The sky was still dark but by 6 am on Sunday morning, close to 100 runners were already milling around the start point of the inaugural The Straits Times' Run in the Park.
Many of them were competitive runners there for the 15km race. Some took warm-up runs on the roads around Punggol Waterway and MRT station.
Mr Marcus Ong, 25, an information and communications technology specialist and New Balance sponsored athlete, said he was looking forward to his first 15 km competitive run.
"The run will test my mileage and mental skills," said the 5km-specialist. He hopes to finish the race in 50 minutes. "I aim to meet new runners and competitors, and most importantly have fun."
Some runners in the 10km race and 5km Fun Run were at the baggage deposit area almost 2 hours before the flag off times for their runs.
Ms Cindy Jin, 29, a call agent, was there with her friend, cousin and boyfriend. They had arrived early to take group photos and get a parking space before the bulk of the around 12,000 participants set to take to the new parkways.
"It's my first time taking part in a running event," said Ms Jin, who is walking in they 5km Fun Run. Her friend, nurse Eleanor Chee, 25, had encouraged her to take part.
Ms Chee, who has "lost count" of the number of runs she has taken part in over the last two years, is running in the 10km race even though she fell down while training three days ago. "I'll just take it slow and enjoy the scenery. I've never run here before but I've heard it is a very nice place."
The 15km race is scheduled to start at 6.45am, followed by the 10km at 7.15am and 5km Fun Run at 8am.
