Always keeping it fresh, the Civil Service Club morphs the event’s name to fit the running location. Last year, the race was organized at Bedok Reservoir and was named “Reservoir Run 2011. Set in the heart of the Marina Bay area, organizers have aptly named it “Run by the Bay 2012!”
“The route is very good,” Nicholas Sham, a 29 year old enthused. “More motivating!”
The 10km runner was referring to the spectacular course laid out. The route starts off at the floating platform with the iconic Singaporean skyline in the background. Runners raced across the Helix Bridge into the magnificent Gardens by the Bay. The crisp air coupled with the amazing landscaped nirvana sent civil servants and members of the public surging through the rest of the course that traced the beautiful morning marina.
Like most races, guarding runners’ well being was paramount! Adding zest to the mandatory safety announcements, three wonderfully toned, colourful, cotton clad aerobics instructors took to the stage to kick-start each race category! Punching to the beat of “Black Eyed Peas’s I’ve got a feeling”, the crowd stretched and jived in a two-vehicle wide form up area.
When asked if the aerobics session was any good, Donald Piret, racing in the 10km category said, “I wouldn’t say helpful, but at least entertaining.” Smiling politely as he edged closer to the starting line with the other strong competitors.
Precise and dependable, the races were flagged off like clockwork! The running elite burst past the inflatable orange gantry at 7am sharp, competing for cold hard cash and vouchers in the 10km categories. Though the 5km had strong competitors, most runners were there to have a good morning jog. Couples and young families ruled the day in the 3km category. Children trotted gleefully with their grandparents by their side, and on top of their fathers’ shoulders.
By 8:20am, most runners had concluded their races and were cooling down. Tiger balm ambassadors buzzed energetically spraying all runners with Tiger Balm Active muscle spray, keeping aches and pains at bay, by the bay.
“I think it’s brilliant. The organisation (of the event) was pretty top-notch, with no noticeable issues anywhere,” Donald Piret, the 27-year-old Chief Technological Officer at Roomorama said.
With strollers back, kids slurping on delicious Pokka Sports Water, runners winding down, and $400 as the top lucky draw prize, there is something for everyone. Look out for the CSC race next year. It is one mighty morphing power race!
