While most shops were still closed, a queue was forming in the first floor of Suntec City's North Atrium yesterday morning, on the first day of race pack collection for The Straits Times Run in the City 2017.
Retiree Morris Ng, 77, started queuing at 10.10am, and was first in line to collect his goody bag.
Inside each tote bag is a New Balance "NB Dry" vest worth $49, a $200 Mobot cash voucher for buying e-mobility devices, and True Fitness 10-day passes worth $110, as well as 40 per cent discount vouchers for Compressport merchandise and an ST Run sweatband.
Mr Ng, who has participated in two previous ST Runs, said: "I love the race vest and the T-shirt. I signed up because I want to be mentally and physically fit. I am very lucky that at my age, I can do the 5km run.
"It is early in the morning and every year, they have different locations, so you can see new places."
Administrative manager Angelyn Wee agreed. The 25-year-old, who is taking part in the 5km run, welcomed the change of sights from her usual running route at Bedok Reservoir. She said: "The ST Run is in the city and normally, we just run around the neighbourhood... so the city will be a new running experience for me."
The ST Run on July 16 will be Mr Terence Choo's first mass race and the Music Impact Global chief executive, who signed up for the 10km event, said the ST vest will have special significance for him. Added the 38-year-old: "It will be my most- used item and I will probably wear it when I go for my future runs."
Participants can collect their race packs at Suntec City until Sunday, from 11am-8pm.
Race vest personalisation is available for $15 and half the proceeds will go to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.
In addition, the first 150 runners each day will receive a free Panasonic VeggieLife salad, while the first 1,000 runners each day will receive a free can of 100Plus Active.
This year's event will see about 13,000 participants in the 5km, 10km and 18.45km categories.
All routes take runners past Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade Bridge and the Singapore Flyer, and end at the Padang, where a post-race carnival will be held.
