Organisers have done the hard work: November’s running calendar is packed with choices. Whether your favourite event is a specific distance or you can’t resist a charity run that helps others, if you can’t find events that suit your fancy throughout November, those races may not exist!
How to sort a busy running month
If just looking at Singapore’s November running events calendar causes you to experience heart palpitations, don’t freak out. Prioritise. Yes, there are multiple events on the same days, so take a deep breath and rank order them according to your personal goals.
Print and post the calendar on your fridge. Cross off events that don’t meet your standards because they’re boring, you don’t like the way they’re organized or you wouldn’t miss a high-priority event for the world. And please don’t take a pass on Gran’s birthday get-together to queue on a start line. Instead, ask her to wait for you at a finish line so you can give her the gift of victory!
Week One: 04 and 05 November
ASICS Relay Singapore (Saturday):
This is the only 42km event on this busy weekend’s schedule. Want to go the distance? Your decision has been made for you. Half-marathoners won’t be left in the dust because there’s a 21km on deck, too.
Panic in the Park (Saturday):
Can’t get enough Halloween? Either the 1.5 or the 5km run through Pasir Ris Park that ends with a faux drowning in the Shiok River at Wild, Wild Wet allows you to test skills you’ve been practicing should zombies pursue you.
Salomon X-Trail Run (Saturday):
Get down and dirty at Singapore’s premier end-of-year trail event slated for Bukit Panjang where the right shoes can mean a difference between wallowing in mud and sprinting through it. This 10km isn’t for the faint of heart, but you can gain reputation traction big time.
Run & Raisin (Sunday):
Can you fit in this charity run if you ran the day before? If you ran Panic in the Park and sign up for the 500m Family Run you could show your support for the families served by TYA by showing up at OCBC Square wearing a costume. If you ran yourself crazy on Saturday, it’s okay to skip this run.
One North Run (Sunday):
This run pairs competition with fun as athletes traverse the estate and run through a mix of green space and buildings to help raise funds for three amazing non-profit organizations. Come for the carnival at this 3-category event if you’re still recovering from yesterday.
Performance Series; Race 3 (Sunday):
Already a veteran of Race 1 and 2? The decision is made for you as you devote this weekend to finishing what you started at Changi Exhibition Center by running a 5km, 10km or 21km. Not already in the loop? Take a pass.
Week Two: 11 and 12 November
2XU Yolo Run (Saturday):
If you’ve time for only one marathon, the 2XU YOLO Run is it. Sign up for the new 21km. Not ready for a half? The 10km or 5km allow you to show up for a movement too important to ignore: You Only Live Once urges you to seize the day, forget what others think and break free of labels and stereotypes.
Great Eastern Women’s Run (Sunday):
If your idea of a great time is being part of a cause that promotes women runners, prepare to do battle on the 5km, 10km or 21km course to show the world what you’re made of. Held at the Float @ Marina Bay, the cause is worthy.
Singapore Duathlon (Sunday):
Perhaps your mom is running the Great Eastern and you want to hang with guys who aren’t afraid to pull out all stops by running, biking and running again in 6 separate categories. This Angsana Green, East Coast Park event is popular with kids.
Week Three: 17, 18 and 19 November
SGX Bull Charge Charity Run (Friday):
Short on distance (either 3km or 5km) but long on philanthropy, this event draws more runners than other corporate events. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a new job, where better to network than a race that shows your charitable side?
OCBC Cycle (Saturday):
If cycling isn’t your thing, why bother? Save your energy for tomorrow’s Runners League West Leg 4!
Runners League West Leg 4: The Mysterious End (Sunday):
If you’re part of this ongoing movement and have been waiting like forever to find out which mysterious location has been picked to stage the last 5km or 10km runs, report to the Jurong Bird Park to wrap up your season.
Swissôtel Vertical Marathon (Sunday):
Thirty years of history culminates at Singapore’s quintessential vertical where you can choose between 31 and 73 storeys to be heralded as a climbing runner extraordinaire capable of reaching your limits. This could be your big chance to get high legally!
Week Four: 24 to 26 November
Run for Beer Singapore (Friday):
It’s a noble ambition: dressing up and celebrating friendship at Clarke Quay’s Fountain Square where brews are king and runners need only traverse 3.2km along Singapore’s iconic landmarks. Costumes are invited. If beer’s not your thing, come for the live music and other entertainments.
Mizuno Wave Run (Sunday):
Haven’t had your fill of running tradition in 2017? This is worthy of your weekend efforts as year 11 of this iconic event is dedicated to the colours of the rainbow. Be there or be square at this popular, end-of-November event. After all, you will have had a full day to recover from Friday’s Run for Beer.
Are there other November events that you would like to see on the November race calendar? We’re all ears!
