Full Marathon Sunbirds @ Orchard Road
Half Marathon Sunbirds @ Vivocity
@ Start Line Photo Credit: RunSociety
Sunbird Photo Montage from Azhar
Facebook Photos from AC Leong, Mohan, Frederic Toh, Esther Tay, Susie Lim, Tan Kim Lai, Alex Tai, Azhar
The
Sunbirds gathered at McCafe Shaw House 3.30am for their final test of the year, the
Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) 2011 race. All were decked out in their Sunbird finisher tops or FatBird running gear, along with their favourite racing shoes. By 4:00am, we assembled for the customary group photos with the beautiful Christmas lighting as backdrop.
A few of us almost missed the start due to the very wanting baggage check-in facilities this year. I just made the start line in the nick of time, but the gates were all closed for the sub-4hr bibs and it was by sheer good fortune, that I managed to slip in from the side after spotting some familiar faces. The previous night's heavy downpour has made the roads slightly damp with a tinge of cool air, although it was still rather humid.
The 3:45h and 4:00h Official Pacers with their balloons were just in front, with the rest of the Pacers a block down. Met familiar faces and had some exchanges and well wishes before the horn went off. It was rather tight for the first km, and when we hit F1 Pit area, it was rather dark but we could spot the 3:45h pacers just ahead. Johnny, Benjamin, Han Chee and Kwee Teck were running along and chatting, intending to keep the 3:45h pacers' balloons in view.
There seemed to be a lack of distance markers throughout, making it more difficult for us to gauge pace and ground covered. We entered ECP at 12km to darkness. Visibility was not that good at that early hour, with few spectators around. Our group was able to sustain a 5:20min/km pace going by the ECP service road all the way past F2 and slightly ahead for the U-Turn. On the return we were able to spot oncoming runners as we gave waves and thumbs up of encouragement to one another. Our group thinned down as we reached MacD ECP with the 3:45h moving ahead. We were able to overtake more slowing runners by the 28km mark as we maintained our pace.
Soon we entered the difficult segment of Marina Barrage, the seemingly endless road with no shade (fortunately there was cloud cover at that time) and without any scenery. There were only the runners...very few supporters along that difficult stretch. The Tiger Balm Active team were out in force to hand our deep-heat cream to those who were cramping up with tightening muscles. Bolt came up just a while earlier...a pleasant surprise to see him. We had a buffer of 10min for sub-4hr, and we should be able to hit our targets as long as nothing unexpected like cramps or the wall showing up. Kwee Teck and Melvyn were also along that stretch.
The Half Marathon (HM) Sunbirds met up at Harbourfront Vivocity at 5am for their race out from Sentosa at 6:30am. This year we have a flock of well-trained and strong HM Sunbirds, many of them doing their maiden HM to boot. In spite of the choc-a-block conditions at various parts of the race, and the numerous slopes the HM runners had to contend with, the majority of Sunbirds finished this challenging 21.1km in good timings and Personal Bests (PBs).
As the Full Marathoners (FM) exited Marina Barage, Bolt stayed with me as we manouvred Heartbreak Bridge. We were able to run up this year, albeit slowly. However, we were confronted with the human wall of 5km, 10km and 21km runners at the 39km mark, really testing our tired legs. We expended lots of precious energy telling the runners to keep to the side, and also weaving around them when they refused to move. By the 41km, we were spent, and just wished we could continue to the finish without the need to stop. It was a real challenge even up to the finish line - the crowd was so thick we could hardly have direct access to a full lane for that great finish to the shouts of supporters.
Nevertheless, we finished in very good timing, esp. for the Sunbirds who completed their maiden HM/FM and those that shaved many minutes off their PBs. With the harrowing baggage experience in the morning, I proceeded to War Memorial (a distance away) after collecting my finisher tee and medal. Then it was to the NB-Sunbird Hospitality tent to meet with all the Sunbirds and Pacers, who had very good results in spite of the challenges of weather and crowd control. Overall, the Sunbirds benefitted from their 12-weeks of training to complete their respective Marathons, with a number completing their maiden marathons in good timings. The Sunbirds have now passed the test, and will be elevated to the Marathoner status.
After poring through reports and feedback
from runners, comparing finishing times of elites and amatuers alike, it seemed
that this year's SCMS was more challenging than previous' due to humid
conditions and congestion. The Sunbirds as a team have done
very well to overcome the odds to complete this challenging HM/FM. Whether it
was our maiden marathon, or PB'ing by massive 60-90min, or just bettering our
time by 1min, or simply overcoming challenges during the race, we are all
champions at this SCMS.
We congratulate all Sunbirds for your commendable
performances, and look forward to training and running alongside you again soon.
Have a good recovery and rest, celebrate with friends and family, enjoy the
festive season, while planning for your marathon adventures in the new year. This wraps up a successful Ops Sunbird 2011, and we wish all Sunbirds the best in their future marathon adventures.
Operation Sunbird 2011 - Follow Our Pace, Win Your Race!
