100Plus Passion Run 2011

Facebook Photos courtesy of AC, DO

The 100Plus Passion Run was one race that I thoroughly enjoyed last year (PR2010), both in terms of start timing (which allow us to run into dusk) and the support and organization of the race. So when it was time for race registration this year, many runners including friends and kakis signed up for the Passion Run 2011 very early on....the Team FatBird Runners, JM group, SgRunners, along with top local elites and recreational runners alike participated in the 12km and 25km distances at the East Coast Park.

This year's goodie bag was filled with niceties like the HRM watch, race singlet and finisher tee for the 25km participants. Touches like the specially designed notepads and stationery were welcomed by the runners. The finisher medal was very well designed and would definitely stay in the display cabinets, instead of being stashed away in the drawers.

Because of a last minute appointment, I was unable to go down to meet my idol Yam Ah Mee who was slated to flag off the participants as well as give his by-now-famous address format..."Persuant to section XXX of the Passion Run, I now declare you all to run with passion, have loads of fun, and remember to watch the special movie screening, starring..." :D I extended an invitation to FatBirds AC Leong and min to participate and soak in the atmosphere, snap photos, enjoy the run, but take it easy (as they have an important task of Sundown Pacing just the week after).

FatBird Runners and friends, in their usual race-day SOP, gathered at various pre-arranged meeting points for group photos, words of encouragement for team members, as well as light-hearted small-talk to put the 'butterflies' at bay (if there were any at all). Many don the purple Passion 2011 tops, some with matching coloured shoes to boot. The weather (which was rather cool in the early part of the day) went a few notches up by the time the first wave was flagged off at 4:00pm. That did not damper much of the Passion-ate spirits of the runners as they went about their pre-set race plan and target paces. The route this year was modififed to cater to the larger crowd, and it went well to avoid any major roadblocks and chockages among the various groups of participants. Water points was well spaced and ample, and the support from the marshals and cheerleaders lifted the moods and motivation levels.


Although the heat did eventually get to a few of the runners, many actually did very well with good timings and a new sense of confidence ahead of their upcoming marathon races. Uniquely, the second half of the race runs easier than the first half as participants get 'cooled' with the setting-sun. This allowed many to actually up the pace and finish the race strongly.

Min and AC Leong did respectable timings of 2:16h and 2:20h for their 25km distances, collecting yet another well-deserved finisher medal and tee with enblazoned words to the effect of...'OUTDID MYSELF, COMPLETED 25KM'. Most of the running friends and kakis completed within 3:30h, just in time to get a drink and go to the movies, with compliments from 100Plus and Passion Run organizers. It was a well organized race overall, albeit more can be done to improve the sizing of the race apparel. Well Done! Passion Run organizers and sponsors, you guys OUTDID YOURSELVES too! And please bring Yam Ah Mee back for next year's race :)