Overcast skies did not stop 14,000 female runners from gathering at the Marina Bay Floating Platform with only one aim in mind – to Live Great.
With 5km, 10km and 21km routes, there were categories that appealed to ladies from all age groups. The generous cut-off timings also helped to calm the nerves for first-time runners.
The 21km runners were flagged off two hours ahead of the 10km runners to ensure a smooth race route and indeed, there were no bottlenecks throughout. The cooling breeze and slight drizzle turned out to a blessing in disguise, helping to cool the runners down while taking them through the half-marathon journey with the aid of sufficient water-points and energy gels. It was a scenic route and a feast for the eyes with minimal U-turns, which turned out to have plenty of potential to push for a personal-best time.
For the 10km and 5km runners, it was a slightly different experience, but still turned out fairly well. The organisers updated runners on the weather situation through Facebook and SMSes continuously, ensuring that the safety of the runners still remains their top priority above everything else. Thankfully, the weather showed mercy and the flag-offs for both categories proceeded at the original timing.
The only obstacle was the merging lanes for the 5km and 10km categories at the last 3km which proved to be a slightly squeezed challenge for the runners, and could be definitely be improved on for next year’s race.
After crossing the glorious finishing line and collecting their hard-earned medals, runners were spoilt for choice at the Race Village with the scrumptious spread of food, plenty of photo opportunities, a powder room and even a massage station. The atmosphere was extremely joyful and infectious, with the ladies all in a celebratory mood.
With the success of yet another highly-popular edition of Great Eastern Women Run, the race organisers are definitely living up their mantra to “Live Great”!
