Mr Loke Hon Wah, 40, has taken part in all three previous editions of The Straits Times Run.
But so keen was he to sign up again this year that he logged on to his computer and registered at 2pm on Wednesday, the exact moment when entries for the annual mass run opened.
The human resource manager joked: "Even though I (won't be) top in the run, I wanted to try to be No. 1 for the bib number, just for the thrill of it."
He is not the only former par- ticipant who has returned year after year.
Senior IT manager Chan Lai Sui, 52, is another such runner.
In fact, the event has become a yearly family affair for Ms Chan, who signed up for this year's ST Run in the City with her husband and 19-year-old son in the 18.45km category.
She said: "It is a family outing for us. I think the ST Run is a family- oriented run, with distances that are not so intimidating. It encourages more families to sign up."
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ST Run 2016 fees
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Loyal Runner rate*
•OCBC Mighty Savers 5km Family Run: $38
•10km competitive run: $48
•18.45km competitive run: $58
*Open only to those who ran in the 2013, 2014 or 2015 edition
OCBC Card member rate*
•OCBC Mighty Savers 5km Family Run: $42
•10km competitive run: $52
•18.45km competitive run: $62
* For OCBC credit card holders
Full rate
•OCBC Mighty Savers 5km Family Run: $45
•10km competitive run: $55
•18.45km competitive run: $65
Register at http://www.straitstimesrun.com/
Runner entitlements
More than $500 worth, including:
•One limited-edition New Balance "NB DRY" running vest worth $49
•One limited-edition New Balance "NB DRY" Finisher Tee worth $49
•One limited-edition finisher's medal
•Chan Brothers Travel discount vouchers worth $200 (terms and conditions apply)
•True Fitness 10-day passes worth $110
Keeping the event fresh appears to be a winning formula.
The run was first held at Punggol Waterway in 2013.
A year later, it moved to the new National Stadium, which reprised its role as host venue last year.
Security officer Paul Chan, 52, who is also a returning participant, said: "I love the ST Run's locations. There is always something new."
This year's event, to be held on May 22, will start and end at the F1 Pit Building.
The route will take participants through iconic city landmarks such as Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands.
Any runner who has taken part in any of the past editions of the ST Run will enjoy a loyalty discount. •Register at http://www. straitstimesrun.com/
