Singapore Marathon - More Short Reports

From Chee Wee:

My form was not ready to conquer the SIM on last Sunday morning. I started to develop sign of cramps at my stomach and later the side of quadriceps on both legs immediately after 15km. That forced me to slow down. There is no short-cut for a full marathon challenge if you aimed to have a good timing in the race; one must well prepare for the challenge.


From Chooi Lin:
I tripped & fell at about 30km mark, bruising my palms & knees. I was helped up by two concerned S'porean runners. I continued my run, slightly shaken but thankfully no injuries. I located one Red Cross tent about 1km away and they tended to my bloody palms & bandaged my knees (spent about 10 minutes). Although the weather was hot, I managed to finish the race with timing of 5:17:07, an improvement compared to last year's timing of 5:41(my first). There are no juicy oranges for us at the end of the racethough.

From Lim FW:
I went there to 'go below' 4 hours but I did not achieve that. Everything went well until about the 35km mark. My legs were heavy ... swollen to be exact after that point. That is something I had not experienced before. The first thing that came to mind was why in the world did I travel more that 400km look like a mess?

With every cheering from all those wonderful people that lined the street (thank you) I ran for very short distances. I got bananas, oranges, water in recycled bottles, many words of encouragements, stares, smiles, waves, claps all the way back. (thanks again). That continued until the finish line and my race ended at 4 hour 8 minutes plus. It was good. See U next year.

From Jenny Lee:
I did it ... there were so many skeptic thoughts in me before I start. Can I do it? Will I be able to sustain in the hot weather? How hot will it be?
Well, I did it in 5:44 hr chip time or 5:47 gun time. Although this is the worst result out of 4 marathons, my greatest achievement - I got the Finisher T-shirt at last!Hope to try for better timing next year!

From Chantelle:
I felt good on the race day. Tony, my trainer, accompanied me for the first 20km with constant support and pacing. At the first 5km, he even helped to carry a water bottle in case the water station ran out of supply. I told him that it was not necessary as I observed that the event was well organized; running out of water supply was most unlikely.

After 20km run, I could not trace Tony anymore. I found out from him after the race thathe got to tie up his shoe lace and could not paced with me with blisters on his foot.I finished the rest of the journey alone. Seemed like I was able to find the window to the wall – there was no hitting the wall beyond 30km mark. Maybe I was running the race slightly relax manner.

After 35km mark, I slowed down a bit due to tightness on my legs and minor blister on my toes. Besides, I have already missed sub-5 hours timing. I was most glad if I could meet 5:30 hour’s target.

At 40km mark, I decided to push harder and ran slightly faster for the final kilometers. Finally, I finished in 5:29:17. According to the official chip time published in the Internet, my timing was 5:27:10.

I was most pleased as it met my target of 5:30 hr. Yes, I successfully complete my maiden full marathon without much difficulty. Running a full marathon really requires considerable amount of commitment; constant training and rest; couple with good diet and strong mental power.

My next plan will be training for Kuala Lumpur International Marathon – aiming for sub-5 hours.

My Chin Woo Biathlon Experience

Written by Chee Wee

The much awaited Chin Woo Biathlon 2005 was held on Sunday, 11 December 2005. The race format is a 800 meters swim followed by a 7km road race. I realized that there wasn't much publicity done for this race compared to others races. I actually heard about this relative well known race among the local triathletes.

Terence was the one who recommended this new & exciting race to me. I considered this race as a new adventure for me. We did a minimal training to prepare for this race. We only went to Chin Woo's swimming pool twice for our swimming training before the Singapore full marathon on 4 Dec. With Terence's guidance, I learned & picked up some tips on how to race in the Biathlon.

When I told my loved one that I will be taking part in a Biathlon race on 11 December, she looked at me right into my eyes & felt strangely that she has never heard about my ability in swimming & seen my swimming style. She is fully aware that I can run, but not sure how far I can swim. This was my maiden Biathlon challenge; I knew that I must overcome my fear in the swimming segment.

I told Eric about my fear on Saturday evening & I was glad that I spoke to him as I was feeling much better after our telephone conversation. He advised me that to swim with a relax mind & don't try to chase after those fast swimmers as it could affect the focus & create a panicky situation & the most important part is to stay clam in the pool.

On Sunday morning, 11 Dec 2005

At the starting venue, I parked my car right up to the top, at the Chin Woo's entrance. Certainly, I could feel the tension because everybody seemed to be ready for the race. I reported myself at the race registration booth. I collected the bid number for the running 7km road race & received the nice event t-shirt.

