New running routes for 2010 SAFRA Singapore Bay Run

Singapore, 26 July 2010 – The SAFRA Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon (SSBR & AHM) is back for the 19th year with new initiatives to stir excitement among runners as they take on the cityscape on Sunday, 12 September 2010.

Refreshed Running Routes
About 70,000 runners are expected to be amongst the firsts to run past the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort in the nation’s largest running event.

This year, the event returns with three categories – the 21km AHM, 10km Run and 5km Fun Run catering to both competitive and casual runners, including families. Participants of the 21km AHM and 10km Run will begin at the Esplanade Bridge and run past Marina Bay Sands along Bayfront Avenue, while participants of the non-competitive 5km Fun Run will take in the scenic view of the Marina Bay and the new developments encircling it when they run along Marina Bay Promenade.

The running routes for the event have become closely linked with the development of the Marina Bay area since 2007. In 2008, runners went past the newly opened Marina Bay Golf Course, and they also became the first to run across the Marina Barrage.

Brigadier General (BG) Lim Teck Yin, Vice President of SAFRA and Chairman of the Organising Committee for SSBR & AHM 2010, commented: “The race routes are designed to showcase the evolution of the Marina Bay area, and becoming closely linked with the developments of the area. We hope to continue to bring participants to run past new iconic developments within the scenic downtown Marina Bay every year.”

Special Family Package for 5km Fun Run
Organised by SAFRA and The Army, a special Family Package that allow SAFRA members and their families to participate in the 5km Fun Run at a total fee of only $10 has been introduced. This means that when SAFRA members register for the 5km Fun Run, their families can run along with them – for free.

BG Lim commented: “This offer is a way in which we can recognise the importance of families in the lives of our NSmen. We hope more NSmen and their families will take this opportunity to spend quality time together and enjoy the many street-side festivities and Carnival activities planned for them and other ardent supporters.”

New Mobile Street-side Festivities
Runners this year can also look forward to a host of new street-side festivities designed to enliven the atmosphere along the running routes. For the first time, these will incorporate mobile components, specifically Cheer Teams on vehicles/convertibles and skates along the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, Mountbatten Road, Nicoll Highway and East Coast Park to spur runners on as they race. Organisers think street-side festivities going mobile at strategic points of the routes could possibly be a new benchmark of motivating participants at endurance events.

The event will also get the half marathoners jumping for ‘high-fives’ – a series of Giant Palms when they run under all the overhead bridges along Mountbatten Road and Nicoll Highway, generating much fun and some variety along their run.

Typical street-side festivities can also be expected at 16 other locations including performances by stilt walkers, twirlers, belly dancers, bagpipers, various percussionists, Brazilian drummers, Sri Gamelan Utara and line dancers. Mascots will also be giving away free balloons to families along the 5km Fun Run route, among others.

Mr Kenneth Tan, Director of Special Projects at SAFRA and Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee for the SSBR, shared: “The street-side festivities were very well received by runners last year. That is why we have increased the number and also the range this year. Coupled with the slew of new mobile elements that we have created, we hope participants will find their experience of the SSBR & AHM 2010 highly vibrant and engaging.”

More Welfare for Runners with 6 Salonpas Aid Stations
Runners’ welfare will also be well taken care of once again this year. With Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc (Salonpas) renewing their sponsorship of $200,000 to be the main event sponsor for the second year, participants can look forward to six Salonpas Aid Stations (up from five last year) set up along the running routes; they can receive relief from sprays of Air Salonpas rendered at each station to relieve tired and aching muscles. In addition, runners can enjoy a rubdown at the Padang after the run with Salonpas muscle relief products.

Organisers have also put in place measures to manage runners’ welfare and safety. There will be a total of 15 water points along the running routes and participants of the AHM will also be able to collect bananas at three water points along the route to replenish their energy.

To ensure adequate medical support, there will also be a total of five medical posts and five ambulance posts along the running routes. One roving medical team, medics on bicycle, battery-operated carts and wheeled stretcher first aid parties will also be on standby.

Carnival Themed ‘Young and Vibrant’
A Carnival with a host of fun-filled activities will also be held at the Padang to ensure a memorable experience for runners, supporters and spectators. Organised with the theme, ‘Young and Vibrant’, the Carnival will feature Hip Hop Dance performances, cheerleading performances, Voodoo drums and a performance by Rhythm Chef.

Registration for the SSBR & AHM 2010 is open till Sunday, 15 August. Participants can register online at www.safra.sg/sbr or at any SAFRA club.

N.B. Click on image to see a larger route map