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THE recent proliferation of endurance events is justifiable, as there is a growing market for them.
And, although these events are smaller in size than the annual Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, their organisers are no less concerned about participants' safety.
The organisers were responding yesterday to the comments of Singapore Marathon co-organising chairman Loh Lin Kok. He said on Thursday that there has been an 'unhealthy' proliferation of endurance events here.
Terence Khoo, managing director of Enterprise Sports Group, said the market has not reached saturation point yet.
'There's still more space for growth,' said Khoo, who is organising tomorrow week's Great Eastern Women 10km run.
The Great Eastern run is into its second year, while this year saw new endurance events like the Aviva Ironman 70.3 and Triladies Triathlon.
Throw in marquee events like the Osim Singapore International Triathlon and the Singapore Marathon, and endurance junkies are spoilt for choice.
The current line-up also includes the Oakley City Duathlon, the Mizuno Wave Run, and the Safra Sheares Bridge Run and Army Half Marathon.
Said physical education teacher Elaine Tan: 'It gives us a variety of choices, depending on whether we want to do a long-, middle- or short-distance event.'
National triathlete Mok Ying Ren also feels that the number of races is at a 'healthy' level.
Added Khoo: 'I think there's a gigantic appetite to compete in such races now.'
The numbers back him up.
The Great Eastern Run will see nearly 8,000 participants, more than double the 3,500 last year.
The Shape Run, pioneered by SPH Magazines, saw some 6,000 women running this year, up from about 2,500 last year.
Christine Tan, director of endurance events and triathlon training company Triladies, was rewarded when she decided to stage Asia's first women-only triathlon.
The Triladies Triathlon last month saw 500 participants, which was more than anticipated.
Explaining the explosion of interest, Khoo said: 'People want to challenge themselves and say they have conquered a certain mountain.
'And, when they see that their friends and family can do it, they are encouraged to try it too.'
But, other than overcoming the psychological barrier, safety is also an issue close to the heart.
This is especially so after a spate of incidents, the most recent being a man with a heart disorder dying in last Sunday's heat-affected Chicago Marathon.
Tan was quick to stress that safety was the top priority of every race organiser.
'Yes, which race is not held to make money?' she asked. 'But uppermost in our minds is always participants' safety.'
Elisabeth Gwee, editor of Shape, the organiser for the Shape Run, concurred: 'We have always taken stringent safety precautions, as advised by the Singapore Athletic Association.'
She added that an ambulance and four medics were stationed at the start and end points, while another ambulance and two medics were placed along the 5km and 10km routes.
There were also defibrillators in case of emergency.
As Khoo said: 'Events are put together more professionally, with ample water points, good souvenirs and emphasis on safety.'
There would be ample medical support for tomorrow week's Great Eastern run, he added.
Still, safety starts with knowing one's limit. 'Notwithstanding all that, this is sport after all, and we should be mindful that we do not go overboard,' he said.
'With proper education, support and logistics, our hope is also that everyone has an enjoyable experience.'
limze@sph.com.sg
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