At the booth, the lady official asked me to roll up the right & left sleeves of my shirt so that she could scribble my bib number on both of my arms. Being a first timer, I obediently rolled up the sleeves & stood there when the bid number was being engraved on my arms. A strange feeling when the ink printed on my arms...

There is an old saying that when meeting up with those good friends, your feeling could be more calm & peaceful. It worked for me. I felt less tension when I met up with Alden, Raymond (Alden's friend), Eric, Francis, Tan Wah Sing, KC, Jason Lee (Thank you KC & Jason who came here not just being the camera men but also gave us the strong model support) & many more familiar Pacesetters' members. Maybe because I was talking to them on other interesting topics; hence, I was no longer paying attention to the race anymore.

I met the main facilitator Don Khor; he asked if this was my first biathlon race & I responded with a nod of my head.

At this time, I was still playing with my mind (mind over matter), try to overcome my fear, by constantly telling myself - don't worry about the lane...deep or shallow....I will survive...I will survive.


SWIMMING SEGMENT

Despite my mental readiness, of course I still felt nervous standing at the starting block for swimming. It really took me a lot of courage to be able stand there as the thought of completing 800 meters swim was quite a distance to conquer. Before coming here, I reminded myself on my hidden agenda that I must continue my swimming without any need to have a rest stop, to achieve a non-stop 800 meters swim which I have never done it before.

Before the starting time, Alden called me over to the end of swimming pool, to do some warm up which could help to boost up my confidence for the swimming challenge this morning. I relaxed further when I was warming up my body in the pool with Alden & Raymond. Indeed, it was really help me to refocus my attention on my fear while chit-chatting with them in the pool; feeling great & strong that I will make it for the race.


Upon calling all the swimmers to get ready, Don Khor told me that I was allotted to a lane at the deep end of the pool. When I heard it, I told myself don't panic. Being a new boy at the block, I guessed that I have a privilege to have the special request. Furthermore, I didn't want to take any risk. Then, Don Khor came over to reassign me to swim at the swallow "lane" (app. 6 feet deep) which wasn't marked by any floating objects. KC called it an "open sea" area where I was sharing with a lady swimmer at my left & Terence (who arrived late & missed his category's starting) at my right. All set to go; as I jumped into the pool, I could barely touch the bottom!! So that means I could not stop half way for a rest or have a standing rest.

I heard a count down to a loud "START". I didn't freeze but swam to my best to cross the pool to the other end. In actual, the rest of the swimmers were moving so fast that I could see their movements when I turned my head up for a breath. There was no time for me to think but just get out there and start paddling. I did a decent free style from one end to another end, then kicked on the wall, to have strong bounce back, then I did the same for opposite direction. I had to do this for 16 laps.


The first 3 laps already had me a bit of huffing and puffing. Furthermore, I had to make two times quick adjustments on my new goggles which I just bought it on last Saturday night (a night before the race day).


After a few more laps, I totally lost the counting on the number of lap I did. It was very hard to keep track the counting! I was too damn focus on my arms movements & breathing; my arms felt heavy and my legs were dragging. But, my stamina was there to help me keep going & paddling. I also felt strongly with KC & Jason Lee supports at the pool side making me more stronger & faster, wanted to finish this damned swim within a fast pace. Needless to say that I began to enjoy my swim. I didn't know how long I swam but all the sudden I was given a victorious hand-sign from the male official who was recording the finishing time & lap for me. Two more laps to go...

All right! Two more laps to go; I was so happy & told myself that I will be "home free" soon. At the last lap. I went all out for the last lap - look good and be strong. But as I got out of the pool with my own style, my legs were so rubbery. KC told me that my legs were trembling. I felt lightly that my head was spinning but I just ignored them totally & eagerly shot off for the 7km road race. I think I was the last three at the pool. The others swimmers have gone & disappeared. I didn't care much; it did bother me as I just wanted to complete this damned race.

In my heart, I gave myself a good high five...Yeah! I was so worried about the swimming and was so relieved that I made it! Luckily, no drowning...hahaha!


I put on my running vest first then my running shoes. I didn't realize that I was wearing the wrong side of the vest until I ran up to the stairs. Boy! I was having a wrestling match with my running vest. The back portion of my running vest was rolled up and it just so hard to come down. This was probably due to my wet body or panicky feeling. Finally, I managed to put on my running shoes & I was ready to take off running down the streets.

