The first Sundown Lead-Up Run attracted good interest from the Sundown community, many of whom were looking to a 'conditioning' and trial of their abilities to sustain a long run of more than 15km in the night. The logistics boys were early to The Playground to set up The Nest, with nice tents
and banners under good lighting at the PlayCoast area.Together with the NightHawk trainees, we were expecting about 200 officially-registered participants for this night LSD. The Sundown Pacers/Ambassadors were on location to help with the registration and organization of the runners as well as warming them up with cool photo shots and chit-chats. The two registration
queues buzzed with activities as the Lead-Up Runners and NightHawk trainees collected light-sticks, blinkers, wrist-bands for 
identification and visibility in the night.Fiona from Hi-Velocity was in a generous mood as she gave out Sundown tee-shirts with a few short quizzes, and gave a warm welcome to all participants of the lead-up. FatBirds conducted the safety and route briefings, and of course, introductions to the pace groups to the runners. It was a challenge to fit all in the group photo, but nonetheless, the runners easily fell into positions and gave shouts of 'Sundown Yeah!'.
The first lap of the run was real fun and interesting as the groups were running closely-together along the footpaths in high spirits. Each time we pass a BBQ pit or gathering point, there would be cheers coming from the public and we responded with gusto and even whistles, to the delight of the crowds. A number, including a family of local TV personalities were asking if there was a marathon in the area :D
Although there were breezes coming in from the coastline, the night was still humid, and the workout challenging. The drinks point at the 8km U-Turn mark was a godsend, thanks to the good planning and execution of the logistics team. Running in the direction of The Nest would see people picking up speed, whilst running away from The Nest would be at a slower pace...haha. The crowd was rather well prepared for this LSD, armed with the necessary hydration belts/systems, they looked strong and knowing what to do during the whole run. Although the ground conditions were rather 'hard' and their feet feeling the effects after 15km, they saw that in positive light as part of strengthening and conditioning their legs and bodies for the rigours of night running.
The speedsters who ran too fast for the first 10km soon slowed down as fuel was expended too quickly, while those who started more conservatively chugged along in good form to close the gaps. Most of the runners managed to finish within the cut-off time of 3hr10min, with a few pushing on to
finally complete before midnight. The sense of satisfaction could be seen in the faces of the tired runners sitting around munching on granola bars, bananas and downing iced-cold isotonic drinks.They were thinking of the b words...burger and beer....just thinking only...haha. They would not want to let their good efforts be diluted by the empty calories from beer and such ;)
Many of the participants fed back that they liked the route and the cheers from fellow runners in groups, as well the drinks support point (which was only made possible with the help of the Hi-V logistics support....thanks guys!). They not only had a good workout, but also made new friends and had fun, all these while progressing with their Sundown Marathon training. The NightHawks, in their 4th session, also achieved their training objectives and learnt a lot about how their bodies function in such night LSDs.The Sundown Pacers, by then in their 6th week of intensive training, are getting quite accustomed to running in such conditions within a group setting. A Night of Chill, Cool & Calm will aptly describe the Sundown Lead-Up Run #1 - Chill runners, Cool weather in the Calm of the night. It was a well-attended and successful lead-up run, and we all now look forward to the second and final Sundown Lead-Up at the end of April. When Dusk Cometh, The Sundowners & NightHawks Will Emerge.
Facebook Photos from FatBirds DO, AC, CINDY
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