Singapore Halfmarathon

In the wee hours of the morning, my half-marathon kicked off with a 3 am alarm on my phone. Attempting to secure transportation through Grab proved fruitless, and taxis were scarce on the deserted neighborhood roads. After walking to the next bigger intersection though, luck was on my side and I managed to flag down a taxi eventually, to bring me to the start line. The event unfolded at the same location where Formula 1 cars typically rev their engines, but instead of horsepower, around 16,000 runners eagerly awaited the sound of their feet hitting the asphalt.

On the way to the Formula 1 pit building, road closures, and a traffic accident forced a detour on foot. With the clock ticking down, making it to the start line for the official flag-off seemed like a close call. Exiting the taxi and joining fellow runners on the dimly lit streets, a collective sigh of relief echoed as news of a 15-minute delay reached us, giving everyone time to navigate the security checkpoints.

Since I am not one of the fastest runners yet (and to be honest probably never will be), me and the other runners still had to wait our turn before we were permitted onto the race track. Time to do some warm-up, before finally being allowed to line up.

At 5:13 am, my moment arrived to press the start button, and I found myself weaving through the streets with only a few early-bird spectators in sight. Opting for a measured start, I found comfort in the rhythmic pace alongside fellow runners. The race, though lacking in dramatic events, possessed its unique charm.

Passing by the Esplanade, with distant views of the Marina Bay Sands towers and the Singapore Flyer, the route continued through the central business district, flanked by towering office high-rises on either side. Past the halfway point, the sky began its transformation, hues of sunrise coloring the horizon.

Some more spectators emerged, offering cheers and humorous shortcuts via MRT stations. The race's highlight awaited at the National Stadium, marking the final meters of the journey. The stadium's atmosphere stood out, providing a contrast to previous races, although the narrow funnel into the stadium remained a notable quirk.

Crossing the finish line at 2:34, my timing was a bit off from previous races, but considering my inconsistent training, it was expected. Placing 4126 out of 10140, the race was more about the journey than the clock. In the end, it wasn't just a race, it was a morning adventure through the heart of a vibrant city.