RUNNING SEGMENT

There was a check point before reaching the water station where I would collect a total of three color ribbons and drank water. There was good traffic control and some Chin Woo members were cheering nearby the water station. I had to run three laps - running around the Stadium Negara, Stadium Merdeka, heading out to Jalan Maharajalela & back to Jalan Stadium. Certain stretches are quit hilly, but it is not that bad running route.


After the completion of 1st lap, I was feeling much better & gaining back my running momentum. Indeed, I felt strong & satisfaction with each foot strike forward. I overtook few slow runners & ran with a negative split result for this short distance race. I really wish that I can do the same for my full marathon run.


At the time, the sun was up in the sky & the weather was getting warm.Finally, after my last lap & having a quick drink at the water station, I was running with the steady condition towards the steep slope with the finishing line on top. But I felt strong to across the finish line & break the finishing tape with my own style. I could see KC & Jason at the top & gave my thumb up after my final push towards the finishing line. They were so kind & supportive to wait for me to come back & took those memorable photos. Thank you KC & Jason. With your presence, my race turned out to be a truly enjoyable & memorable movement.


I received a unique finisher medal from the race organizer that engraved Biathlon Finisher & with the Chin Woo's Chinese wordings. I looked at the fine Chinese wordings. It really made me think off the great martial art Master Bruce Lee (wooooo...with a swinging hand, toughing the nose & slowing jumping around a circle...). If you still remembered that movie's title name - "Chin Woo Mun" & the main actor - great Bruce Lee, you can visualize his unique move & style.


I didn't stay on for the light breakfast which was provided by the race organizer. I had to leave immediately for my hometown. My wife & son were waiting for me at home for going back hometown for the afternoon family gathering. I greeted Francis, Tan Wah Sing, Eric, Alden, Raymond, Don Khor & Others good bye & hope to see you guys again in next year's Chin Woo Biathlon race. On the way to the parking lot, Eric told me that I will become stronger after this race. Thank you Eric for the great advises & accompany.

KC, Jason & I left the place at the same time.

Breaking News

After my quick shower at home, I received a following SMS from my buddy Alden: "Raymond's position is 4th & myself is 5th; both of us are recording a same finishing time, 49 minutes. Your position is 15th & finishing time is 1 hour 6 minutes. Swimming time 28 minutes 32 Seconds. Not bad for a 1st timer! Congrats!". Surprisingly, I completed the race with such a timing. As a matter of fact, I didn't have much expectation for this race.

Yeah! thank you Alden who gave me the "live telecast" at that afternoon as he knew I wasn't there to wait for the official results.

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Cheers,

Chee Wee

More Reports on Singapore Marathon

Note by KC: Chee Wee’s long report on Chin Woo Biathlon will be posted on Tuesday evening. Meantime, let me switch back to Singapore Marathon. Below is an account by Eric Teo, a fast Penguin-10. His timing was most impressive: 3 hours 53 minutes. Read on …

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By Eric Teo

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"Oh my god! I heard 3,2,1....then gun off, and the 42.195km run had started!" I have just finished my last minute toilet pee at a secluded corner below the bridge and the race was on! I managed to "potong sayur" and jumped into the sub-3 (meaning completion of a marathon race below 3 hours) race pen leaving Chee Wee and other running friends behind as they were in sub-4 race pen. Very sorry guys, I did it not on purpose.

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It was good to be in the sub-3 race pen as runners would cross the starting mat first while the rest of the runners behind were still inching their way forward. It was indeed spacious and have plenty of rooms to run at your warming up pace instead of jamming side by side together like "sardine fish"! Nevertheless, with the Champion chip device, activation of each runner’s start time was when one crossed the starting computer mat.

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I managed to keep my running pace of 5min/km for the 12km (in first hour), 22km(in second hour), 32km(in third hour) before I finally give in where my body told me to walk through the whole stretch of drinking station (about 50meter) when I started to pick my drink.

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Most of the drinking station of 2km apart was my "shower station" too due to the extreme heat in my body. I would pour the unfinished water over my head to cool me down. Only the 6km 100PLUS drinking station was actually my "refuel station".

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There was one particular 100PLUS station where I did not see any 100PLUS cup served, so I just drank almost half bottle of plain water before one drink station attendant shouted out at the other end that there was actually a 100PLUS drink served but in mineral bottle!

