With hot Zumba dances pre-race, glow photo-booth from NB, psychedelic lighting from Nathan, recovery milk shakes and iced-cold dips from Maxinutrition among others, there was a good turnout from the Sponsors and Partners.
Half Marathoners, Photo Credit: New Balance Glow Photos
Photo Credit: Official Sundown Photos
With the start/end at F1 Pit Building, it was a lot more accessible and comfortable, with many runners checking in earlier and leaving later, finding the time to hang around to soak in the race atmosphere.
The Sundown Ambassadors (Pacers) this year had to put in an extra dosage of commitment and effort in tackling the 2-night event, undergoing a 15-week of grueling training after a stringent selection process which saw more than 100 applicants. The final 50 members after the 15-week journey attest to the quality of the team that remained to deliver a sterling set of results over the 2 nights of HM and FM pace missions.
The 120 Operation NightHawk trainees who underwent a 12-week structured training program covering both night and day long run missions saw themselves performing at peak to bring back many PBs and great timings in spite of the challenges they faced in Night Running.
On Friday Night, the Half Marathon Pacers and runners were the first to be put to the test. Very close to the start line was the Sundown Ambassadors Tent where the Sundown Pacers were to prepare their battle gear with colorful balloon groups for pace identification. Dressed smartly in their Sundown Pacer race kit, the team was ushered into the starting pens at 10:30pm to form up in their respective pace groups. There was a rousing welcome from the race volunteers and MC, thanking the Pacers for what they would be doing - pace and lead runners to their race target timings.
Photo Credit: Official Sundown Photos
The NightHawk HMs and supporters had gathered at the Ambassadors tent for group photos and final well wishes before race start. They went on to join the Pacers in the starting pens at 10:50pm. After warm-ups and pumped up music, the race was flagged off in colourful fanfare.
The NightHawk runners did very well, with the best coming in at 1:36min and many doing sub 2:00h, 2:15h and 2:30h. The Pacers delivered well on their pace mission, bringing many runners across the finish line with a few min to spare using their Optimal Pace strategy. Lots of congratulations for the Pacers for a job well done.
On Saturday night, it was the turn of the Full Marathon pacers and runners to show their mettle. There were many more runners gathered at the Ambassadors Tent as there were more marathoners going for pacing in the 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30 and 6:00 timing groups.
Full Marathoners, Photo Credit: New Balance Glow Photos
Lots of group photos were taken, and like the HM group in the previous night, the FM Pacers took their positions in the start pens with yet another warm welcome and thanks from the MC and Sundown Organizer. After the runners joined in the pens, there was a moment of silence for the Boston Marathon bombing victims before the race started - just 5min before, it was the start of the inaugural handcycling marathon race.
Because of the distance, the challenge to maintain and sustain an Optimal Pace for the Full Marathon was great. Our Sundown Pacers spent 15 weeks preparing for this important mission which they would deliver as a team.
4 hrs after race start, the 4:00h Pace Group crossed the line (in 3:59-4:01) with many runners in front finishing below the desirable 4:00h marathon mark. The rest of the Pace Groups did extremely well to maintain Optimal Pace to finish their respective pace timings, mostly on the dot.
Many NightHawks scored their Personal Bests and achieved very good results (the best in 3:23h), all in spite of the mentally challenging route and the rather humid night conditions. Congratulatory handshakes went round at the Ambassadors' Tent, many proudly donning their finisher tee and medals for photo memories.
Sharing of the race euphoria, trials and tribulations went into the wee hours of the morning, and by 6:30am, most of our runners were back with their accomplishments. It was a long night with many weary runners completing what many termed was a 'not so easy' marathon - many making resolutions to return to better their performances (probably with even more structured training and lead up runs). The sense of satisfaction and fond memories of this special night race will remain with all participants for a long time.
A huge shout out to the Sundown Pacers & Ambassadors for the outstanding Pace missions at the 2-night Sundown Marathon - the timings were delivered to a 'T' and more importantly, the teamwork and camaraderie shone through among all the Pace Groups, extending to the entire Pace Team. Congratulations for a sterling performance and we hope that the experience gained from Pacing is so special that memories and feelings of pride and satisfaction of a job well done will remain with us for a long time.
Heartiest congratulations extend to all NightHawks & FatBird Runners for your outstanding performance at the 2-Night Sundown Marathon 2013. While we heard from many that it was challenging and difficult to achieve good results, you NightHawks rose to the occasion to romp home with PBs and great timings.
Although some of you were nursing flu-like symptoms and injuries, cramping up, lead-filled feet, your never-say-quit spirit and dedication as seen during the 12-week training brought you through to the finish line convincingly.
The few who were sick/injured and had to sit out the race, you made a sensible and commendable decision to come back another day to show your colours - well done!
The highly successful Sundown Marathon 2013 was a fitting culmination of our 12-15 weeks of training and pacing together, forging many close bonds and friendships, teamwork and camaraderie among the trainees and the trainers/pacers alike. We have grown closer through eat, run and play together - one big NightHawk & FatBird family.
You Have Shown Your True Colours.
The NightHawks Have Emerged & Rocked Sundown 2013!
Complete Facebook Photos:
Team FatBird Photos (Ronnie Goh)
Team FatBird Photos 2nd Night (Ronnie Goh)
Team FatBird Photos FM (CK Chin)
Team FatBird Photos In-Race (CK Chin)
Team FatBird (Album 1 - Half Marathon)
Team FatBird (Album 2 - Full Marathon)
Official Sundown Photos (Part 1)
Official Sundown Photos (Part 2)
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