limitless (ˈlɪmɪtləs) adj. without end, limit, or boundary.
Back for its ninth year, Sundown Marathon has outdone itself once again, surpassing the already high standards set by its past eight consecutive runs, and proving to be one of the highlight events of Singapore’s running scene. The theme for OSIM Sundown Marathon 2016, LIMITLESS, could not have been more apt, cementing the whole essence of not just the race itself, but also of running as a sport – constantly inspiring runners to outdo themselves, push their limits, break boundaries and be truly limitless. With countless running events surfacing in Singapore, the theme indeed set Sundown apart, drawing all runners together as a community, whether young or old, novice or veteran.
27,600 runners unleash their limitless potential at the ninth edition of the OSIM Sundown Marathon at the F1 Pit Building. Photo © OSIM Sundown Marathon.
Taking place on 28 May, Sundown Marathon was Asia’s largest night race and this year, 27,600 runners took up the challenge and fearlessly unleashed their potential at the renowned F1 Pit Building. Apart from the competitive element that appealed to the more serious runners, the race was perfect for novice runners yearning for some running therapy on a Saturday night, or those simply looking to spend quality time with friends and bask in the powerful camaraderie and energy.
With the flag-off timing for runners of the 42.195 km full marathon well past midnight, avid sporting enthusiasts and supporters were treated to a myriad of happenings at the Sundown Race Village all the way till the wee hours of the morning. There were music performances by live local bands, food and beverage stalls, mass Zumba Fitness sessions by 1Fiesta and even the very first Sundown Sports Zone which showcased a variety of sports such as basketball, rock climbing and dodge ball, keeping the adrenaline on a high through the night. Runners also lounged under the stars post-race, united by a strong sense of solidarity and achievement, while enjoying the movie screenings of box-office hits like Mission: Impossible and Fast and Furious 7.
Flag-off! Photo © OSIM Sundown Marathon.
The race route took runners through some of Singapore’s iconic sights under the night sky, such as the Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Barrage, Singapore Sports Hub and East Coast Park. The chilly night breeze invigorated the runners and the stunning Singapore CBD skyline illuminated their every step.
For many experienced and elite runners, the OSIM Sundown Marathon 2016 was the culmination of months of rigorous training and discipline, both physical and mental. Endurance running is, after all, as much about the mind as it is about the body – the process might be painful, but in the pain, runners also experience profound happiness and exhilaration. Running is about discovering your inner strength, and realising you are capable of so much more than you thought possible. This was the exact sentiment of 27-year-old Sharon Tan of the Women’s Marathon Category, who finished the full marathon in a remarkable 3:35:45, shattering her personal best timing by a whole hour. Sundown rookie Li Wei from China won the Men’s Marathon with a timing of 2:37:37, despite not being used to the hot and humid Singapore weather.
27-year-old Sharon Tan surprises herself by smashing her full-marathon personal best timing by an hour, crossing the finishing line with a time of 3:35:45. Photo © OSIM Sundown Marathon.
Li Wei from China wins the Men’s Marathon category. Photo © OSIM Sundown Marathon.
Personal records and competitive spirit aside, the OSIM Sundown Marathon 2016 has, true to expectations, delivered a running experience like no other. Indeed, it does not matter how far or fast you go, but the happiness you experience in the process – after all, the joy of running lies in the journey, and not the destination.