In order to avoid the cramps set in later part of the run, I just sacrifice my already half "blotted" stomach to be topped up with another bottle of 100PLUS! Now, I really had to run like a Santa Claus (with big belly). I could still hear the water running up & down in my stomach. :-)

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My last 8km was really torturing and boring besides having tired legs. With the run/walk technique and I looked down on the ground every six feet to distract me from the "never ending" finishing line. I managed to complete the "HEATY Marathon" in 3:53:14 (3:52:39 net).

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I was most happy that my sub-4 achievement was recorded with the official timing device. My previous sub-4 timing was done in Songkla Marathon in August but without any official timing device. In this case, there was digital evidence.

I would have run non stop (like in KL & Songkla marathons) if I had done enough mileage training to "season" my legs into running long hours. Strong mental too is important to overcome the obstacle.

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To fellow runners who are thinking of doing their maiden marathons: running a marathon is tough but manageable. It is important to build up stronger legs slowly & patiently over a number of months. Do a few half marathon (21.1km) runs & races comfortably before slowly increase to 30km & 35km & then be mentally strong to try out the 42.195km run!

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My next running target: to reduce the number of races & only participate in those local 10km or 21.1km run (which I had missed out a medal during this year run), to do 3 or 4 Full Marathon in a year in nearby country (like Thailand) & will be out to try my hand & legs on Powerman event (run-cycle-run) & Triathlon event (swim-cycle-run).

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Cheers,

Eric Teo

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Chin Woo Biathlon

We will temporary stop three more postings on Singapore Marathon for this Biathlon race. It was held at Chin Woo swimming pool this morning, Sunday 11 December 2005.

The format of this race is to swim 800 meters and run 7 km. The swimmers are to swim along the shorter distance of the swimming pool. Officials are stationed at the starting end to record the number of laps completed by each swimmer.

A few of the Penguin runners (Chee Wee, Eric, Terence) were taking part. So this time, I became the camera man. I was most glad to hear that Jason Lee was coming to take photos too. With his Nikon D-SLR and huge telephoto lenses, my Canon IXUS compact camera was like a short gun compared to a Bazooka.


Chee Wee told us earlier that his loved one was a bit worried and discouraged him from taking part in this swimming event as she has not seen his swimming style and not sure whether he could swim that far. So we told him to hang on to something in water during emergency; for example, another swimmer. Another running friend suggested that he should hang on to the bra strip as it is of high tensile strength and more elastic – won’t snap easily.

Chee Wee’s fear came true – he was alloted to Lane 13 which was at the deep end of the pool. Hearing that sent chills up my back; I shared the same sentiment that Chee Wee should change lane. Don Khor, the facilitator of this event and is also a triathlete, was most understanding. So he re-assigned Chee Wee to swim at the swallow end of the pool which was not marked by buoys. I called it the “open sea” area as he could have one-third of the pool to himself and he could swim in any style he chose without having to worry about kicking another swimmer.

What happened to our Penguin Grand Master? Jason Lee had an appointment and we decided to leave at 10am. While walking down the slope with him to the car park, we overhead the race support crew’s conversation in Cantonese:

“Have all runners come back already? Can we 'sau thong' (close shop) already?”
“Looks like the ‘Fei Chai’ (fat boy) is still not back yet.”

Please wait for the long report from Chee Wee.

To view photos by courtesy of Jason Lee (59 photos), please click here.

Note: Jason Lee's photos view directly from PC are stunning, clear, beautiful and of rasor-sharp quality -- treadmark of Nikon SLR camera. However, after downsize (by me, of course) with medium resulution and view via Internet, quality is compromised.

To view photos by KC (24 photos), please click here.

By KC

Reports on SIM 2005

By Yoke Peng

Having heard so much about this reputable event, I decided to run my second marathon in Singapore on 4 December 05. My first marathon at KLIM '05 was completed with a timing of 5 hours 45 minutes and I had a faint hope to PR over this time though I did not have high expectations.

The airhorn sounded at 6:00 am signaling the start of the full marathon. It felt good to run among such a big contingent of marathon runners (6,500 as per statistic). Following the advice from friends, I started off slowly. About 6 km into the race, I felt the need to answer nature's call but I hanged on. Later I saw only one portable toilet but there were three runners in queue. After a few seconds of waiting, I decided that nature's call can wait a bit longer and carried on running.

At about 7 km, I saw some runners detouring to a food-court area supposedly looking for toilets and I followed suit. The floor area was a bit wet and oily and I had to walk gingerly to look for the toilet. That took up at least 3 minutes. After feeling at ease, I ran at a comfortable pace all the way till I reached 30 km.

