The race pack collection for the upcoming Safari Zoo Run took place last Saturday and Sunday at Velocity @ Novena.

I headed there to collect my race pack for the 12KM Safari Zoo Challenge, for which I am registered.

Because I had gone down to pick up my pack on a Sunday afternoon, the second and final day of collection, there was not much of a queue when I had arrived. So it meant that I was in and out within about five minutes.

An Automated System

To pick up my pack, the event organisers had implemented an automated system where we were first required to scan the barcode of our ICs at the scanning machines. Upon doing so, we were issued with a ticket which we would then bring to the counter in order to receive our race packs.

This machine is not that new. In recent years, I have seen similar machines having been implemented at a few running events in Singapore, but somehow, it still manages to catch me off-guard each time I am required to pick up my pack in this manner.

The Pack Contents

The contents of the pack itself is quite basic, containing my running singlet sans plastic bag, a reusable water bottle, my race bib as well as a few brochures and pamphlets from the various event sponsors.

I noted that the fact that our singlets were not wrapped in plastic, as well as the provision of a water bottle, had tied in with the conservation theme of the Safari Zoo Run.

Additionally, it had been explained during the pack collection that runners are required to bring some form of water bottle to the race, as there will be no plastic cups being distributed at the hydration stations on the course. However we can opt to either bring the water bottle provided, or else carry our own ones.

Useful Information For Runners

Also, useful information to equip runners for the race was also plastered on panels on the walls and these included route maps, flag-off timings and the various causes that the Safari Zoo Run is championing this year.

These were all available at a glance, and I thought that it had been a good way to deliver the information that runners need, in a single shot.

Sponsor Booths

There were also a few sponsor booths at the pack collection selling their wares. They included On, the running shoe partners of Safari Zoo Run, as well as performance sports sock company Titan Singapore and Quiver, a company selling all-in-one versatile gym bags.

I took a look at what was available and chatted to the various sellers to find out more about their products, but at the end of it, I didn’t feel the need to buy anything.

Finally, Iconique, a company offering customisation services for the Safari Zoo Run’s race singlets, also had a booth on-site. So this means that runners could print anything they wanted on their race singlets for a fee. 

It’s not the first time that I have seen such customisation services on sale, though, as this has apparently become quite popular recently at a few of the running events in Singapore. I suppose that it’s because runners want to stand out in the crowd, after all.

Small But Comprehensive

Though the area occupying the pack collection had been relatively small, I had thought it was good enough, with opportunities for runners to do last-minute shopping for the bare essentials that they may need for next Sunday’s race, but at the same time, not overwhelming runners with too many booths.

Everything also looked fuss-free and well organised and if this was any sign of what I can expect next Sunday, then I can’t wait for event-day on the 24th of February.

So, see you there.