It’s been said that plenty of Singaporeans love to run and stay healthy. But boy do we love to eat too. After a great run, what’s stopping you from having a well-deserved feast with your buddies?
I’m totally happy and proud to combine these two great Singaporean passions together. There’s nothing like a nice “makan” session after a good run!
Here are 5 routes for you to run your heart out, and fill your belly afterwards.
1. Bishan and Ang Mo Kio
Running Route: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
This is a pretty unique park, as it is separated into 2 parts along Marymount Road. At 62 hectares, the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is also one of the bigger parks in Singapore.
There are so many different sights to see here. From looking at the adorable canines at the dog run, to running alongside the recently converted river, this park is a popular spot for runners and families alike.
The total distance of running inside the both parts of the parks is around 5.08km in distance.
Where to Eat?
After you’ve clocked your distances, there’s the convenience of having some great restaurants located within the park itself! Try GRUB Singapore, which serves up an appetizing all-day brunch on weekends.
Or if you’re itching for some heartland food, head north along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, where you will find the Ang Mo Kio Central Market & Food Centre.
This food centre (which is located at Block 724, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6) has plenty of delicious local food. The top dishes here to try would be the carrot cake from Lim Hai Seng Cooked Food, or the Hainanese Chicken Rice from Seng Bee.
2. Geylang River To Marina Bay
Running Route: Dakota MRT to Marina Bay Loop
This route has such beautiful scenery, and it’s really accessible via public transport too, as it begins near Dakota MRT station.
Starting at the Geylang Park Connector near Northlight School, run along the Geylang River and see the wonderful skyline of the Singapore Flyer and the Marina Bay Sands unfold before your eyes.
All in all, the route distance is around 5km, so run back for a total distance of 10km.
Where to Eat?
End your run back at the Dakota MRT station, which is a stone’s throw away from the Old Airport Road Food Centre.
There are several great local hawker fares to try once you’re here. If you’re in the mood for some noodles, try the Fuzhou fishball noodles by Meng Kee. Their fishballs are stuffed with meat, and are specially made in their own factory. The aptly named stall Freshly Made Chee Cheong Fun stall does its exact namesake; freshly steamed and made on the spot, the Chee Cheong Fun comes with your choice of fillings, from prawns to char siew.
Or try Maple & Market, which is a well-hidden bakery offering some home-baked cakes, such as the delicious-sounding Rum Marble cake.
3. East Coast Park
Running Route: East Coast Park to East Coast Lagoon Food Village
Now, this will be a route that lots of runners will be familiar with. The beautiful, scenic East Coast Parks comes alive with cyclists, fellow runners, and families alike in the evenings.
With a shoreline of 15km, enjoy the wonderful coastal view and sea breeze while you clock up the mileage for your runs.
Where to Eat?
When you’re done with your run, head over to the East Coast Lagoon Food Village, which is located very near the Laguna Flyover near Bedok South Avenue 1.
Recently opened after a S$1.5 million overhaul following a fire, this food centre is a melting pot of local hawker cuisine. There are delicious local halal dishes to try, such as satay and chicken wings, which are charcoal grilled. The seafood offerings here are another highlight. Try the chilli or black pepper crabs, along with barbecued stingray and butter prawns. It’s enough to make anyone drool!
Alternatively, you can end your run at Big Splash, which offers some Western cuisine options as well. Brussel Sprouts offers outdoor dining, with Belgian beer, mussels and everything in between.
4. Changi Beach
Running Route: Changi Coast Track to Changi Village
Runners who are tired of running at East Coast Park but still have a hankering for a seaside view can try the Changi Coast Track, which is a stretch for runners and cyclists that stretches to just over 10km in length.
Start your run near the Changi Point Ferry Terminal, and run alongside the wonderful Johor Strait to your left. Loop backwards when you reach Changi Ferry Road, for a total of 8km.
Where to Eat?
End your run and grab some food at Bistro@Changi, which is a great no-frills restaurant to chill out. Sample their affordable Western fare, which offers both finger food and hearty meals.
Or you can and head over to Changi Village Food Centre for some local fare! Also recently reopened last year after an S$5.2 million renovation, try the nasi lemak. Two famous stalls which offer the wonderfully fragrant dish here are International Nasi Lemak and Mizzy’s Corner. The Weng Kee Ipoh Hor Fun is also another crowd-pleaser, offering tantalising sauce with yummy and crunchy chicken cutlet.
5. Bedok
Running Route: Bedok Reservoir
Here’s a great route that starts with a beautiful waterside run, bringing you through the neighbourhoods for some really authentic heartland food.
Start at the Bedok Reservoir, and to soak in the sights and sounds of the tranquil waters while you run around the 4.3km track. Get a chance to see some dragon boating or canoeing by watersports enthusiasts while you’re here.
Where to Eat?
When you’re done with your run, you can take a shower near the Water Venture location. The shower facilities are maintained regularly by the National Parks Board. After that, have a leisurely stroll over to Bedok Mall, located right next to Bedok MRT, which contains lots of different restaurants. Try the French roasted chicken from Poulet, or some authentic dim sum from Tim Ho Wan.
Alternatively, you can skip the shower, and head over to the 85 Fengshan Food Centre, located at 85 Bedok North Street 4. Featuring mostly outdoor seating, this is a great place for you to feast unabashedly on lots of uniquely Singapore hawker dishes.
From its famous barbeque stingray, carrot cake and unique Ba Chor Mee which is served in soup (this dish is usually served dry elsewhere), the Fengshan 85 Food Centre has enough to whet your appetites after a long run.
NOTE: Since the majority of the hawkers at Fengshan 85 Food Centre open in the evening and operate till late, it is advised for you to plan the timing of your run accordingly. Additionally, since the route from Bedok Reservoir to Fengshan 85 Food Centre is a little more complicated than the rest of the routes featured here, please familiarise yourself with the location beforehand, or bring a GPS-enabled device to guide you.
Eating And Running: Singapore’s Most Loved Pastimes
How can you resist the rumblings in your tummy after a great run?
Whether you’re enjoying some cheap, delicious local hawker fare, or chilling out with some snacks alongside the beach, choosing one of these places to run and eat afterwards might be one of the best decisions you may make all week!
If you have other similar routes of your own, share them with us on the RunSociety forums.
