This weekend, the 2016 edition of the OSIM Sundown Marathon is set to take place. The event activities begin on Saturday evening, with the race village opening at 6pm. The 5km fun run will be the first one to be flagged off, at 8.00pm, followed by the 10km race at 10.00pm.
The fun is set to continue through the whole night too, and well into the wee hours of Sunday morning as well, with the Half Marathon flagging off at 11.45pm and the Full Marathon at 12.30am.
Are you ready for the 2016 edition of the OSIM Sundown Marathon?
Lots to keep runners and spectators entertained
Throughout the night, there will also be plenty to keep runners and spectators entertained.
Said Adrian Mok, Managing Director of HiVelocity Events, the organisers of the OSIM Sundown Marathon, “We have tons of activities on site at the race village for everyone to enjoy before and after their run.”
He continued, “This is inclusive of a GROHE shower truck at the village – the first of its kind in any running event in Singapore. With movie screenings, food & beverage and a sports zone, runners will have plenty to look forward to, this coming Saturday!”
HiVelocity’s Adrian Mok says listening to your body is very important during a race.
Sports Zone is an exciting new element this year
The Sports Zone is one of the new elements introduced this year and will challenge participants to go against each other – with heart-stopping basketball and dodgeball competitions – as well as working up a sweat together through Zumba Classes.
Said Mok, “Sundown has evolved to beyond being a straightforward running event. Runners can look forward to a lot of entertainment, lifestyle and carnival-like elements at the race village too, such as a Sports Zone section at the finish line where dodgeball and basketball competitions will be held. There will also be a Zumba Fitness session by 1Fiesta.”
He added “So the Sundown Sports Zone is the first of its kind that we have had in the past nine editions of the race. Adding fresh components to the overall race atmosphere will appeal, and help to attract, many other new running demographics to join the event in the future.”
These activities, according to Mok, will comprise of heart pumping action for both the participants and spectators alike. He said “We want to incorporate new elements for runners and non runners at the race. Participants have to sign up for the three sports events prior to the race day to secure a slot in the activities. Expect some heart pumping and fast paced 3 vs 3 basketball competition, 6 v 6 Dodgeball competition and two Zumba sessions to keep the adrenaline flowing through the night.”
However, Mok stressed that OSIM Sundown Marathon is still essentially a running race though. He said “Sundown is still a running race, but we would like to extend the fun and entertainment to non-runners too. It will add to the entertainment and lifestyle factor on top of the usual running fanatic craze that our OSIM Sundown Marathon runners possess.”
Get a good night’s sleep and minimise strenuous activities
And considering the time that the race is starting, especially the Half and the Full Marathon categories, what tips does Mok have for runners on their race strategy?
He said “Have a good night’s sleep the day prior to the race and try and get adequate rest before your run, and minimise any strenuous activities. You will want to be in tip-top condition during the race.”
Mok advises Half and Full marathon runners to get adequate sleep.
Get Adequate hydration
Apart from sleep, Mok also stressed that adequate hydration is important.
He said “We have hydration stations located strategically along the route for our runners. If you are taking on the Full Marathon especially, carbo-loading is also essential to keep you going through the race.”
Listen to your body and do not start off too fast
And what happens to those who have not had the time to train sufficiently for the distance that they are taking on? Said Mok “For those who haven’t had adequate training, always listen to your body and react accordingly during the race.”
He added, “That said, most runners have the tendency to start off too fast during the race because they can get too absorbed into the race atmosphere and forget that they still have a significant distance left to go. Do not start too fast as you will require to conserve energy for the subsequent kilometres ahead.”
Some runners at last year’s Sundown Marathon race.
Challenges runners to defy their limits
But Mok said that to reflect the spirit of the Sundown Marathon, he challenges all runners taking part, regardless of their categories, to “defy their limits” whether it is to push for a new personal best, or to successfully complete a distance that they are attempting for the first time ever.
Continued Mok, “Sundown has always been about defying your limits, thus my best advice would be to bring on that attitude come race day. We challenge you to be Limitless – as our theme this year, says.”
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