Usually takes place the beginning of the year, this time the challenge took place in August instead. Would have casually missed it if not for a reminder from the Out In SG group targeting for biathlons.
This year we were very lucky to use the World Aquatics Championships Arena for the swim leg. Singapore is the host for the World Aquatics Championships, the arena was specially build for this purpose. Its large and has a 9 lane pool. There are 2 of the 50m pools in this Arena, the competition pool felt deeper than usual, it was cold but bearable. The run leg will take place with 5 rounds at the 100plus track, one round is 888m. But the organiser factored in the distance running from the swimming pool to the arena adding up to 5km.
Singapore Front Runners
This time round we have SGFR and Out in SG water babies with us. The event day is on the 24 August, there was a thunderstorm early that morning and it made people felt like sleeping in rather than go and exercise. I originally want to ride to the venue but due to the rain, I ended up driving. It was the right choice and parking was convenient at the Stadium area. The Swim arena is very near to the Kallang Leisure Park. I did not bring a lot of things, just one small bag for my swim goggles, cap and the Vibram shoes for this time since is just the 100plus stadium and only 5km.
There was no race pack collection beforehand like the past years, participants will check in at the entrance and given the run bib and time chip. Body marking was also done there and participants can proceed to the arena transition area to put your running gear and get ready when you finish the swim.
The pool was not as cold as it was but it certainly was deeper than the usuals, I felt like in the sea but not as buoyant. This time I felt my swim was not as dynamic and my turns were not as smooth, but I managed to pick up a bit around the fourth lane.
After coming out and changing to my Vibrams, we had to run quite a distance past the arena to the 100 plus track. As it was rainy and we had to go down via the ramp, I was extra careful not to slip and fall. Once I hit the 100plus track, I went all out, despite the floor was a bit wet, going all out for the five rounds. Was quite okay with the run although still not the best but I was quite satisfied that I finished it all.
Returning to the Arena
After the run, participants can go back to the arena transition area to grab their belongings and also return to the main reception area to get the goodie bag. The goodie bag had a shoe bag and many other freebies inside, we also had banana and hydration given too. When I returned, a lot of the guys have yet to start their race. I managed to catch a picture with some of the Singapore Front runner guys before they start their swim leg and also Dany, one of my open water swim friend.
Every year, Member of Parliament Mdm Poh Li San will also take part in the challenge and she really do keep up with her fitness going on strong at her age. I enjoyed this year’s edition as it was cooler and I did not have to worry about the sun. Also it felt a bit glamourous to be able to swim in the aquatics arena. This year there were more strong ladies joining especially a lot of good swimmers. Good to see more challenge coming up too! Guess I have to brush up my swimming till next year.
