very scenic – and I loved it.”

She continued, “This was my first time taking part in an obstacle race in Singapore – and I didn’t train for it, but I survived – and I would definitely love to do it again.”

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