If you have been running for a while, you might notice some trends within your running circles. Each run distance becomes longer, run durations increase and all sorts of gadgets come into play. These are all good until it hits you – that when everything needs to be measured, every single time, it kills all the fun you would otherwise be in for.
Let’s reintroduce fun. Stop, slow down, take some selfies, say hello to the next run group that you bump into. Let’s not wait for the weekend to become warriors. Work a 9 to 5 job in the city? Go for a quick run before you head home. Even if you work longer hours, eke out a brief respite at sundown. A quick escape to sweat things out in the cool of the evening can actually do wonders.
Count your blessings if you happen to work around the Marina Bay area, where places of attraction and friendly running routes abound. It is easy to get started, and you can jazz up your runs with some exercise routines at these stops.
Forget fancy group workouts, go back to the basics for an equally effective bodyweight workouts. Push ups, planks, sit ups, plyo jumps and burpees are core exercises you can do just about anywhere. But why choose anywhere when you can do them at Instagram worthy locations? Wink wink.
Running In The City
Here are a few running routes from Suntec City to get you started. By noting places of interest, you can create your own routes.
Don’t be afraid to explore and switch up your running routine to sustain and grow the fun in your runs, be it on your own or with friends and colleagues. The other most important component of any run? A pair of comfortable, responsive running shoes.
The Tourist Route
This 8.3km route ticks all the boxes of the “must see” list for tourists. Pass the Esplanade, head straight for the Jubilee Bridge, and pause at the Merlion. Try some goofy shots, all in the name of fun.
Continue towards the promontory, and take in the scenic view of the entire Marina Bay area. Enjoy the cool breeze washing over you as you run through Marina Bay Sands, cross into Gardens By The Bay, and finally marvel at the domes.
Stop for plyo “box jumps” over here if you choose to, and head towards the Marina Barrage. If you need a toilet break or water fountain refill, this is one good location. You can choose to do slope repeats over here.
Heading back towards Marina Bay Sands and crossing the Helix Bridge, you’ll see the ArtScience Museum and Floating Platform along the way. Mosey on down to the Singapore Flyer, before passing through Marina Square, back to Suntec City.
Suggested race route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XXJtU7D2YGzP2Evh7
The Heritage and Hipster Route
This short 2.8km route could very well be your interval training run, with many traffic stops and an overhead pedestrian bridge to cross. Don’t just jog – run or sprint from one traffic light to the next. Then heads towards the iconic Kampong Glam area, to appreciate the famed Sultan Mosque and conserved buildings.
Weave through the surrounding streets of Haji Lane, closed in the afternoon onwards on weekdays, and you’ll discover unique shops, cafes, and eclectic street art in the area’s backlanes.
On your run back to Suntec City, you can do some lateral running up the steps to activate those seldom used muscle groups.
Suggested race route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TCUfdyr7t9KisWBi7
The Historic and Business Route
Your first stop: Padang, where there is ample space for dynamic exercises (think: lunges, squats, etc.). Then step over to the Singapore River, where the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles resides.
Run northwards towards Clarke Quay, all the way through Malacca Bridge, and a different view of the city awaits.
Running back along the river towards Boat Quay, through Merlion Park, and you’ll be back at Suntec City. This 4.6km long route is manageable for beginner runners or runners who are pressed for time.
Suggested race route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4ixSXZkhRc1nRjrA9
The Sports Hub Route
This route pretty much follows the “Tourist Route” until Marina Barrage, then crosses over to Gardens By The Bay east. Less touristy, lower human traffic, but running along the Kallang River makes it just as scenic.
Cross to the Singapore Sports Hub area, bump into fellow running enthusiasts, or national athletes in serious training.
Continue your run along Nicoll Highway and back to Suntec City. This 12km route would probably take an average runner an hour or a little more. The route does get a bit dark at night, but if you need to have a relaxing run, then this might be it.
Suggested race route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/afDkDS5ncVZSz2ZG7
Sign Up To BOOST Your Running Experiences
Now that you have an idea of where to run from the heart of the city, why not elevate this experience further by having a test run with the new Ultraboost 19 (UB19), the most responsive shoe adidas has ever made? adidas is inviting all runners to sign up for the UB19 test runs from its Suntec store from 22 July to 8 August on weekday evenings.
Members of the public can sign up for the runs right here; you can choose to register on your own or with a partner. If you secure the slot, you will get to try out the UB19 over a beginner-friendly 4km route, in a group of 10 to 15, led by the adidas Runners Singapore’s resident Coach and running expert.
After the run, you will receive an adidas running ‘starter pack’, and can also take part in an Instagram photo contest for a shot at winning a prize worth $250. You can also purchase the UB19 shoes after the run.
adidas also organises Saturday morning runs for anyone who wants to join. Head over to the adidas Runners Singapore Facebook group for more information on upcoming events and runs.
Wait no more. Dump your running gear into a small pack, ready to bring with you to the office tomorrow. Spice up your city runs, especially with the UB19, and for even more fun guaranteed, join in the runs with the adidas family!
[su_button url=”https://www.facebook.com/groups/728735793963326/” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#000000″ color=”#ffffff” size=”12″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” radius=”5″ desc=”Limited Slots Available”]Sign Up To Experience The adidas’ Ultraboost 19![/su_button]Update, 29 July 2019: Registration for the UB19 trial runs at adidas Suntec City is now closed. You can still experience the Ultraboost 19 on a trial run at the adidas Runners sessions on 3 & 10 August. Follow adidas Runners Singapore on Facebook to sign up!”
