The Lazada Run Singapore returned last weekend and concluded on a high note with over 8,000 runners participating in a morning of excitement, energy and community. The event aimed to promote a dynamic, healthy lifestyle while bridging the gap between online and offline engagement.
The event flagged off at Kallang with four categories – 5km fun run, 10km, 21.1km and the Lazada x POP MART 5km, a whimsical character-themed run.
I took part in the 21.1km category and Chin Chew participated in the Lazada x POP MART 5km, which came with a finisher POP MART blind box.
21.1km Half Marathon
The 21.1km run flagged off at 5am. I arrived at the start point at Decathlon Singapore Lab at 4am. It was extremely early and I was still feeling tired. 
The start pen opened at 4:30am.
After taking group photos, we headed to the start pens. There were a few waves and we were in the second wave.
We started our run at 5:12am.
I was aiming to run consistent splits to finish under 2 hours.
The route was straightforward. From Decathlon Kallang, it took us to Tanjong Rhu, East Coast Park and Bay East Gardens. This running route is pretty typical for a Singapore running race.
The beginning was quite humid, but once we hit East Coast Park, there was a breeze and the weather conditions felt a little better.
The run was well marked with distance markers at regular intervals. A couple of the markers were around 200m or so off, but the overall distance was accurate, with my watch measuring in at 21.16km. Lazada run has always been accurate with regards to distance based on my experience so far.
For the hydration points along the way, these were at regular intervals around 2.5km apart. This frequency is generally good for a hot and humid run like Singapore. However not all of them had isotonic drink. Some were serving plain water only. But I noted that others provided bananas and gels which was welcomed as runners need to replenish their energy for such long distance runs.
Though we were running past some of the most scenic areas of Singapore, due to the darkness, we didn’t get to enjoy much of the views. The paths were lit up just enough for us to see where we were running. At no point during this run did I feel as though I needed to slow down due to tripping or slipping hazards.
I did slow down a little during the final third of the race, but was able to maintain quite well. I think my hydration and gel strategy was better this time around as my legs didn’t cramp at least.
I crossed the 21.1km finish line in an official time of 1 hour 58 min 16 seconds. This is in line with what I was targeting for the run so I am happy.
I received my finisher medal, along with an Adidas finisher t-shirt and an isotonic drink after crossing the finish line. I really love the finisher t-shirt as the colour scheme and design looks good. The shirt is also light and breathable and easy to wear in hot weather.
POP MART 5km
For the POP MART 5km category, this flagged off at 7:30am at the same location, the Decathlon Singapore Lab at Kallang too.
Chin enjoyed the vibes and the run experience and was glad to be able to take part in the event.
Said Chin “It was a short fun run, lots of families and friends turned up to enjoy the vibes, walking and talking throughout. This was enjoyable.”
The 5km route took participants from the Decathlon Kallang to the Marina Barrage. It was mostly on the Tanjong Rhu park connectors with a small section along a side road which had been closed off for the event. 
Said Chin, “The route was quite scenic, along the river, and we crossed a couple of bridges. Fortunately there was quite a fair bit of shade along the way so it wasn’t too hot. The heat only hit when we arrived at the Marina Barrage where it was not shaded.”
There were two hydration points for the 5km according to Chin and the hydration served was ice-cold which was good. He also added that it was not crowded along the route with ample space to run or walk. 
The main draw of the 5km was the POP MART blind box being given out after the run. No it’s not a Labubu, otherwise I’m sure that the 5km would have been completely sold out within seconds of launch!
It was the Twinkle Twinkle series and I will publish an unboxing video shortly to show you what the blind box contained. Chin reported that the queue to receive the finisher blind box was long but it moved quickly and he received his blind box within around 15 to 20 minutes. 
Other than the blind box, finisher entitlements for the 5km were a medal, a can of isotonic and a banana.
Post Run Village
It was really great fun to catch up with run kakis afterwards. Everyone was in such high spirits and the vibe was infectious. There were plenty of photo opportunities and lots of things to see at the race carnival too. 
I picked up a bottle of chocolate flavoured protein milk, a Lazada towel, some Loacker chocolate wafers, berry pastilles and other foodstuffs which were being given out for free. I also tried my hand at the Pink Dolphin booth to attempt to win a large stuffed pink dolphin plushie. But I ended up getting a Pink Dolphin drink instead. At least it helped to quench my thirst.
The main draw of the Lazada race carnival was the shopping cart dash challenge whereby participants had to team up in pairs and grab correct items from a checklist. The queue to take part in this was always long. 
Lazada Run is one of the better running events in Singapore and I do look forward to this event each time. It definitely lives up to its hype and billing for the two editions I have done so far. I’m glad for me and Chin to have had the opportunity to participate in the event again and I am already looking very forward to the next edition. Thank you once again to Lazada Run for putting together a seamless and well-organised run event.
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