The T100 Triathlon series is redefining participation sports with dynamic multi-sports festivals set in different locations around the world. The Singapore leg of T100 took place last weekend at Marina Bay. T100 is unique because it is the only triathlon race that allows amateur athletes the opportunity to swim inside Marina Bay. 

I participated in the 100KM triathlon mixed relay, together with two other team-mates. I did the run, while Ian did the swim and Nina did the bike. This was my second year forming a team to take part in the T100 event.

The 100KM comprises of 2KM swim, 80KM bike and 18KM run. It works out to be slightly less than the distance of a half-Ironman combined. 

Our wave flagged off at 8:10am in the morning with Ian completing the 2KM of swimming in 00:46:33. The views of Marina Bay from the water were beautiful and the scenery was amazing according to Ian.

Nina then took over on the bike leg, comprising of 16KM loops of the Marina area, including the challenge of climbing Benjamin Sheares Bridge in the Singapore heat. It was a scorching morning and the sun was merciless, but she overcame the odds, performing better than expected. She finished the 80KM bike in 03:03:09.

The sun continued to burn brightly when I took over at around noon for the 18KM run. It was a super hot run, from the F1 Pit Building to Bayfront and then four out-and-back laps from Bayfront to Marina Barrage. The route was scenic and flat, with no elevation.

I was so glad we didn’t need to climb the Barrage. But the brutal heat added an extra challenge to the run, and I found myself needing to pour ice-cold water over myself every 2KM in order to stay cool. My pace also suffered and I found myself slowing down significantly because it was so torturous.

There were aid stations every 2KM, due to the out-and-back course. This was well thought out on the organisers part, with plenty of supplies such as isotonic, energy gels, bananas and ice sponges. Supplies were abundant and there was more than enough to go around.

Despite the searing heat, I forced myself to press on. I didn’t want to give up and disappoint my team. If Nina can cycle 80KM in the heat, surely I can push myself to run 18KM in the same weather. I managed to complete the run in 1:49:30, which I was very happy with, considering the conditions.

Our finish time for the triathlon was 5:43:21. Congratulations to the three of us! 

There was an athlete welfare area where we could help ourselves to supplies to refuel our energy after the event. These included wraps, bananas cakes, coca-cola and mineral water. Potato chips would have been good though, as I was craving for something salty at this point.

We spent some time catching up and taking pictures at the race village, before heading off for a well-deserved congratulatory lunch. After what we had all been through, I was feeling quite hungry by then. 

Thank you again to the T100 Triathlon team for having us over the weekend. It was an extremely fun event, well put together and we really enjoyed ourselves. We will definitely be keen to take part once again. 

Watch our full race video here.