An all-women’s run in Singapore, that originally began in 2011 to mark International Women’s Day, Venus Run is an annual 5KM road run that targets female runners of all ages and abilities, whether they are seasoned runners or newbies looking to compete in their first race.

Kids waiting at the starting line of Venus Run 2016.

Aims to promote healthy living to women

Organised by Singapore Athletics, Venus Run promotes healthy living through active participation in sports to enable women to live balanced lifestyles amidst the work and family responsibilities that they are required to juggle as part of their daily lives.

The 2016 edition of the 5KM Venus Run took place at the Big Splash, East Coast Park and the race route – which had been beside the beach – had taken the runners towards the Fort Road area before U-turning and then completing a smaller 200m loop in the opposite direction.

Runners get themselves ready for the race.

Last-minute change in the running route

Runners who took part in the race had a fun time, but some had commented that the last-minute change in the race route had been a bit confusing.

Running is fun when your family comes down to support you at the race site!

Instead of heading towards Fort Road, the original route was supposed to have taken runners from the Big Splash towards Area C1 instead.

Said Finance Manager Daphne Ong, 44, who had taken part in the run with her daughter, “It was a little bit messy and unexpected that they had to change the route at the last minute. I didn’t realise that we were running in the other direction instead so I had been a little bit confused. But since it was only 5KM, it was a small matter and didn’t bother me that much.”

The smile on this lady’s face says it all, as she crosses the finish line.

She added, “The main thing is that I had fun today – I am not really bothered so much by the logistics; after all it’s not as though I am aiming for a podium placing. I would probably take part again for the fun of it.”

No blockages in terms of cyclists and human traffic

And some other runners felt that the change in the running route was a good thing. Said Wendy Lee, 56, a tax officer, “In terms of the running route, it was quite good because there were no blockages in terms of human traffic and cyclists. So in that regard, it was very clear.”

Happy finishers of the Venus Run 2016.

This was despite the fact that East Coast Park is, after all, a popular spot for both running as well as cycling, on Sundays.

A Scenic Run

Added Wendy, “Running through East Coast Park was also very scenic… but I was running too fast to appreciate the scenery and trying to catch up with those in front! But overall it was a good run though and the hydration was good, with a water station at the halfway point, as well as at the beginning and the end.”

Also finding the route quite good, was Justina Zeng, 33, a banker. She said, “To me, the route was flat, so it was ok. But it was pretty hot towards the halfway point because of the late starting time at 8am as well as the humidity. Though the sea breeze at East Coast Park did help, to some extent.”

Running buddy enjoy some time together after their run.

Agreed her friend, banker Sabrina Ong, 33, “The route was pretty good and I also felt that it was a bit hot. But the crowds were great and the drink supply was excellent. The 5KM distance was also okay for me – not too easy but not too hard either.”

The location was convenient

She added, “I also liked this year’s race location better because there are so many other people utilising East Coast Park besides the race participants – so the extra crowds made it more motivating for us to run.”

Running is always more fun with friends!

The 2015 edition of the Venus Run had flagged off at Gardens by the bay East, which both Sabrina and Justina had felt, had been a little bit ‘out of the way.’

Explained Justina, “This year’s Venus Run was definitely at a more convenient location.”

East Coast Park is a beautiful place for running.

Will take part again

But regardless of whereabouts the run takes place next year though, Wendy will definitely be taking part again. She explained, “I have taken part in the last three editions of the Venus Run – so I am definitely looking forward to next year’s event already.”

Agreed Daphne, “I would probably take part again with my kids, for the fun of it.”

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