The fourth edition of the Straits Times Run took place this morning with three different categories – an 18.45km and a 10km Competitive Run as well as a 5km Fun Run.

Organised by national Singapore newspaper the Straits Times, together with events company infinitus, the 2016 edition of the race had started and ended at the iconic F1 Pit Building.

Runners queue up waiting for flag-off.

Race took place at the F1 Pit Building

The past two editions of the run had taken place at the Singapore Sports Hub. According to The Straits Times Run Organising Committee Chairman, Marc Lim, this change in location had been to maximise the sights and sounds of Singapore’s picturesque skyline in the backdrop.

A runner is looking to buy an early morning snack before his run.

And according to one of the runners, Cobogdan Costashe, 45, a Director in the retail industry, the choice of the location had been an improvement. He said, “Moving the race here, from the Sports Hub, was a great idea because the scenery was spectacular.”

Rachel Hng, 35, an accountant in the oil & gas industry though, had a different opinion. She said, “I run races regularly and a lot of runs use the F1 Pit Building as the starting and ending point – to me it feels quite common. Running into the dome of the National Stadium feels more unique.”

Taking a wefie before their run starts.

Participated in the 10km category

This year, I took part in the 10km category of the Straits Times Run.

The 10km run flags off on time.

The 10km started on time, at 6.30am, but I had heard that the 18.45km category, which was supposed to flag off at 5.00am, was delayed by 15 minutes, because of a heavy downpour in the wee hours of the morning.

A cooling run

By the time I had got to the F1 Pit Building at about 6.00am this morning, it was still drizzling slightly, which made the weather good for running.

Pacers hold hands as they cross the finish line.

Due to the rain and the subsequent lower temperatures, the race had turned out to be a very cool and rather breezy one for me. It did get slightly humid at times, but the weather still felt a lot more bearable than usual.

Agreed Hng, who also ran the 10km race, “The weather was very nice – it was slightly drizzling and that made it feel very cooling. So I really enjoyed the run.”

There’s Spidey, but where are the rest of the Avengers?

Besides the weather though, we ran past some iconic Singapore sights along the 10km route, including the Singapore Flyer, Singapore Sports Hub, the Gardens by the Bay and the Flower Dome. These were all lovely and the timing of day, when the sun was still coming up and it was not hot, made the running experience feel even better too.

Also enjoying the scenery was Daniel Hubbard, 35, and working in Sales Management. He said, “It was a really scenic view and a lovely 10km route all round. Just looking at the sights of the Singapore City was the best part of the race for me, and the weather was kind to us as well. Overall it was a really well organised event.”

Finishing the 10km race.

I would agree with Hubbard about the organisation; there were water stations roughly every 2km along the 10km route. I didn’t stop at all of them, but I felt that this was more than enough to hydrate the runners along the way, with the water and 100PLUS drinks on offer, being cold, for an added bonus.

Stairs and Ramps along the route

With a couple of friends after the race.

Towards the end of the 10km race though, a ramp and stairs were included into the route. I admit that this had thrown me off guard a little bit; the ramp was still quite okay and I was able to maintain my pace going up that, but to prevent myself from tripping and falling, I slowed down to walk on the stairs.

This had been the second elevated part of the route – the first one had actually been running up the Nicoll Highway in the early stages of the 10km race.

Runners had the chance to try their hand at being an F1 pit crew member after the run.

Finding the ramps challenging though, had been Costashe, who also ran in the 10km. He said, “To me the ramps were tough, but I think that if you train beforehand and include hill training, then it should be okay as these slopes are supposed to be quite gentle.”

Once the stairs had been conquered though, it was a pretty straightforward run to the finish line – and then after that the race carnival beckoned.

The Panasonic photo booth attracted long queues post-race.

Lots to see and do at the race carnival

There had been quite a lot to see and do at the race village, including plenty of photo booths, free giveaways by sponsored Panasonic, live music, F1 themed activities such as being a pit crew mechanic. And of course, not forgetting the opportunities to chitchat and catch up with other running friends.

Runners taking a post-race wefie together.

A great morning spent out

Overall it was a great morning spent doing a healthy activity, for me, and a good warm-up run for me – for the Sundown Marathon which takes place next Saturday.

View your ST Run 2016 Photo Gallery Here !

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