ST Run 2016: A run to remember - nice weather, great scenery

ST Run participants running along Gardens by the Bay East early yesterday morning. The ground may have been wet because of the rain, but their spirits were not dampened. Racegoers later enjoyed themselves at the post-race carnival at the F1 Pit Build
ST Run participants running along Gardens by the Bay East early yesterday morning. The ground may have been wet because of the rain, but their spirits were not dampened. Racegoers later enjoyed themselves at the post-race carnival at the F1 Pit Building. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG

Despite the heavy overnight downpour, more than 12,000 runners and supporters turned up at the F1 Pit Building yesterday for The Straits Times Run in the City.

A stream of blue took off at 5.15am from the heart of the city for the 18.45km race, created last year to mark the year the national daily was founded. They were later joined by participants of the 10km race and OCBC Mighty Savers 5km family run.

The overnight rain made for a cool morning, with pleasant conditions for a run. Even though the ground was wet, the spirits of the participants were not dampened.

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Despite the early morning rain, more than 12,000 gathered at the F1 Pit Building as early as 3am for The Straits Times Run in the City race on Sunday.

"Runners are not afraid of the rain. There was no question whether I would turn up or not," said basketball coach Sim Han Guan, 68.

The fourth edition of the ST Run, which was moved from the Singapore Sports Hub - where it was held the past two years - to the F1 Pit Building, provided families with a fun-filled morning. Racegoers also enjoyed the post-race carnival, resting after their runs and tucking into meals served from food trucks.

Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin, the guest of honour, flagged off the 10km category, before joining the same event. He said: "It was good to see so many people coming out and enjoying themselves with family and friends."

ST editor Warren Fernandez added: "I am very happy that so many people turned up. Each year, we organise this run because we want to get our readers to come and join in and enjoy themselves.

"I think we had a perfect day, with lovely cool weather and a very scenic route. It was a wonderful event."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 23, 2016, with the headline ST Run 2016: A run to remember - nice weather, great scenery. Subscribe