Review: NorthEast Run 2010

Date: 14 March 2010
Time: 6:45am
Distance: 16km
Venue: Pasir Ris Park (Carpark C)
Route: Pasir Ris Park – Temasek Poly – Pasir Ris Park

The North East RUN 2010 was held recently on 14 March 2010 at Pasir Ris Park. It was organised by North East CDC, in support of the Singapore Heart Foundation and the Go Red for Woman International Movement. A total of 8000 participant turned up that morning to participate in the event.

This is event that I been waiting for since the start of the year as I had an enjoyable time participating in last year event, SubUrban Run @Northeast 09. This year the venue point was located across the road from where I stay, Pasir Ris Park. As it was organise a day before my Birthday there is no way that I am going to miss running in this event.

The event open up 3 different and unique category the 16km (10miles) competitive run, 5km Go Red for Woman event; Go Red For Women is an international movement for women to take action against cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) and the 2km Fun run.

16km Route

I participated in the 16km category as it seems challenging and the distance will be a good LSD run for the week.

Finally, the day has come. Flagoff was at 6.40am for the 16km competitive, by the time I reach the starting point there were already a sea of red as participant turn up in their Red Saucony running event singlet. I however came in Ace compression shirt as I have not worn compression top for a competitive run before, I figured this seem like a good run to test it out.

16km Runners getting ready for flag off

6:40am Flag off for the male 16km category, everyone rushes out of the starting point with a smile in their faces as they start make their way out of Pasir Ris Park. We soon reach our first obstacle, the overhead bridge at the 2km mark which span across over the expressway towards Tampines. This however will not be only overhead bridge that we have to cross as there were a total of 5 bridges to scale in the whole 16km route.

16km Flag off

8km half -way point/ U-turn point, Temasek Polytechnic, some runners were frustrated as there was no water point station set up. Thirsty, the runners push on, running out of Temasek Poly and back towards Pasir Ris Park. Coming back seem easier as we had went through the route and we are aware of what to expect. 5 Overhead bridges later we are back in Pasir Ris with only 2km left in the run and it was smooth sailing from then on to the the finishing line located back at Pasir Ris Park.

Pushing on at 7km, Temasek Poly

Finisher medal and goodie bag was distributed to runners as soon as they crossed the finishing line. Family Carnival was set up with games, inflated playground and free ice cream. It was such a great family bonding experience for some as there were so many things to tryout in the carnival. Next came the prize giving ceremony which was then was followed by the lucky draw.

Finisher Medal

Overall, other than the lack of water point station and the goody bag (it will be good if water is included in them), I feel it was a great running event. The 16km route was well planned, the distance marker was clearly put in place to guide the runners and above all I really like the finisher medal design. This is definitely the race that I will not soon forget and I will surely participate in this again next year.