[Shoutout/Fitness] Mizuno Ekiden Singapore 2015

by JH - Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Took too long to update this very interesting relay race I attended as an invite from Tracy- The Mizuno Ekiden Singapore!

Nevertheless, here's the low-down.

Mizuno Ekiden has its history dated way back in Japan and this year is the first time they were here in Singapore.

The inaugural race, which was the first of its kind in Singapore, took place on 18 July 2015 at The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay. In Japanese , Ekiden is a term referring to a long-distance relay running race.Although the concept is not new in Singapore, it was the first time a race in Singapore featured only Ekiden-based categories, namely the Open Category (42.195km), Corporate and Schools Category (21.1km)*.We had the opportunity to head for the Open Category.

Photos for the day~

To know your teammate's progress during their leg, there are live streamed GPS distance tracking in place. The live update was also available via mobile.

Here's the transition point whereby the tasuki sash was passed on to the next team mate who continued the race. This was repeated right up to the last runner. You just have to stand there upon knowing your team mate is arriving soon back to this point.

I was pretty apprehensive as I had not been running long distances i.e. 10Km for a long time and since it was a relay race I was also afraid I might slow down the team. Fortunately the gals were all awesome people and it was all in the name of fun and no stress! Dennis and her friend were the other teammates of mine.

The Ekiden focuses on qualities such as teamwork, performance and perseverance. Running in an Ekiden race allows participants to experience the importance of a team working in sync with each other. 4 runners in a team took turns to run 10Km+ each passing by the wonderful scenic views of the Marina Bay area.

Relay is a new concept for me and it turned out to be better than expected. The experience was awesome but my only boo was that the starting time at 7am was way too late for a relay race. I was shocked. Imagine each runner took about 1hr 20mins and by the time the 3rd and 4th runner went, we were really baked under the hot, unforgiving sun. I was the 3rd runner btw and really felt unmotivated at one point with the glistering afternoon sun upon me. Wish the organizers can start earlier for a relay race perhaps 6am or so.

That aside many of the teams are superb fast! When I was running as the 3rd leg many 4th leg runners were already along the course of my route. :( We were not bad too!!

Well done gals~~ Very proud of ourselves

Overall, a wonderful experience and fitness achieved!

There are many Japanese cultural activities and fitness booths around the Matsuri Race Village for runners to spend their time before and after the race.