Singapore Settee

2nd Link Bridge Run

Everyone in the family is still sound asleep but I. Today is the day. Heading out to Jurong East via the MRT network, I was surprised to see that it was rather empty of the usual crowd. There is none of the usual crowd wearing the same t-shirts; proclaiming they are part of the crowd joining in the Singapore-Johor 2nd Link Bridge Run. This sight was common during the Benjamin Sheares Bridge Run and also for the Terry Fox Run for Hope. Either I am running late or the number of participants is lower for this race than those mentioned.

This run is unique as it takes the runners over two countries: Singapore and Malaysia. As a paticipant, I saw a number of foreigners taking part (by foreigners, I meant non-Singaporeans and non-Malaysian as both the countries are joint organizing partners). And this is good because the run could be enlarged and provide some good publicity for both the countries.

But to do so, the current format should be changed. Right now, it is a 10km run. It should be made into a full marathon and if this is not possible; at least a half marathon. Of course, the shorter distances like the 10km and the 5km run should also be included to encourage mass participation allowing citizens to mingle during the run. The shorter distance could target the children of both countries allowing them to run together. The 10km could retain the current format and the half marathon or full marathon for the competitive runners.

The run was fantastic. The road condition was superb. However, I would like to see more of Malaysia than just turning almost immediately after crossing over the sea separating the two nations. It would probably allow me to better appreciate I actually am running from one country into another. Perhaps, the half marathon or full marathon would allow this.

One thing I cannot understand: why are the road marshalls always standing around and not cheering or encouraging the runners on. They were always busy waving the runners to stay within one lane when two lanes were blocked off for the runners. They do not even speak out to inform you to stay within the lane. They simply use their hands to "shoo" you into the lane. I am not a cattle nor a sheep to be shepherd into the lane. If we are out of the lane, a word out loud will be better. We may be running hard but our hearing are still good. A word of encouragement is always welcome especially for those that are coming in later. I even saw a marshall dancing in the street while joking with her colleague across the road. This is not good.

I noted a lot of casual runners clapping the front-runners on the way to the finishing line when they were running on the way over to Malaysia. There were shouts of encouragement to these runners to go all out. This is something I would like to see a lot more: encouragement. After all, I am one of the casual runners and I would welcome the occassional clap and encouragement to continue especially if I am almost tired out.

posted by JHG J Chang @ 12:09 pm