Uniquely Singapore, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is one of the largest and most popular marathons in the world frequented by thousands of international runners from all walks of life. It in itself is an income-generating activity for Singapore, a perfect example of how sports tourism can help boost the economy. This years’ event would also be my first marathon outside the Philippines. It would also make Singapore the first country in ASEAN I’d visit.
%20(400x300).jpg "I’m leaving on a jet plane… at Terminal 2 (Manila)")
This is part of a series
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Being my first international “solo” trip, this experience was exciting but also petrifying for me. It was a good thing that Singapore is very tourist friendly country, and the climate isn’t much different from Manila. The fact that I have some of my close running friends with me guaranteed a great adventure.
%20(400x300).jpg "Race packet claiming is at the Expo, just an MRT station away from Changi Airport (Singapore)")
%20(400x300).jpg "The Expo (Hall 5) is an area about the size of World Trade Center, Philippines")
%20(400x300).jpg "My race bib and timing chip sealed in a ziplock bag")
%20(400x300).jpg "A typical ticketing machine of Singapore MRT")
We stayed in Bugis just about a kilometer away from Fullerton Hotel where the Start line was located. Of course we arrived days before the actual race so we can’t help but keep being tourists roaming around the area where our feet can carry us, and upon exhaustion there’s always the bus and MRT. Even during the eve of the race we’re still roaming around some nearby mall.
%20(300x400).jpg "Part of our unplanned, self-made “walking tour” was the Singapore Flyer")
.jpg "One side of the baggage counter for the race")
.jpg "So many food choices (watch out for that spice)")
While the weather was not as good as I had expected, the actual race itself was “perfect.” Everything that I expect, want, and dreamt of in a race was there. Hey, the only thing that can make the race better was if I was running in a Boston-qualifying time, but since I’m a mere mortal a new Personal Best (“PB” as they refer to it in Singapore) would suffice. The finisher’s shirt and the drop-dead gorgeous medal completed the surreal experience.
.jpg "Fullerton Hotel with the Singapore skyline at the background")
.jpg "Carbo-loading, night before the race")
.jpg "Who knew that our local Cavendish bananas make it here? Pretty cheap at 21¢")
.jpg "Of course running is much more fun with the gang")
.jpg "Are we there yet?")
The niceties of this “perfect” race are up, click on the links below, leh.
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Singapore Special:
runningpinoy 
For running “junkies” like you and me, I can only imagine how surreal the experience must have been my friend. INGGIT AKO!!!!! Thanks for sharing, more pix! Mooore!
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After my Ilocos series would be the Singapore special, watch out for it! 😀
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I plan to run the Singapore marathon in 2011. Postings were very useful and informative. Honolulu Marathon is an interesting marathon as well. Beautiful location in Hawaii. Hot and Humid like Singapore and Manila. Held in December. Good destination marathon. Most participants from Japan.
George ( From Chicago area) Chicago Marathon also fun.
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