New Year Run 2008

A New Year doesn't means much to me now.
It is more like an extra rest day in the calendar.
Even the 'live' telecast countdown did nothing to raise the spirits.

Woke up early and went down to Tanjong Pagar MRT to join the SGRunners for the New Year Run 2008.

It was great weather. Not too humid.
The route is Singapore River route. Distance is 10km

Start off the run with the front pack, but it wasn't long before I got left behind.
As I ran into Clarke Quay, Yankee was there to ensure that we did not run off course.

As I run, I keep trying to spot the front group.
They are just too fast. I only caught a glimpse of them at the bends.
At Robertson Quay, I lost sight of them totally.
Not long after, I tried to see if I can spot them running back through the other side of Singapore River.

Even at Jiak Kim Bridge, I did not spot them.
After the bridge, there was on-going construction, thus I ran alongside the perimeter of the construction site and hit Great World City.
Not knowing the route, I ran across Kim Seng Road and proceed along Singapore River.
As I cross Zion Road into Zion Road Food Center, it really puzzles me that the guys will run through the Food Center.
Once I hit upon River Valley Road, I spotted Delta House.
Not too sure if the guys really came this far. Took a look at my watch, it reads 6.3km.
I know I have over-shot the U-turn point.

Made a U-turn at the bridge.
As I was running back, Trencen (who was walking home after marshalling the U-turn point @ Jiak Kim Road) was surprised to see me.
After a short chat, I proceed on my way back.

The river side of Central was terrible. Broken bottles and glasses were everywhere.
I am just lucky that I did not step on any of it.

As I came out from under the Clemenceau Bridge, I saw this lady in tennis skirt running alongside Otani Hotel. She is lightning fast.
I think she is one of the 2 tennis stars who was here for an exhibition match over the weekend, so I quickly took out my camera phone and manage to take 1 shot of her before she disappear under Clemenceau Bridge.



As I was running back, I start to wonder if a search party will come and look for me.
Probably not. Unless it is after 9.30am , which is the cut-off time that Tigger has set.

As I starts to cross Esplanade Bridge, I have to stop numerous times for the tourists to take background photos of the Merlion.

Reached Tanjong Pagar MRT @ 9.20am. Completed 13.77km.
Everyone was surprised to see me.
The marshals thought they have everyone covered.
The rear group thought that I have completed my run and left early.

After a short rest, I hitch a ride from Tao to Purvis Street where the group had their breakfast.
I figured that time was too tight for me to have breakfast and made it home by 11am.
Thus I bid the group farewell and headed home.