Come 24 October at the scenic and beautiful Gardens by the Bay East, you can expect a unique running experience this year at Singapore’s inaugural New Balance Run On. This is a 5km running event – with a difference.
NB Run On takes place for the first time in Singapore – on 24 October.
What is different about this race? Said Eugene Yeo, 34, New Balance ASEAN Marketing and Product Manager, “The New Balance Run On Singapore is the first stop in South East Asia for the New Balance Run On race series. It is a race for all runners, whether you are aiming to outrun all other participants in your age group or if you are just looking to challenge yourself by completing your first 5km run.”
A Scenic starting and finishing point
And the scenic Gardens by the Bay East for both the race starting and finishing point was chosen, because of its central location.
Said Yeo, “It is a scenic location situated in the heart of Singapore, making it easily accessible to all. At the Gardens by the Bay East, runners can enjoy stunning views of the Marina Bay skyline and race amidst the picturesque landscape, covered by wide open lawns and beautiful flora and fauna.”
NB Run On experience is not purely about the running
But the NB Run On experience is not only purely about the running part. Runners can also look forward to more, after achieving their 5km goals.
Said Yeo, “Runners can also look forward to a great post-race experience at the exclusive NB Pop-Up Festival and picnic, with local bands such as A/K/A ATTAGIRL. Obedient Wives Club and Charlie Lim, and the promise of great food and drinks. So you definitely won’t want to miss this.”
He added, “In short, our post-race pop-up festival is carefully curated to provide an environment for social interaction through good music, photo opportunities, complimentary food and drink – in essence, elements to provide runners a fun-chilled-out experience after their run. After all, running at present, is no longer a solitary activity and involves more social interactions.”
Runners at the first NB Run On training clinic – to prepare for the race.
Photo by New Balance
Special incentive for participants who choose to run an additional kilometre
Another unique aspect of the New Balance Run On is that participants who challenge themselves to an extra kilometre – after completing the required 5km – will receive a NB Run On iron-on achievement badge, designed by local design collective, Tell Your Children.
Added Yeo on the idea behind this, “We wanted to challenge runners to push themselves further than the 5km expected of them. Besides earning themselves an exclusive NB iron-on achievement badge, they will also be doing their bit for charity. For every runner who opts to run an additional 1km after completing the 5km route, New Balance will donate $1 to SportsCares, capped at a maximum of $5,000.”
Stand a greater chance of finishing with a podium placing
As well, at the New Balance Run On, participants stand an even greater chance of finishing the race with a podium position, because prizes are awarded based on age groupings – a practice that is common in triathlons but not in running races.
Explained Yeo, “Instead of the usual Open and Masters’ categories found in races, we decided that having age-groups would be more interesting, and allow runners to compete on a more level playing field and really pit their timings against competitors of a similar age range.”
Runners are put through drills at the inaugural NB Run On running clinic.
Photo by New Balance.
How to enjoy your NB Run On experience to the fullest
So with so many activities going on, how can runners enjoy their NB Run On experience to the fullest?
Said Yeo, “Pre-race, get a free haircut from Hounds of the Baskervilles, add a silkscreen message to your Run On tee by The General Company, get your tote bag customised by Tell Your Children and grab a free coffee from K.ki Sweets when you collect your race pack at our pre-race party at the race-pack expo.”
He continued, “On race day, lace up your New Balance shoes and warm up properly. Throw on your Run On tee, gather your friends and get ready to Run On! And after the run, immerse yourself in our pop-up festival, and soak in the good vibes – with excellent music, and take loads of photos!”
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