Fatigue was setting in and I was plagued by my coughing which I had not fully recovered. I was eagerly looking forward to approaching each additional kilometer signboard. At this point too, I keep on reminding myself:"Mind over matter!"

After the 35 km mark, my calf muscles were feeling tight with intermittent cramps and I had to stop a few times to do some stretching. I made a mental comparison of my time splits with that of KLIM '05 performance and I knew that I was below target. Suffice to say, I also did not push myself as my objective was to just complete the race within 6 hours which I did in 5 hours 51 minutes.

Post race analysis:
1) Spend too much time locating the toilet. They should provide more portable toilets at each spot, not just one.
2) Not enough training resulting in muscle cramps.

Overall, I'm satisfied with my performance, considering the fact that I only achieved 80% of my planned training schedule (bronze standard). My advice to non marathon runners – You will not be satisfied till you have done one. It is something not impossible. All you need is lots of time in training.

After indulging in so many races since 2002, my plan for the future is to only take part in selected races and doing more of half or full marathons which are much more challenging.

Yoke Peng
Running Is Life

Singapore Marathon - The Journey

It was a wet, wet morning on Saturday, 3 December 2005. Reaching Bukit Aman car park still in drizzle at 7.30am, I asked one Pacesetters member in one of the two buses, “Is this the Champion bus?” “Yes,” he replied. So I proceeded to take out my bags from my brother’s car boot. Then only I realized that I was supposed to go in Boleh Bus.

I have been reading the previous posting about the integrity of the marathon written by the Race Director of MCM Marathon. It was about cheating despite using the Champion Chip. Obviously, the word Champion had made an impression in my mind.

So I went to another bus where the person whom I asked earlier looked at me in bewilderment. I saw PK Chan, the Coach Captain of Boleh Bus greeted me at the entrance. With the score-board in hand, I said to PK, “You look like a bus conductor.” “Yeah, don’t forget to give tips later,” he quipped. As time passed, more members arrived. We were happy exchanging greetings going for this special mission together.

Just before we started our journey, PK passed to me a film type Minolta SLR camera for taking group photos. Since Pacesetters Club’s official photographer, Mr. ChanWK, was not here as he had gone to Singapore earlier, looked like either Weng or I would have to assume the task to take the group photos.

Mr. Krishnan, Head of Running of Adidas, was in the same bus. He showed us the latest Supernova model which was much lighter yet with improved cushioning than the earlier models. According to Mr. Krishnan, the sale of Supernova was most encouraging. Every time the outlet gets a new delivery of consignment, it would be quickly snapped up by the runners.

At around 7.45am, All-Stars Bus from Permaisuri Group arrived. The rain spoiled the plan of taking group photos before we departed. PK suggested we would take one at the Yong Peng Rest Area later. At 8.05am, all three buses departed from base. I was feeling excited. I have not had this experience of been chauffeured in chartered bus for quite some times.

At Yong Peng Rest Area
The food-court at Yong Peng Rest Area is huge. There were many tour buses parked there. With so many tour buses, the food court was crowed with tourists looking for food. They even have VIP treatment for bus drivers to have their meals in a special room. The food there was pricy. A plate of simple mixed-vegetable rice and a soft drink costing RM 7-50!

Immediately after our food, Wend and I went outside to survey a suitable location for group photo session. There was one vacant land opposite the main road but crossing the road was quite dangerous. We identified a better location: the car park area which was on the same side of the food-court, though further away.

Taking group photos of about 120 runners was really an experience for me. I began to appreciate how ChanWK could accomplish the tougher jobs – taking 260 runners for the KLIM 2004 and 2005.

Returning to our three chartered buses where they were parked next to one another, I saw that all bearing the same number: 5885 with only the preceding letters differ.

Collection of Race Entry Packs
The buses reached Singapore custom checkpoint at 1.30pm. There were long queues of people waiting in line. With another 120 Pacesetters runners, that would compound the problem. One runner commented that they should anticipate the sudden influx of tourists for this marathon and should have more officers manning the counters.

Out of boredom, one runner jokingly said that the delay could be due to some elaborated ear squatting checks (referring to the infamous incident happened to a few Chinese national girls recently). Another runner replied: knowing that we are runners (with T-shirts prominently proclaiming we are), we could be asked to run 10km or round the building compound. Finally, it took us one hour to clear the custom.

We reached Suntec Complex at 3pm and we were given one hour’s time to collect the race entry packs. The collection center was big and impressive as the collection process was timed together with the Sports and Fitness Expo. There were many lanes for different race categories. Collection was efficient and swift, and the queues were cleared very fast.

