Rain or shine, more than 15,000 women participated in the Great Eastern Women’s Run last Sunday, the largest turnout recorded for the run so far. Participants ran past local iconic landmarks including Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, Esplanade, Singapore Flyer, F1 Pit Building and the Sports Hub.
A new introduction to this year’s race, was the Singapore Elite Closed Category – offered to Singapore-born and permanent resident elite runners. Participation was by invitation and runners were selected based on their performances in past local races.
A total of ten local elite runners vied for the total prize money of S$5,500 and Mok Ying Rong proved that running and winning was in her blood as she outran her compatriots clocking in 1hr 28min 48sec. Rachel See came in second with a timing of 1hr 29min 12sec, followed by Neo Jieshi with a timing of 1hr 31min 32sec.
“I did not expect to win as I was contending with a very strong field, and I came with the aim of focusing on my race pace and trying to get a personal best, which I achieved a local PB time. This means I can motivate myself to do even better and challenge myself. I am really satisfied with my performance today and very honoured to be part of the Singapore contingent at this year’s Great Eastern Women’s Run 2014,” shared Mok.
In the Elite Open Category, Hsieh Chien-Ho from Taiwan emerge as overall winner, with a timing of 1hr 22min 17sec. followed by Mary Grace Delos Santos from Philippines in second place with a timing of 1hr 24min 21sec and her compatriot Christabel Martes in third place with a timing of 1hr 25min 32sec.
Fifteen elite runners from four countries — Nepal, Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan — competed in the Elite categories for the prize money of USD8,000.
Post-Run Activities For Everyone!
After the run, many participants eagerly penned their well wishes for Singapore on giant red and white wishing spheres. The wishing spheres, sponsored by Great Eastern, are part of the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2015 and the curtain-raiser for Singapore’s SG50 celebrations. These spheres will be installed in the waters of Marina Bay to form a visual spectacle on New Year’s Eve.
The Great Eastern Women’s Run had something for everyone, with the Race Village providing activities for families and supporters who were present at The Float @ Marina Bay to cheer on the participants. At the Live Great! Family Carnival Tent, families were entertained with activities such as an obstacle course for kids, bouncy castle, Nerf Blast Fest, Rainbow Loom-Making station and Medal-Making Craft station.
This year, event organisers also brought in the Bubble Bump equipment for all-round entertainment for all in the family. Participants and supporters were also treated to a wide spread of food and beverage options, including Nandos Chicken, hot dogs, muffins, fruits and drinks.
