ASIA RUNNER – Singapore Running and Multisports

Legendary for its strict laws coupled with modern planned infrastructure, the clean atmosphere and tightly controlled open spaces make this a great place to get some kilometres under your belt. There is a wide variety of running on offer in Singapore, from roads and marked paved trails in the city centre to national parks and reservoirs within a short distance from town. As you might expect in a city so organised, many of the parks have distance markers , water coolers and toliets and even lockers.

WHERE TO RUN

Orchard Road Area Run west along Orchard Road to Tanglin then Holland Road until the Botanic Gardens; this gives many options and connects to a University with a track for laps; a water stop at the orchid garden or the track.

MacRitchie Reservoir Traffic free trail running in the heart of Singapore. MacRitchie is one of the lungs of Singapore, as a nature reserve teeming with wildlife. First time visitors may be confused by the different tracks so might want to join an organised run (see resources for info). Distance markers (500m) on the yellow route and locker rentals in the café area.

East Coast Park is a good alternative to MacRitchie Reservoir if you prefer flat and straight paved paths. The park length is about12km. A full return run from one end to the other and back is a good route for marathon training (NSRCC Sea Sports Centre at Changi Coast Road to Ford Road). The route will take you through lush greenery and the sea is always within sight. Distance markers (400m), drink kiosks and toilets along the route.

Bedok Reservoir A 4.5km wide, level, gravel path loop. The inner trail offers partial shade and the outer trail runs through the trees. Toilets, drinking water fountains, and well-lit at dusk and dawn. Nearby Tamasek Polytechnic sports complex includes a running track suitable for interval workouts. Only a 5 minute bus-ride north of Bedok MRT. From Bedok MRT, take the underpass to Bedok Bus Interchange and catch bus service18, 66, or 506.

Marina Promenade The promenade is along the shoreline of the Marina Centre, and has a great view of the skyscrapers in the Central Business District. There are distance markers, and a toilet is located near the end of Nicoll Highway.

Sembawang Park Located at the end of Sembawang, this relatively small and flat park has mature trees providing a shady and cool setting throughout. Distance markers (50m), water coolers, toilets and showers

Labrador Nature Reserve Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and Kent Ridge Park offer a great hill run when tackled all in one go. The course is approximately 15km.

Other places of note include:

Ang Mo Kio Town Garden East Great for a hill workout in greenery and fresh air.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Unpaved hilly trails starting from the car park on Hindhede Dr. or Dairy Farm Rd.

Changi Beach Park A 6.4km out-and-back paved trail.

Kallang MRT to Marina Bay - Very convenient for downtown. Approx. 5km each way.

Peirce Reservoir area - Combination of unpaved trails over hills and flat with shade. You can reach MacRitchie reservoir from here. The National Parks Board of Singapore has detailed maps and information along most of these routes. www.nparks.gov.sg

 SINGAPORE ANNUALS
Singapore Marathon -  December -  www.singaporemarathon.com

RUNNING SUPPLIES
For big stores try the recently opened sports mega mall, Velocity, at Novela Square, and chain store Royal Sporting House. Running Lab at Funan IT Mall offer sound advice and Sports Connection can be good for discounted gear.

WEATHER
Rain:
Year round, with heaviest rainfall November – January

Uncomfortable months:
May.
Temperature:
Typically 23-32 year round. Humidity stays around 70% at night.

For more information on Singapore, please consult our links section

Have you got something to add about the running scene in Singapore? Drop us an email and we will add the information in the next issue of the magazine and update the website.
info@asiarunner.com