Checking in at Hotel
We finally arrived at the Peninsula-Excelsior hotel at around 4.30pm. Since we were separated in different buses, we began to chat happily when we were together again. Much like at Bukit Aman car park after two hours of training runs. In this case, it was after five hours of sitting and sleeping in the bus. Most runners like to talk. Topics on running alone stretching from preparation to running and recovery would consume unlimited number of hours.

With a big group of runners, collecting of room keys was quite a daunting task. We were all asked to go to a briefing room. The hotel representative working with PK and PhoonYK were distributing the room keys to all runners. I continued to take photos while the procession was taken place. It really caught Phoon’s attention with the flash photography. Without much waiting, I was given the room key. But I continued taking photos and chat with other runners.

Surveying the Padang
Everything was done in quick succession. In less than half hour in the room, Weng and I were ready to go out to visit Orchard Road. We detoured to the Padang, the finishing area of The Race. It was calm before the storm: there were only a few workers doing the last minute work. Most booths were completely wrapped up in white plastic sheets. One tent, however, was seen arranging for a dinner party – it was the Pasta Party. There were rows of tables and chairs. I did not join them in the party last year; so is this year.

Weng and I had our dinner at a food-court around 6pm. It was located at the basement of the building opposite Peninsula hotel. With a camera in hand, I even took photos at the eatery stall after asking the stall owner for permission. Sensing that her photo was been taken, she took extra seconds to avoid the camera. Later only I realized that she is a Chinese national. She could be fearful that I was the Immigration officer that has Pacesetters written on the T-shirt.

We took MRT at City Hall station, which was opposite the food-court. Everything was just a stone’s throw away – very convenience. The earlier encounter of taking MRT was in SIM 2004, exactly one year ago. I have only a faint impression of what needed to be done. I asked one young guy about the detailed procedure of purchasing tickets from the ticketing machine. It turned out that he was a Thai; eventually, he was asking me for help.

A Brief Evening at Orchard Road
Stepping out of Orchard Road MRT station at 7.05pm, we could see the entire areas were packed with locals and tourists. My eyes were really busy. Other than admiring the lightings, most girls were quite revealing in their dressing with low cut tank T-shirts. Shifting my focus up (at lightings) and down (at them) would strain my neck too. Nevertheless, I have to focus more of the lightings: the original intention of walking along the boulevard to feel the Christmas mood.

Just in front of a huge Christmas tree lighted with thousands of glittering lights, we met IPP Mr. WanYL and wife. Mr. Wan was most impressed to see us wearing the yellow T-shirts promoting Pacesetters Club while strolling all over Orchard Road.

After walking for more than an hour, we decided to return early. Boarding one MRT back to the hotel, I saw that there was a lot of publicity for this marathon event. Event the floor board and wall of MRT are pasted with stickers announcing and promoting the event.

We retired to bed at around 10.30pm, preparing for The Race tomorrow morning – an event that we have spent three months in training runs that stretched almost 500 km.

Wishing all runners pleasant runs in their marathon challenges.

Goodnight everybody.

p/s stay tuned for The Race.

By KC

Singapore International Marathon 2005

All photos for Singapore Marathon are ready.

Album A contains photos taken on 3 Dec 05 for the journey; collection of race entry packs; checking-in at Peninsula-Excelsior hotel; an evening at Orchard Road to experience the streets decoration and lightings of Christmas. To view 140 photos, please click here.

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Album B for happenings on race day is ready. To view 101 photos, please click here.

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Album C is by courtesy of Weng. He sees things from slightly different pespective, and his camera contains many good shots. To view 139 photos, please click here.

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Beautiful Sunday... it was raining on Saturday morning, so was this morning, Monday. The hot and humid condition, however, can be tough to marathon runners.

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Does it occur to you that the camera man is also running in the race? Weng was running with the camera.

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With the well-organized event handling a total of 23,000 runners and 6,500 for the full marathon, this is something to be proud of. BRAVO.

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I was trying very hard to maintain SIM 2004's timing of 3:51 but it was just too tough this time.

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I was roaming at the field and was heading towards their dierection. They were very friendly and responded enthusiatically with my request for taking photos.

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Great achievement for Chantelle who completed the race in 5 hours 29 minutes. The trainer, Tony, took slightly longer time to complete due to blisters.

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This is the first time I noticed that there were so many runners who just lied on the ground to rest their exhaused bodies.

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By KC

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