Race Commentary

Marathon Finishers, 2892 P. C. and 4063 Edwin


Reached the start point later than expected due to Edwin forgetting to bring the most important things for this event – Number tag and Championchip (a device used to record timings). By that time, the race was already into its 20th minute and the Esplanade Bridge in front, without a single soul, was ready for the start of the half-marathon at 6.30am. But wearing the white number tag, we are allowed to start running to catch up with fellow marathoners. Being late turned out to be a blessing in disguise. As we made our way to start running, we had to pass by the elite half-marathoners and as we were passing, a few of them nearer to us gave us pads on the back and cheered for us. Never know they can be so friendly. As we were very much the only moving objects after the start point, the race commentator did not fail to mention us and gave us 10 seconds of fame. We were also privileged to run side by side with the elites when they catch up with us and those same people who were shouting “hoo-hoos!” minutes ago appeared serious, focusing and concentrating on their breathing. That is impressive!

During the first 2km, we were running a bit too fast, probably affected by the elites who were coming and the want to catch up with fellow marathoners. I advised to slow down. However, Edwin must have been quite bothered that we will run a very slow second half and wanted to cover more distance faster in the first half. By the 6th km, I have completely lost sight of him. For the rest of the run till the 22nd km, I am running easy or jogging and kept telling myself that I am doing well. Spotted a Caucasian running on a cake costume to support a charity of his choice. Read about him just now on The Sunday Times that he has extraordinary running experience…. One of which is running some 1,400km in 25 days, covering 57 km per day. By the 23rd km, I managed to catch up with Edwin. Having more reserves, I am able to continue running and left him behind. The next time I see him is at the U-turn at East Coast Park…. About 800m in front of him and then at the finish line. He is not significantly behind when I reached the finish line.

The run around East Coast Park was a struggle. That was between the 23rd km and 31st km. First, my back ached. Due to some back training in the gym, it is not as bad as last year’s. Next, my knees. Then, it is my left ankle (new problem) which was sprained months ago and never fully recover and I believe will never. Then my muscles on my thighs and hamstrings contracted or pulled, giving a sharp pain. I thought it would be better to walk in big steps than to stop to massage and it worked. Spotted a Caucasian encouraging runners and giving funny comments to walkers like “I think I saw you walking!” and “This is easier than NS”.

From the 31st km to the finish line, I walked most of my distance faster than most walkers and slow joggers. Aching on my heels felt. Like last year, I thought to myself that I would not run a marathon again. I did run a bit, but the distance is nothing near 200 metres at a go. I reckoned that for every 1 km covered, only about one-fifth is ran. It was already 11.15am when I reached the 36th km mark and I was thinking of Riccardo and Aijuan who will be waiting at the finish line. Tried to walk faster and run as much as I can to keep them from waiting. The Caucasian spotted at East Coast is now at the Esplanade clapping his hands and telling runners to keep running for the finishing medals about 1 km away.

Shortly afterwards, it is near the finish line. My legs want to stop but I cannot as spectators are looking…. It is the final 100 or so metres anyway. What disappointment when I saw the timer reading “6:09:XX”. Deducting the time lagged due to the later start, I did not improve much, if I improved, compared to last year’s run. More disappointing is that close buddy, Riccardo, is not there to cheer for us at the finishing straight.... must be busy with something. But Aijuan is there, so there is quite enough. Edwin came in about 5 minutes later…. I wondered what our timings would be if he had stuck with me during the earlier part of the run and continue to run together. Would we motivate each other to keep running or give each other excuses to take things easy?

Our participation for this event ended with us collecting our well-deserved finisher’s T-shirts and medals. Would I run the next Singapore Marathon? I cannot tell. But if I am not running, I want to be one of the road-side heros.