218km Run Round Singapore 2010 (Day1) – 27 Mar 10

(RRS2010 Display & Balloon)

The Run Round Singapore is back again for the second time and the distance is even longer than it’s debut (168km in year 2005) which covers a total distance of 218km around Singapore (Total 68 stations) that is approximately 5 x marathon distance and targeted to be completed under 36 hours to set a new records in the Singapore Book of Records. This event is also a major event to celebrate NTU’s 55th anniversary.

(The 9 main core runners for RRS2010 at the assemblying point)

(Mr Lim Nghee Huat and Mr Teng Teck Hou)

On the 27 March Morning, I woke up early at 6.30am, prepared myself and on my way to NTU heritage centre for the opening ceremony and flag off for the race at 8.30am. When I reached there at around 8am, there was already a large crowd over there and NTU president Dr Su Guaning was giving the opening speech and introducing the 9 main core runners running the full 218km run. Dr Su-Guaning also hand over the symbolic baton to the overall winner in RRS2005, Mr Lim Nghee Huat to start the race for this year.

(NTU Chinese Heritage Centre & Dance Performance before the run)

(Group Photos of the core main runners with organiser before the run)

(Handing over of symbolic baton from Dr Su to Mr Lim Nghee Huat)

At 8.30am, Dr Su flagged off the core runners with their pacers and the other participants to start the ultimate run for NTU and all runners started the run happily. I also joined in the fun to have a feel of the run in the start off with the runners, even though my actual pacer role is on 28 Mar 10 afternoon. From the start point, I accompanied 1 of the main core runner for a few stations and then I slowed down and take my time to jog and walk. Along the long stretch of Lim Chu Kang Road was the worst as it was really hot during the morning at 9+am without any shelters.

(At the starting point with large crowd)

(Main Core runners with pacers at Starting point and Dr Su preparing for the flag off for the race)

From NTU starting point, I ran and walked a total of 25.4km distance to Station #8 at CCK where I returned home from there for some rest to prepare the run again on 28 Mar 10 afternoon.

(RRS2010 banners tied to the lampposts all around Singapore as the indicator of the running route)

- RRS2010 coach for fetching relay particpants to their previous starting station

- Flag off of Relay Run at Station #8 at CCK

By the time, I update this blog post, there were already 3 runners dropped off from the run, while the first runner leading the race is Mr Yong Yuen Cheng (1st runner up in RRS2005) at station 59 and is approximately 3+ hours ahead of schedule time while the overall runner, Mr Lim Nghee Huat is currently at 4th position. However it is hard to predict anything now as anything can happen or the runners behind may catch up with him along the way. Let us just see the outcome later in the evening.

(Asia Track of the position of RRS2010 core runners - Taken on 28 Mar 10 at 11.56am)