SMRT-FatBird Circle Line Weekender

Weekender Photo Slideshow by AC Leong

SMRT Circle Line brings you closer to nature! - That was the carrot we dangled to our running community to join this social run jointly organized by Ride SMRT and Team FatBird to explore scenic enclaves and terrain around the new Circle Line MRT Stations of Labrador Park, Telok Blangah and Pasir Panjang.

It was a smooth journey for those who tried the Circle Line MRT to the recently opened Labrador Park MRT station, the start of the inaugural Circle Line Weekender run around the scenic western enclave of flaura and fauna.  As it was the first of the series, a number of runners went down slightly earlier to get familiarized with the surrounding amenities.

The skies turned out to be clear and sunny, just nice for some great sightseeing and photo shots as we took in the tourist spot of Larabor Park first.  There is nothing like visiting Labrador without seeing its tunnel slopes, running along the beautiful waterfront, and stopping by Dragon Teeth Gate for that bit of history and group photo. Many of the runners were there for the first time, and were they impressed with how this park has been spruced up, yet maintaining its rustic charm.

3km later, out from Labrador Park and back to the MRT station, two runners decided to stay behind.  The main group progressed on to the next highlight, the Canterbury estate of colonial bungalows with swimming pools, soccer fields (yes, soccer field within a bungalow compound), large, friendly dogs and quiet charm with lots of shade.  Because of the maze of a trail inside, our Runing Guides did a good job of showing the runners various turning points.  A visit to this place would not be complete without a group photo at our favourite bungalow (overlooking a huge expanse of grassland and even a quaint-looking bridge).  Some of the runners got a drink from the friendly housemaid, and someone even got her phone number, we heard ;)

After the break, we proceeded through the remaining turns out back to the HortPark area, where the 8km runners proceeded back to the end point.  The remaining pack, which was still large, went up the mini-Lombard slopes to reach the top of Kent Ridge Park...yes it was a tad hilly, but was well worth the effort just to catch the scenic route. 

We had an extra long stop where a queue formed for the vending machine of nice sports water and aloe-vera jelly drink, among a host of ice-cold options.  We had more ground to cover, but when quizzed on whether we should go on to explore the Kent Ridge Park of pond and slopes, only one hand was up - I guess all were quite happy with where they were and not in a mood to go for more slopes haha. 

So, off we went on the shorter route to The Canopy, and to Bukit Chandu Reflections.  A 5 minute walkabout in the compound with lots of history and relics about the war later, we were happy to head down the long slopes to Pasir Panjang Rd before turning back to the Labrador MRT Station.  By then (10am), the sun was scorching and all just made a beeline down the escalator into airconditioned comfort to end the run, and collect a simple but interesting goodie bag - the fan was the first thing being whipped out and used, followed by some sweets to replenish the energy consumed in that 13-15km distance. 

Actually nobody took much notice of the actual distance; many of us just ran on captivated by what laid ahead.  On the way back, someone asked if were going up Mt. Faber - I turned back, looked at the smiling faces of the Circle Line weekenders, and decided we would do that at the next run on Nov 19. 

We want them to come back again, with many new ones together to enjoy the Mt. Faber Slopes and Henderson Waves then - in this fun workout at the Western Hills and Plains of Labrador.  Meanwhile enjoy the nice photos of some of the interesting places we visited from the Circle Line Weekender session #1.

Facebook Photos from Richard, AC(1), AC(2)