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TOMMY TAN from SINGAPORE
(2/1/2005)
"Room for improvement" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 Singapore International Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Overall, the 2004 marathon was a much improved marathon over last year's, but there's still room for improvement. I would prefer a 6:00 am starting time because of the hot and humid climate. The water points along the route require more helpers, as I noticed that most water points are undermanned (and also, water should not run out after only 4 hours into the marathon). I hope with all the feedback from runners, the organizer of this event will improve and make the Singapore International Marathon 2005 into a huge success. | |
H. S. from Singapore
(12/20/2004)
"Always Complaining" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Singapore International Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 There was water. No problem for me. Want your brand of isotonic drink? Bring your own. Or better still, volunteer to get the sponsors. Want it in a cup? Bring your own. Want heat rub? Bring your own if you think you must have it. Please, Singaporeans... stop complaining. | |
Spongebob Squarepants from Singapore
(12/16/2004)
"Well organized marathon" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Singapore International Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Overall, a well organized event. Route was above average (heard some negative comments about the heat!!?? This is the tropics, what the hey are you complaining about??) Thoroughly impressed with the fact that all the water points, first aid points, cheerleaders, etc were comprised of all volunteers. Strange that some people can still have so many negative comments on the service and support. Great fanfare at the end. | |
V. N. from Singapore
(12/11/2004)
"Disappointed" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Singapore International Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my 2nd Singapore Marathon. I am very disappointed with the 2nd half of the marathon route. There are no drinks at 19 km, 22 km, 30 km or the last two drink stations (along the entry point towards the esplanade). It was a commendable improvement last year; however Standard Chartered did not improve on the drinking stations. Can you imagine running the full 42 km without water? - especially the last 20km?! They have changed the brand of the isotonic drink (EXCEL - maybe to cut down the cost). In 2003 they had a bottled isotonic and in 2004 it was in a cup. As a runner, we can do without the crowds and shade, but we cannot do without water... especially with no isotonic either. It's the worst not to even have water!!! I even saw a few of the runners buy drinks from drink vendors... pity them! | |
C. T. from Singapore
(12/10/2004)
"Vast Improvement!!" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Singapore International Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I have taken part in 4 marathons and this is my 1st one in Singapore. This year the Singapore Marathon was much better than the past (I have run a few shorter ones). -Running Marina South first followed by ECP was a brillant idea. ECP provided the much needed shade as most runners will be suffering in the sun & heat during the 2nd half of the run. - The marathon route is flat and is quite scenic, especially if you are a tourist. - The medal was a vast improvement than last year. It was even more beautiful than the Berlin Marathon one. - The cheer groups were encouraging. - The water stations were insufficient. Especially lacking were the isotonic drinks. With the heat and humidity, I would expect these to be provided and not be run out at the later part of the marathon. -The finisher T-shirt was quite lame. Very different from the medal. Guess they should have a competition to design a better finisher T. -Spectators are almost non-existent. But then, this is Singapore so you can't really expect much. All in all, the organizer did a great job. I enjoyed the run a lot. If they improve on the points mentioned by the runners, it will definitely see me back every year. | |
K. C. from Singapore
(12/8/2004)
"Better but not there yet" (about: 2004)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Singapore International Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 -Better course than 2003. Marina loop boring and best to get that over with. Kallang and stadium mostly unshaded. Nice to see front runners three times along course. -No water at 34km stop. This is inexcusable when running in 30 degrees. -No results posted for Veterans more than three days after the race. This is not up to the level StandChart aspires to. -Need more lead time between marathon and half. Many fast half runners had to pick through slow marathoners. -Confusing at start. Difficult to find baggage drop and had to ask five people before I got answer. Starting pens a joke. Many slow runners in pen reserved for sub 3-hours. Also, pens need not be equal size as finishers not evenly spread. -Overall a good start but fine tuning required. | |
B. H. from Singapore
(12/7/2004)
"Please provide more heat rub and ICE" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Singapore International Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 As usual, besides water, the first-aiders ran out of deep heat rub cream at the distance when you need them most (i.e. after 25 km). I would also recommend the organizer consider providing ice or ice pads to help those in pain. | |
w. t. from singapore
(12/6/2004)
"Have the sport drink in a bottle instead of a cup" (about: 2004)
3 previous marathons
| 3 Singapore International Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 The drink sponsor should be more generous to provide the sport drink in a bottle instead of a cup. On the Singapore Marathon website, it said that sport drink will be in a cup of 220ml, but most of the sport drink cups that I picked up during the race were only 1/3 full to half full - so only about 70ml to 100ml of sport drink per cup, which is not enough for those running the full distance. It is also difficult to drink from a cup while running. Perhap next year, the sport drink sponsor can manufacture a 300ml bottle sport drink to be used. If it is not possible, then get another sponsor for the sport drink. The sport drink was in a bottle for the past 2 years. The table for drink stations should be longer, too; some of the stations are so packed that I decided to skip them. The road leading to the Marina South loop is too narrow. Apart from the hot weather, it is still a good race. | |
TeeTime --Non-elite runner from Thailand
(12/6/2004)
"Great organization and nice route" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Singapore International Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The event was organized well. The running route is clear (of automobiles that might be running along with you) and clean, inspired by cheerers and spectators through the ways. Refreshment supplied adequately. Only hot and humid weather poses trouble for the runners. I will run here again. | |
p. k. from singapore
(12/5/2004)
"more water" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 3 Singapore International Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 Need more water towards the finish of the half marathon. They ran out of water and the nearest one would be at the finish line. I was fine, not in bad shape, but I wonder about those behind me... Overall, a good race. |
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