On Sunday morning, 15th of April was the inaugural Mizuno Women’s Run 2018 event. It was my first too and as someone who has never been to a running race, I was feeling pretty excited and nervous. For a start, I didn’t really know what to expect but the moment when I reach the running event location, I was amazed by how organised the event was. However, there was a situation that had me lost for a moment and that was when I wanted to have my bag deposited at the bag deposit booth but I had a hard time searching as there was no signage.
While I was queuing at the bag deposit booth with my number ticket that is meant to be attached to the bag, I realised how fast and efficient they was. I just had to give them my number ticket, they will tie it onto my bag and I’m set to go (it didn’t even take me more than 5 minutes there)!
5km, start!
Before the flag-off at 7.30 a.m., at around 7.20 a.m. we were all asked gather and get ready behind the starting line. Like I mentioned earlier, I have never joined any running event before and I was taken aback when they told us that there were guys running with us when it is a women’s race – well, I assume it was to “motivate” us to keep running. Just before when the time reaches 7.30 a.m., the host and all of the runners did the countdown together.
When the race started, I suddenly had the thought about things like, “How would I know where to run?” and to my surprise, they had very clear and informative signages with ushers assigned at various points. Pass the two half km mark, there was a water booth for the thirsty and tired runners to quench their thirst and get it going again.
It’s amazing to see the sight of the ushers offering and bringing water to the runners as it helps the runners in a way that they don’t have to take a few more steps to the water booth when they are already tired, just to get water.
Nearing the Finishing line
After crossing the 3km mark, I was starting to get tired. Despite being used to hours of floorball training sessions, my body was not prepared for a Track and field-like exercise where I had to keep up my speed constantly and I was slowing down due to muscle fatigue.
However, many of the ushers were really supportive! It was really heartwarming to hear them cheering “Keep going!! Don’t give up!” and even high-fived some of the runners and I mustered up a surge of strength to push through the last 2km of the race.
Throughout the race, I was also really surprised to see fellow runners encouraging each other along despite not knowing one another, it truly was a great demonstration of unity among our female community!
As the finish line came into sight, many fellow runners were picking up at great speed and I tried my best to keep up along. I had expected some pushing or shoveling as people want to rush for a good timing but to my surprise yet again, there was none of that behaviour and I crossed the finish line smoothly!
I felt a really great sense of achievement when one of the volunteers handed me my finisher’s medal as I crossed the finish line, It was my first race medal after all! And a 5km one at that!
Post-Race
I crossed the finish line at approximately 8:05 am and words could not describe how thankful I was for the cold mineral water provided as I was so hot, sweaty and thirsty by the end of the race. It was truly a lifesaver for me. I cooled down at the lucky draw area and took many photos for memories as the remaining runners were finishing up their run and had a chat with my friend before heading home.
Overall, it was a really memorable and eye-opening experience for me and I am thankful to be part of this event calling together women from all walks of life!
Event Overview
- Distance markers were present at every kilometre
- Direction signs are clear and informative
- The volunteers were really supportive, encouraging and helpful
- The hydration points were well managed and appropriately located
- The exact location of the race venue and baggage deposit could have been made clearer
Were you a part of the Mizuno Women’s Run too? How was your first running event experience?
