SINGAPORE - Clear skies, fresh air and beautiful sights were on the menu at The Straits Times Run at the Hub on Sunday morning.
More than 20,000 participants from all walks of life rose early from bed and were treated to clear views of Singapore's cityscape.
With the haze staying away, runners took in some of the city's most famous and latest landmarks including the new Jubilee Bridge, the iconic Singapore Flyer, the picturesque Gardens by the Bay and Marina Barrage.
The run, presented by Panasonic, finished inside the 55,000-capacity National Stadium, where a post-race carnival welcomed participants.
Kenyan David Kibet, 27, was the first to cross the finish line, winning the 18.45km men's race in a time of 58min 33sec, while compatriot Margaret Njuguna, 46, topped the women's section in 1:12:06.
Kibet said: "It's my first time running in Singapore. My friends who stay here told me to take part in the ST Run - I'm glad I listened to them."
Besides admiring stunning views of the city's waterfront landscape along the route, runners were also taken on a journey through the eras.
At various points, they were entertained by music of the different eras - from the 1950s to present day - accompanied by dancers dressed in the respective eras' fashion and a live acoustic band.
"The scenery is amazing, and we get to go past so many historical parts of Singapore," said Lissy Ukken, 48, an executive assistant.
"Out of so many runs I have taken part in, this is one of the most beautiful races," said Karan Kumwar, 41, an IT consultant.
For some participants, it was apparent that enjoying the scenery and running experience was a highlight, which took precedence over a good timing.
Some of them stopped to pose for photographs with the performers, while others gamely took selfies with cut-out photo signs such as an afro hairdo.
"The performers, the music along the way helped me to finish the race... especially when I felt like giving up. I thought I wasn't able to make it but I'm so relieved I did," said architectural assistant Raul Montoya, 41.
Participants had gathered at the Sports Hub as early as 3am to limber up and get the best starting slots for the 18.45km and 10km routes, which took off at 5am and 6.30am respectively.
The Straits Times editor Warren Fernandez was present to flag off the mass runs, including the 5km fun run which Culture, Community and Youth Minister Lawrence Wong took part in.
