Page 6 - CSC Newsletter

HAPPENINGS CIVIL SERVICE CLUB 04

AN EVENTFUL

RUN BY THE BAY

ON 25 AUGUST 2013, OVER 3,500 RUNNING ENTHUSIASTS LACED
UP FOR THE CSC RUN BY THE BAY 2013, WHICH BEGAN AT THE

MARINA BARRAGE. THE STRETCH OF THE ROUTE WAS AGAINST THE
WONDERFUL BACKDROP OF THE SINGAPORE FLYER AND
CITY SKYLINE OVERLOOKING THE MARINA BARRAGE.

Participants started pouring in from all corners Props were provided for them to don on. As a cross-country runner, Ms Itsuko enjoyed the
as early as 6am, wearing bright smiles on their Many could not pass up the chance to strike a route as the paths were challenging. The premise
faces. On this Sunday, they were blessed with funny pose! was also ideal as it was highly accessible.
beautiful weather there was hardly a cloud
in the sky! Top Runners She came in frst in the Public Service Women 15km
The attention soon turned to the prize giving category and her own performance surprised her.
Excitement swelled quickly as participants in ceremony, during which the best-performing In fact, she was still recovering from an injury she
the 15km race, many of whom were wearing the runners were honoured. In the Mens Open 15km sustained in February this year. But, like any bona
issued red-coloured singlet, took up position category, Hillary Chirchir came in frst with his fde marathoner, she pushed past the pain and
behind the starting line. The sea of rainbow spectacular timing of 50 minutes 14 seconds. soldiered on.
colours at the starting line was a splendid Completing the race in 1 hour and 11 seconds, Sue
sight. To hype up the runners, instructors led Corser was the fastest runner in the Womens Going for Gold
the crowd in a warm-up session. The race was Open 15km category. Age also proved to be no In attendance also was Mok Ying Ren, a national
fagged off at 7am by Guest-of-Honour Mr Loh barrier. Applause and cheers rang out when it was runner representing the Ministry of Health. As
Khum Yean, Vice-President of Civil Service Club. announced that a runner in the Mens Open 15km a doctor, he subscribes to the belief of healthy
Mr Loh also fagged off the 10km race at 8am and category was over 60 years of age! living. Regular exercise and a well-balanced diet
the 5km race and Fun Run at 8.30am. Amongst should be a way of life. The doctor walks the talk
the many runners was Mrs Lim, who works at In the Public Service team events, the race was by jogging every day to his workplace at Ang Mo
Institute of Technical Education. It was her frst neck and neck between Ministry of Education Kio Polyclinic. He also goes for endurance runs
time participating in the 15km category with her (MOE) and Ministry of Home Affairs for the most during the weekends.
husband. part. Eventually, the MOE teams garnered more
points to emerge the overall champion. Team Ying Ren will be participating in the upcoming
Treats and Fun manager, Mr Ganesh shared that they have been Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar. He saw
At the fnishing point, runners collected their fervent supporters of the CSC Run since 1996 and the CSC Run as an opportunity to gauge his
fnishers medals and were treated to isotonic have taken home the coveted title since 2011. performance. The run was a different experience
drinks and fruits. Many also had a quick muscle for him. Marina Barrage is a scenic place and I
rub at the sports massage station set up by Tiger International Faces could soak up the beauty. It made running a
Balm. A hospitality booth also gave runners The CSC Run also drew interest from many overseas marathon a lot easier.
the opportunity to enjoy a brief respite. They runners. Amongst them is Ms Itsuko Tanaka from
could rest their feet, have a generous breakfast Japan. She is a member of the staff running team The competitive runner also has a big dream:
and browse the array of watches brought in by in NUS. I decided to sign up for the 15km category To qualify and represent Singapore in the 2016
Soleus. Lines of runners could be seen waiting for as I am preparing for a full marathon come year Olympics Games Full Marathon category. As such,
their turns to try the Red Bull drinks. Participants end, she said. This was a personal milestone as she every marathon he joins is a stepping stone and
also made a beeline for the photo booths. used to participate only in 5km runs. every step he takes inches him closer to his dream.