Singapore, 28 June 2016 – After a successful edition last year, the MSIG Singapore Action Asia 50 trail race is back on 16th of July, attracting close to 1200 runners of different ages, cultures and countries participating in the race course covering Singapore’s most beautiful nature trails. Organizers have set up a new National Award Category this year to recognize the top local runners in the 50km category. The Guest of Honor, Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Culture, Communications and Youth and Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC, Mr. Baey Yam Keng will also flag off and participate in the 10km race in this event.
This year, the new course starts and finishes at Chestnut Nature Park. The course is similar to the 2015 version with the exception of the areas affected by the Green corridor construction. The route will move further towards Mandai Road and a longer track in MacRitchie area. The race comes with its own unique challenges, coupled with the searing heat and humidity that will make each distance a test of mental and physical endurance.
Jasmine Goh, who finished fastest among the Singapore women runners in last year’s event will be joining 21km this year. “My personal goal is simple – be the best I can be. As long as I have put in my best effort and I am able to run and be happy, I have already achieved my goal. Winning or clocking personal bests will always a BONUS!” said Jasmine.
Trail running enthusiast Alvin Png, who finished the 2015 Mongolia Action Asia 100km marathon in 2nd overall amongst many achievements will be doing the 50km race. When being asked how he balances his work and training, he expressed: “I have been doing run commutes to work. This has been working perfectly for me. Killing two birds with one stone and of course, reduce the carbon foot print.”
Experienced Italian marathon runner, Stefano Passarello, who was the age category winner in Hong Kong marathon, intends to break his record this year. Although he has little time to practise due to the birth of his second baby girl, he tries to get up early and run everyday to prepare for the 2016 MSIG Singapore Action Asia 50. “I am thrilled to run in Singapore. I look forward to ‘showing my muscles’ to the local runners and compete for a great result. Whatever the results, we will surely have a big beer to celebrate!” said Stefano.
Another elite runner Edward Gumbley is coming to take the challenge after completing the Comrades Marathon (7:27:11). “After running the 89km Marathon in South Africa in May, I took 3 weeks off and the furthest I’ve run since then is 12km. I’ve lost some fitness, but hopefully will be ready for this race. The MSIG Singapore Action Asia course suits me as I’m not a big fan of the technical trails and the heat doesn’t really bother me,” said Edward who also recorded a timing of 2 hours and 34 minutes in a marathon in Tokyo earlier this year.
To minimize environmental damage to the natural route, the MSIG Singapore Action Asia 50 is operating a strict No Cup policy. Runners are advised to bring their own water bottles or hydration packs and refill them at the water check points (CP) throughout the course, as cups will not be provided.
MSIG Singapore Action Asia’s Trail running etiquette and eco tips:
1. Turn your music down
2. Try to reduce plastic bottles by using your own hydration system
3. Make sure you pick up your garbage
4. When passing a fellow runner, call out loudly ‘passing on the left’ or ‘passing on the right.
See this video for trail running etiquette and eco tips: