Thứ Ba, 16 tháng 12, 2014

Running: Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2014 (Singapore) #SCMS2014


Registered and completed the HM category at the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2014 #SCMS2014 last 7 December 2014. This was my 3rd Standard Chartered Marathon "Run For A Reason" series for the year 2014, after 2014's SCBKKMarathon and SCKLM. 

My young brother +Shafwan Wahab was running FM, flying from Kota Kinabalu as usual.


About SCMS
The Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) has established itself as the marquee running event on Singapore’s sporting calendar. Every first Sunday of December, thousands of participants from all walks of life run past some of Singapore’s iconic landmarks such as the Esplanade and Sentosa. Marathon runners also get to soak up the festive atmosphere as they run under the twinkling lights of Orchard Road.

In 2014, SCMS retained its Gold Label status by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), placing it among the company of the world’s elite races such as the New York City Marathon and the London Marathon. As the highlight of Singapore’s running calendar, the Marathon has helped grow the running culture in Singapore.

Race Entry Pack Collection
Went for REPC 2 days earlier which was held at Singapore Expo by MRT once safely landed at Changi International Airport, Singapore. Took me about 10 - 15 minutes in queue to reach the collection counter. Collection was open from 10:00am until 9:00pm.

REPC Counters
A lot of booths by event sponsors and partners with promotions and special discounts for SCMS2014 participants. 

Official SCMS 2014 Pacers
Sponsors and Partners
Sponsors and Partners
Sponsors and Partners
Race Day
The HM category flag off time was at 6:30am at the Sentosa Bridge, near to VIVO City Mall. Had to take the MRT towards Harbour Front station 2 hours earlier together with other runners. Had the chance to make some new-found-friends along the way.

Travelling with MRT to Start Area
Travelling with MRT to Start Area
There was a bit of confusion upon exiting Harbour Front MRT station. There was no direction signage inside the mall towards the start area. Even the local runners were confused which exit to use.

Baggage deposit, mobile toilets and pre-race water station were available at the start area. A long queue at the mobile toilets, but a good queueing system made by runners to avoid long waiting hours.

HM Start Area
HM Start Area (Security Check)
HM Start Area
HM Start Area (Flag Off)
The first wave of the HM category was flagged on-time followed by the second wave (which I was in) 15 minutes later. Running pace was slow for the first few KM due to huge number of runners in the HM category on a small 2 lanes road. Distance markers were seen at every KM along the race route.




At KM6 checkpoint, I was at the Universal Studios Singapore, Far Far Away gate entrance. Really had a fun time running inside USS. Spent some sweet time in the area taking photographs with movie characters, transformers and USS employees. Another life-milestone completed by officially running inside USS park.

Far Far Away Entrance Gate
Friendly USS Employees
Friendly USS Employees
HM Race Route
HM Race Route
Photo session with Optimus Prime
It was a basic flat straight route from KM10 towards KM19. However, it was very challenging to run under the blazing hot sun at that time. Had to use my Sabah flag (which I usually will bring out at the last KM) as a shield from getting sun-burned.

HM Race Route
HM Race Route
Saw the Running Shots photographers and some other local freelancers at KM20. Running Shots did mentioned about this earlier in their official Facebook page. 

Photo Courtesy of Running Shots
Completed the HM race at 2:54 hours (Nett Time). Finisher medal and an isotonic drink was given at the finishers tent. 

Supportive SCMS Volunteers
Finisher Medal
Nike+ Running Map
Event Area
Went for a quick stroll for some photo session with my new running buddy Alessandro in the event area. Left the area with MRT for post-race breakfast at the famous Zam Zam Restaurant located near Arab Street.

Running Buddy
Event Area
Event Area
Comments
A good running experience at SCMS 2014. Nice design and color selection on the Adidas running vest and finisher medal. Very clear pre-race to post-race communication from the organisor via email and Facebook channel.

It would be better if the XS size is available at public registration. Don't think it's fair for some participant to not get their vest size choice at first day of registration with the registration fee. 

My comments on the HM race route, love the first 10K distance especially when running in USS sector. The remaining 11K could be more interesting instead of a straight line and U-turn on the highway.

Also, there was no gel nor banana supplies at the HM and FM route.

Big thanks to all volunteers and photographers on duty especially Running Shots for their photography work effort.

Summary: Good race event by organisor, sponsors and partners. Looking for improvements for  upcoming run.

Event Recommendation: ★★★★☆ (4/5)



Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2014 Completed!

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