I started the month of celebration and gathering with a run - Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (Ekiden). It always been fun running as a team and when all gather after the finishing line. Unfortunately, this year's event did not end on a happy note, for me.
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| Getting ready for the race at 4am! |
Thanks to the weather, even for runner #5 or #6, no one need to run under the scorching heat if your team took 5-6 hours to complete the run.
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| Runners at the starting point |
Unlike last year, this year's event seems to be a little disorganised and lack of sponsors. Firstly, the race pack is pathetic for a run that is consider expensive. Unlike last year, first few Ekiden runners are not offered any 'goodies' after their run.
At some of the Ekiden Point, the helpers/volunteers did not shout out the numbers way before the runners reached the changing pen. Last year, there are two helpers, one stand at a further end, while the other will repeat the numbers being called out. This will ensure the next runner will have time to get ready. This year, some of the points do not even have anyone shouting out. Boo!
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| Ekiden Point 2 |
During team briefing, we were asked to sign out after running our leg of the event. This is not the case. If they decided to call off the signing out procedure, they should have let us know much earlier, even if it is not affecting our performance much. Many runners simply ran to the booth (for drinks) to look for someone that let them sign.
I have not even touch on the time discrepancy that marred the event over the last few days on newspaper. To be honest, my team is considering if we should participate in next year's event.
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| After reaching Ekiden Point 2 |
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I am also disappointed that the team spirit and responsibility (for my team) is not there. Unlike last year, one of the runners did not inform the other waiting that she has completed. I doubt I will have her in my running team again. Another went home due to weather condition. (No, I can't fault her.)
Despite the disappointment, I am happy to complete the race in such a good timing (for me) and I could even complete 2 legs (#1 & #6) of the race! *claps*
